This is far from the most famous summer mecca in Calabria, the southern Italian region on the instep of Italy's boot-shaped landmass. Even Calabresi would admit it would probably not be considered the picturesque, not with Briatico and San Lucido in the running. However for home buyers hoping to pick up a reasonably priced deal, the unassuming resort of Scalea is our hot tip for 2012.Scalea comes with all the bonuses of more visited hotspots beach resorts – a delightful sandy beach, crystal blue waters and a climate that averages a warm 50.5 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and that reaches about a mean of 78 in July-August. Even late Autumn sees average measurements of nearly 72.5 on the thermometer. However it is in terms of affordably priced real estate – in many ways the most profitable deals available across Italy at present – where it really sticks out.
Calabria real estate prices here come in at just less than Euro 90 per sq ft. In practice that means a 25sq m studio apartment just 3 minutes' walk away from the coast can start from a mere Euro 20,000. A 30sq m single-bedroom sea-view apartment can be purchased for a mere Euro29,000 or Euro 30,000. Not overly spacious, but more than adequate for up to two holidaymakers – or even more if they are prepared to use the lounge to sleep in at night-time. Factor in the fact that often both beach and stores are around a 6 or 7-minute stroll and that is undeniable value.
For a home a bit bigger but still significantly modestly priced, a 50sq m double-bedroom holiday flat can start at around Euro48,000 . One might also be able to get one or more of a view over the sea, terrace and garden within that if you are lucky.
Historically, the average expense of life in Italy's southern regions – everything from housing market costs down to the price of a cup of coffee – is far cheaper in contrast to regions like Tuscany, which have many more overseas holidaymakers and are dearer as a result. The speed of life in this area of the country is inclined to be much more unruffled. This is, you speedily come to learn, unspoilt Italy. A facet that is with time altering, with foreign visitors increasingly weighing up locations such as Scalea in search of better value properties. Locals have always come on holiday here of course – all of which means rental scope for your property remains excellent.
However there is much more that Scalea offers than bargain properties to purchase. Scalea is home to almost 11,000 inhabitants and has that population magnified during peak season as Italians and growing swathes of overseas visitors surge to the town. As well as the great landscapes, the waters of the Tyrrhenian being overlooked by mountains, the location can point to a deep heritage.
The town came to prominence as a Byzantine sea port, attracting merchants from around the ancient world. A Byzantine castle and centuries-old wall dominate the old town centre, perched on the hillside overlooking the sea and the marina, in turn packed with modern hotels and imposing villas. Getting to Scalea is straightforward. The closest airport is Lamezia Terme, around 1hr 45 mins further south, while Napoli Airport is 240km by road north. Both airports are also reachable by rail as Scalea has a mainline rail station.
