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Why Italy
Arguably one of the most beautiful countries in the world, possessing a bewitching quality, rich culture and with some of the most breathtaking scenery of spectacular mountain ranges, miles of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and fragrant landscapes. Famed as much for its cuisine, as for its romance, vivacity, rich culture and blessed with some of the most beautiful vistas, dramatic mountain ranges, fine sandy beaches and fragrant landscapes.
Italy - Bella Italia, the Bel Paese - is a country of extremes, with something to offer every visitor: from snow-iced mountains to hot lazy Mediterranean beaches, from unspoilt hill villages to cities that have bustled for thousands of years.
Situated in Mediterranean Europe, Italy has land frontiers with France in the north-west, Switzerland and Austria in the north and Slovenia in the north-east. The peninsula is surrounded by the Ligurian Sea, the Sardinian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west, the Sicilian Sea and the Ionian Sea in the south and the Adriatic Sea in the east.
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About Italy
A country of many contrasts, steeped in history. Awash with spectacular architecture, historical monuments, picturesque piazzas, archaeological sites, museums and art galleries designed as a testament to the genius of Italy’s famous sons such as Michelangelo and Da Vinci.
More recently we can also add the internationally revered fashion houses of Milan. Add to this the delightful traditional villages, vibrant cities, exhilarating ski-slopes and kilometres of sublimely diverse coastline.
Italy comprises twenty distinctive regions. Vinita in the north covers the Dolomites, Verona, Padua and Venice and most UK and US visitors are familiar with the landscape of Tuscany, especially the world famous Campo de Miracoli (leaning Tower of Pisa) and the shops on the Ponte Vecchio. It is almost impossible to choose between the architectural delights of Rome, Milan, Pompeii or the sophisticated city of Naples and the Amalfi coast.
Calabria is the southern most region, the “toe” of Italy’s boot, and long been popular with Italian tourists, but has only recently seen a steady interest from European tourists attracted by the natural beauty of the area and also the noticeably improved amenities and infrastructure.
With endless sandy beaches and due to its location below Naples it has some of the hottest weather in Italy and a fantastic year round Mediterranean climate. Some of the many surprises of this stunning region are the lakes, forests, wetlands, mountains and ski slopes in the Sila district.
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About Calabria
Calabria is Italy’s best kept secret….captivating, charismatic, compelling! With miles of un-spoilt coastline, mountain ranges, and historical towns Calabria is unquestionably one of the best spots in Italy. Calabria comes from the word “Calab” which means a dense forest. And indeed, you will see pine trees, grape vines and olive trees clinging to the rocky mountains, adding to their magnificence and splendor. One thing you will undoubtedly never forget is the colours of Calabria – vivid blue water set against fine black or white sand and with a backdrop of green forests. Multi-coloured rocks or fine black pebbles caressed by the waves sparkle like jewels in the afternoon sun.
Calabria is situated in the area known as ‘mezzogiorno’(lunchtime) due to its sizzling hot climate, bordered by the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, in the south western corner of Italy, south of Naples, with only the Strait of Messina separating it from the delightful island of Sicily.
The character of this striking region is formed by its breathtaking dissimilar scenery of mountain ranges; Aspromonte and Serre to the south and Pollino to the north, the central Sila plateau and miles of stunning coastline with unspoilt sandy beaches, secluded coves, spectacular cliff faces and delightful traditional villages and established resorts such as Scalea, Tropea and Praia a Mare, where everything stops for siesta.
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Calabria province comprises five regions, each with its distinctive character. Reggio Calabria, was historically capital of the province and is still the seat of the regional parliament, however Cantanzaro has been the capital of the region since the 1970’s. Consenza, one of the largest towns of the area, is famous for historical old town with the cathedral which claims to house the grave of Isabel Aragon, twelfth century castle, the historic Piazza XV Marzo and the University of Calabria dating back to the ancient Greeks.
The town is also the best point from which to discover La Sila National Park, which can be reached from Consenza by train, offering beautiful countryside of lakes, waterfalls, dense forestation, home to many species of wildlife and birds.
Tropea, the most popular amongst Italian tourists, conveys a sense of history and grandeur, boasting pristine beaches, a patchwork of fragrant cypress, citrus and olive groves and spectacular views from the ancient hilltop castle across to the ring of smoke above the volcano at Stromboli. Sila Grande an area reminiscent of the Alps boasting a unique landscape of dense forestation, waterfalls and lakes with stunning sea views and the snow capped mountains of Sila Grande.
Bask in sun-drenched beaches. Step into history with Ancient Greek, Roman, and Norman ruins. Investigate historical monuments and Byzantine churches. Dance until the break of dawn. |
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Feast on fresh fish, vegetables, sausages, figs and wild mushrooms. Whatever you do, Calabria is full of cultural, natural and historical treasures you are not likely to forget.
About Jewel of the Sea & Property in Italy
The beachfront Jewel of the Sea is an opportune new 5 star resort going up in emerging Calabria and investors will see that prices are due to amplify almost overnight. Many European investors who relish in the fact that their assets can be located near home as in such markets as Spain, France and Portugal, are equally taking advantage of the opportunities this exciting new market offers. At present, buying property in Italy offers excellent tax benefits – there is no inheritance tax, no capital gains tax, and the wealth tax is only 0.4% of the value of the property.
With the introduction of direct international flights to Reggio de Calabria and existing services into Lamezia, property prices are set to increase dramatically. A new influx of visitors looking for value for money and that ideal long weekend destination, will find all they need here: breathtaking views, perfect stretches of sandy beach and plenty of rural Italian charm, while investors are excited by the fantastic rental potential and growth rates which property in this area offers.
About Sicily
Sicily is an island full of strong contrasts, a land rich in history and culture, lively, tantalizing cities of art, ancient fishermen’s villages where time seems to have stood still and astonishing natural wonders, heavenly beaches and islands where you can relax surrounded by crystal clear waters. The island is an intersection for populations who were in complete contrast, but who have all left permanent traces of themselves in the island’s culture. It’s more than an island – Discover Sicily and discover the world!
Art and Culture
Through the centuries, Sicily has been ruled by the Greeks, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians and Spanish, who all built cities and changed the people’s habits and traditions each time they were conquered and taken over. Today’s visitors can still see the ancient Greek-Roman buildings, the easily identifiable Arabic-Norman fortresses, the impressive Baroque style buildings, and the churches with their amazing interiors covered in intricate mosaics such as the famous Palatine Chapel in Palermo, and many others too.
The Greek-origin cities are mostly on the west side of the island, where we can find Selinunte, Segesta, Siracusa and Agrigento, with its unbelievable Valley of Temples. Architecturally speaking, Eastern Sicily is much more influenced by the Sicilian Baroque style, used to build monuments and buildings after the terrible earthquake of 1693. The worst hit area was Val di Noto, which was completely rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. The area includes the cities of Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Ispica and Noto, wonderful “stone gardens” that are the remains of the Sicilian Baroque era and which are included in UNESCO’S prestigious World Heritage List.
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The island has some other magnificent towns to visit, such as Taormina, the “pearl of the Ionian Sea”, Enna, “Sicily’s belly button”, Piazza Armerina, Caltagirone “the ceramic town” and Catania, with its decorative palaces in black and white and its alluring nightlife.
Nature and Relaxation
Sicilia, the island in the sun, is home to heavenly beaches, majestic mountains and Europe’s greatest natural wonder Mount Etna. The natural beauty is mesmerizing. Nature here changes extremely, from the magnificent mountains to the gently sloping hills, full of olive groves, vineyards and citrus fruit groves, from the fine sandy beaches to the steep cliffs.
Food and Drink
Sicily’s food is similar to its architecture, a meeting point between East and West: this “contamination” from different cultures has produced a daring and successful mixture of tastes that make traditional Sicilian cuisine a fascinating, unique experience for the senses. Fish, the main ingredient used, is prepared in a thousand different ways, mixing it with the unusual, strong aromas of herbs and spices such as mint and wild fennel. Sicilian cakes, from cassata to frutta martorana, deserve a special mention, and so does the island’s wines, especially Nero d’Avola, a quality wine that is rapidly becoming famous overseas too.
Sicily is almost a nation unto itself……..Europe, Africa and Asia on one island!
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About Cefalù
Charismatic Cefalù is an enchanting old town set against a stunning mountain backdrop with plenty of Sicilian character. In the town, life centres around the main square watched over by its awesome Norman cathedral, whilst only a stones throw away you can relax on the long beautiful sandy beach. Cefalù is the perfect resort; everything is on hand – shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Palermo is just a short train journey away or 30 minutes by car where you can find the great Gothic-Baroque cathedral which shelters the tombs of the Sicilian kings, as well as its historical treasures, the city also offers at least three famous and vibrant markets bursting with fresh local produce and bustling activity, fashionable boutiques and plenty of cafés and restaurants.
Then, just out of town is another showstopper – the Basilica of Monreale and its dazzling acreage of gold leaf. Other places of interest are Le Madonie National Park, the stunning Northern coast line and the ceramic town of Santo Stefano di Camastra, all of which can be easily reached by car. Cefalù is also ideally placed to explore both the East and West of the island and such places as Agrigento, Segesta and Taormina.
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Mareluna
Mareluna luxury resort is situated in the delightful old town of Cefalù. This exclusive development comprises 98 luxury low-rise apartments. This superb resort is elevated with stunning views of the Tyranian Sea.
Prices starting at only 199,000€
Only 30% deposit
For details of our viewing trips please call Brighthouse Overseas on 0034 952577436 or click here. |
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Italy
