Instructions for Guests | Download

The information on this page is intended to help guests and visitors enjoy and get the most out of their stay in Zonca.

Arrival: It is important to arrive in a manner suited to the mountain, the weather and the time of day. Zonca is situated on a steep mountain and your luggage should be portable (use rucksacks) and you need to have suitable clothes if it is raining or cold. Make sure you have a headlamp or torch so you can find your way. Preferably arrive before dark. Stay in touch with your hosts on the day of your arrival. Understand that we have poor telephone reception and that using whatsapp, or some other messenger app is more effective. Also, at some points on the mountain there is no internet signal so communicate before you begin the last stage of your walk up to the village.

Liability

Make sure you have proper travel insurance with coverage for medical costs, accidents, private liability and so on. As a visitor, you are accountable for your own safety and any damages resulting from your actions. Your host(s) will take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and wellbeing in Zonca. However, there are ruins and a high mountain with slippery paths, and whether you are in Zonca as a paying guest, visitor or volunteer you need to be aware of conditions in the village and its surroundings. We also rely on you to report any dissatisfaction or concerns, so please do not wait with that!

Environmental footprint

We prefer to avoid use of products that are not biodegradable unless there is no alternative. Anything you bring that you do not take home with you needs to be biodegradable. Please speak to your host about anything that you are not sure about (washing-up liquid, shampoo, batteries). We kindly request that visitors remove non-biodegradable goods when they leave. Additionally, when walking in and around the village and on the mountain, please do not leave trash anywhere and if by chance you find something that does not belong in nature, please pick it up and bring it with you for disposal.

Getting your Stuff here:

In order come to Zonca, you will need to carry everything you bring up the mountain. Suitcases are not suitable to be dragged along the narrow and steep mountain paths to the village. Zonca is extremely rustic and rural - it's part of the Magic of this place.

Batteries

You will need a torch or headlamp to get around because the village and surroundings are very dark at night. Unfortunately, batteries are highly toxic! Please make sure to dispose of your batteries responsibly (local supermarkets have recycling bins).

Recycling & Trash

Trash can be sorted into the following categories:

Chicken/Goat/Dog & Cat-Food (contact Locals)
Compost (contact Locals)
Plastics (bins at Seppiana/Barboniga)
Paper/TetraPacks (bins at Seppiana/Barboniga)
Glass/Aluminium (bins at Seppiana/Barboniga)
Non-recycling stuff (bins at Seppiana/Barboniga)
Batteries (all supermarkets)

Checklist for Zonca stay

Torch/Headlamp & Batteries
Sleeping Bag
Towel
Sheets
Mosquito Net (not always necessary)
Rucksack & small carrier bag
Cigarette lighter
Working gloves
Workshoes
Sandals
Hat/Cap
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Swimsuit
Warm Sweater
Raincoat
Glasses/sunglasses
Medication (if needed)
Biodegradable Shampoo/Soap
Water bottle
Etc.

Food & Accommodation

The Casa in Mezzo is equipped with a gas range for cooking and fully equipped with an assortment of cooking utensils. Anything extra that you need, just ask and we shall provide it. The tap water is clean and ready to drink. There is also a small refrigerator in the kitchen.

Guests are expected to provide their own supplies for eating. On demand we can provide some basic shopping if you are unable to provide for your first day, but officially, our guests are expected to care for themselves.

The house is heated with a woodstove and your hosts provide you with all the wood you need for your stay.

There is a small bathroom/toilet combination.

The house has an attic where there is a double bed and some extra matresses that can be laid on the floor for extra sleepers. Unfortunately the space is too small to have extra beds.

Electricity is 220volts. The lighting is solar and on a 12 volt system.
There is no washing machine but washing can be done for €5.- euro elsewhere in the village.
There are several other showers in the village including an open air shower you are free to use in the summer.
Wifi is available and you will receive the password on arrival or after confirming your booking.
Animals: due to the presence of goats, chicken, sheep, a llama and guard dogs we need assurance from our guests that any pets you bring, especially dogs, be kept on a leash within the vicinity of the village until such time as we can establish whether they are safe with other animals. If unsure, please contact us prior to booking.

In addition, there is absolutely no chance that your dog can sleep on the bed or the sofa in the house. Again, we need your reassurance that you understand the hygiene rules prior to arriving with an animal.

Privacy:

While visiting the village, and surroundings, please respect people’s privacy and refrain from taking photos of dwellings, inside houses or posting photo’s of people without their explicit consent! Also, please do not post any photo's of people online without prior consent.

When approaching any dwelling on the mountain, make your presence known by clapping or calling.

Please do not enter houses especially when they look deserted and keep an eye open for land that has been cultivated so you don't accidentaly destroy a garden.

Zonca is generally a very quiet place and we respect the silence. Please keep the volume down unless the occasion merits it (like when we are in the music room...).

Cable Lifts:

There are cable lifts on the mountain that can only be operated from above. Communication is necessary to ensure there is someone to operate a cable lift. Please be aware that the lifts use a lot of electricity and the one cable lift that reaches the valley road costs about €5 per run. Cable lifts are privately owned so do not mess with them without prior agreement!

Camping:

All land in Zonca is privately owned. Owners expect to be asked about use of their land. There are a few good spaces for camping but best to make prior arrangements with hosts.

Dogs:

Zonca hosts a number of working dogs whose job it is to guard the goats and sheep against wolves. Please maintain your distance, especially when they are working with goats and sheep, give them wide berth and go around them if you are passing them in the village or on paths in the forest. Working dogs like our Sila's are not for cuddling. If they come over and want to sniff you, don't worry, they are just checking you out and getting to know you, but please do not stroke or cuddle them.

Getting here and about:

There is a road up to a car parking space just about 50 meters below Zonca. You need a four-wheel drive to get all the way up. The road is private and it is necessary to arrange use before arriving!

There are basically two footpaths leading to Zonca, one from behind the church in Seppiana and one from Barboniga. The Seppiana path is shorter and quite steep, the Barboniga path is longer but an easier walk. There are maps on our website.

Paths in and around the village are public and you are welcome to walk wherever you like. Please close gates to prevent animals from getting into gardens.

Please visit the "how to get there" page for more detailed information:

Finding stuff:

If you come across any tools and equipment, please leave them where they are so those to whom they belong can find them back! If you use tools make sure they get back to where they belong, or where you found them! If you don’t know: ask!

Snakes, Scorpions and other Crawlers

When walking or climbing on the mountain be on the lookout for snakes and scorpions - give them time to hide. Bites are rare but best to avoid! And yes, some snakes are poisonous ...

Be aware there are ticks. Make sure you have pincers and check regularly, especially after working with firewood and brushwood, playing with dogs and cats etc.

Open Fire

The fire hazard is significant anytime of the year and open fires should only be started in places allocated for that purpose and in outspoken agreement with your host. At no time should fires be left unattended!