Calabria more accessible with new cheap flights
Friday, 4 February 2011 12:23 PM
Whether you're in search of a holiday home or a buy-to-let overseas property, Calabria, in the south of Italy, could become a lot more appealing when cheap flights from London launch in March.
Operating three flights a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, budget airline Ryanair will connect London Stansted with Lamezia Terme International, in the heart of the stunning region, from March 2011.
The return of Ryanair, combined with the introduction of a new Monarch route from Gatwick this summer, is testament to Calabria's popularity, both as a tourist destination and overseas property investment location.
According to the latest operating data, last year saw almost two million visitors pass through Lamezia Terme – up from 1.6 million in 2009. And the presence of a low-cost airline like Ryanair could well see tourism boosted further.
In anticipation of growing demand, the Calabrian airport is set for a major expansion in the near future, including 500 additional parking spaces and the creation of a new terminal dedicated to low-cost carriers.
Steven Worboys, managing director of Experience International, commented: "The investment into Lamezia Terme aiport and commitment to new routes from Ryanair and Monarch are encouraging signs for Calabria.
"Only three hours from the UK, the region is a true international property hotspot offering everything that second home owners desire yet prices still remain affordable."
The property market in Calabria is also being driven by the strengthening of Britain's pound against the euro. Interest in off-plan developments is particularly high, due to the attractively low prices on offer in some areas of the region.
Napitia Hills is one example, reportedly selling well with buyers keen to snap up its one and two-bedroom apartments – not to mention its fabulous three-bedroom townhouses – with panoramic sea views at pre-release prices.
Perched atop the highest peak of traditional Calabrian town Pizzo, and just 45 minutes from Lamezia Terme, this low-density development boasts exclusive properties from just €75,582 (£64,597).
With landscaped gardens, barbecue areas and swimming pools on site, buyers will not only be securing themselves a bargain second home, but also their own little patch of paradise. For more information, visit the Experience International website.
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