Few countries are as diverse as Italy. Whether you are looking for spectacular landscapes, romantic getaways, renaissance art, medieval architecture, panoramic beaches or skiing - Italy has it all. While you are indulging in your heart’s desires, you can also get a taste of the marvelous authentic cuisine, the fantastic Italian culture and, of course, unforgettable shopping at the many designer boutiques. Italy produces some of the world’s finest wines, and the legendary gastronomic delights of fresh fruit, seafood, pasta and pizza are sure to make your mouth water. Blessed with stunning scenery, amazing food and drink and an infectious passion for the good things in life, Italy and Calabria in particular, is truly the land of La Dolce Vita! Calabria, the southernmost toe of the Italian boot is without doubt the Mediterranean’s best kept secret. Meandering through the region is like stepping back in time. Only recently discovered by tourists this beautiful area has retained its authentic feel, natural beauty and very reasonable prices. On the beaches you can find many hideaway grottos and secluded coves washed by the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian Seas. Calabria is an essentially mountainous region, with a high central Apennine Ridge, which crosses it lengthwise, and even has a number of ski resorts during the winter months. Many people say you can go skiing in the mountains in the morning and go to The beach in the afternoon. The slopes are thick with woods and trees giving an enviable natural appeal that other destinations this far south do not have, and the coastlines present many landscapes of wild beauty. Of course Calabria is never complete without sampling the local fare. Head for the main piazza and tuck in to dishes such as ‘sagne chine’ - lasagne with artichoke and meatballs and for your dessert try ‘tartufo’ - a delectable ball of chocolate ice-cream with zabaglione centre. What they discovered is that Calabria is the most stunning and as yet least discovered region of Italy. Calabria is also believed to be one of the strongest aspects behind the nation suddenly turning Spain’s fortunes on their head earlier this year when Italy came out in the number one position in a survey commissioned by SAGA into Britain’s favorite European holiday hotspots. It seems the popularity of Italy is rising in line with the unfaltering emergence of the fortunes and fame of Calabria. According to independent predictions and those of one leading Sunday Times’ correspondent the area is soon to be the most fashionable location in Italy in which to be seen, to holiday, live, invest in property and to soak up the year round sunshine. If you’re wondering how this spectacular region of Italy with its hundreds of kilometers of coastline, its rugged mountainous backdrop, fabulous Mediterranean climate, incredibly fascinating history and breathtaking natural landscape managed to remain hidden from you for so long - even in spite of the fact global fashion legend Gianni Versace put it on the map when it became known Calabria was his birthplace - it took the Ryanair effect to make this sun-kissed and perfect corner of Italy affordably accessible. Now, thanks to the expansion and promotion of the region’s two airports, the arrival of cheap flight operators from across the UK and the European mainland and the sustained and concerted efforts of local government to improve the overall infrastructure, accessibility and desirability of Calabria, the destination has arrived!

WHY INVEST IN ITALY (CALABRIA) PROPERTY ?

Calabria basks in a decidedly Mediterranean climate and is in fact the hottest region in the Italian peninsula. Summers are long, hot and dry, reaching 30C plus, whilst winters feel like spring. The presence of the Sila Massif mountain range creates mini micro climates. Rain is a rarity and Calabria may only feel a couple of raindrops between May and September – ideal wine producing conditions.

Being in the very south of Italy Calabria’s economy is very poor and relies on Agriculture and in no way matches the rich lifestyle of Italy’s north. Italy’s government is keen to close this historic south-north divide and is pledging 100 billion Euros-worth of national and EU investment in the south as part of a 2007 – 2013 cohesion plan. Calabria’s greatest asset is its wonderful coastline and the potential for tourism is phenomenal, a potential which is in the early stages of being realized and will have a positive effect on the local economy.

Calabria has been Italy’s poor relation in regard to tourism especially when competing against historical Italy and the Amalfi coast and doesn’t have the investment that the north of Italy has had. However with two airports close by and awareness of Calabria as a more luxurious better value for money holiday destination tourism is on the rise.

Well with incredibly low prices for the location and the stunning scenery along with the Italian Government’s cohesion plan to bring the south in line with the north Calabria property represents great value to overseas property buyers and property investors alike. There is no capital gains tax if you sell after 5 years and there is no inheritance tax in Calabria.

Looking to buy a property in Italy (Calabria) ?