It is far from the most frequented summer resort in Calabria, the south Italian area on the instep of Italy’s stiletto-shaped mainland. Being honest it would in all probability not be deemed the most beautiful, not with Briatico and Tropea as rivals.
But for house buyers hoping to spot a wallet-friendly deal, the unprepossessing location of Scalea is our best recommendation for this year.
rnThe area boasts all the bonuses of more high profile Mediterranean seaside retreats – a heavenly sandy beach, crystal blue water and weather averaging a mild 49.5 degrees Fahrenheit in January and that nudges approximately an average of 78 in July-August. Then again October sees typical readings of approaching 73 on the thermometer.
But it is when it comes to reasonably priced
Italy real estate – conceivably the most eye-catching deals available in country's property market presently – where it really comes into prominence.
Property values hover just under Euro 90 per sq ft. In other words that means a 25sq m studio apartment barely 400m from the seafront can start from a mere Euro 20,000. A 30sq m single-bedroom sea-view property can be picked for a measly Euro 29,000 or Euro 30,000.
Not the grandest, but comfortable enough for up to two holidaymakers – or three or four who are prepared to use the living room as a bed at night. Add the fact that often both sea and shopping are less than a 5-10 minute trip on foot and that is obviously undeniable value.
For something somewhat larger but still significantly cheap, a 50sq m double-bedroom vacation home can start at Euro48,000 . One might also get one or more of a view of the sea, terrace and garden included with that if you strike lucky.
Historically, the overall cost of day-to-day living in Italy’s southern regions – everything from housing market values to what you would pay for a pizza – tends to be far more affordable in contrast to areas such as Rome, which attract far more visiting tourists and are costlier as a result.
The pace of things in this part of the world is much more unflappable. This is, you soon come to notice, old-fashioned Italy. A feature that is with time altering, with overseas investors increasingly drawn to locations like Scalea in search of better value properties. Italians have always holidayed here of course – meaning that rental return for your real estate investment is very good.
Bear in mind there is much more that Scalea offers than affordable homes to purchase The conurbation is home to nearly 11,000 locals and has its population magnified several times over during the vacation season as Italians and growing legions of visitors from the US and Britain descend on the resort. On top of the great vista, its azure waters being overlooked by mountain peaks, this location can point to a varied cultural tradition.
Scalea rose to prominence as a Byzantine sea port, attracting mercantile tradesmen from across the ancient world. A Byzantine castle and ancient wall dominate the medieval heart of the town, which sits atop the hills looking down on the coast and the port, in turn vibrant with modern hotels and imposing villas.
Finding your way here is easy too. The nearest international airport is Lamezia Terme, some 1hr 45 mins to the south, while Capodichino Airport in Naples is 235km drive northwards. Both airports are also accessible by rail as Scalea has a mainline rail station.