Finding The Best Real Estate On The Italian Riviera

Article Written By: Adriana

Around 100 years ago Sanremo drew royals across Europe and the likes of Tchaikovsky, who wrote his Fourth Symphony here in 1878 and Swedish dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in the resort in 1896. Half a century on it was to Portofino, some 120 miles along the same coast, to which Hollywood stars Frank Sinatra, Brigitte Bardot and Liz Taylor flocked. Nowadays the names are those of Cruise and Clooney.

In other words, the coast of Liguria in north-west Italy has for generations boasted the sort of star quality that still attracts some 4.5 million people a year, making it one of Italy's most popular spots and a favourite for property in Italy buyers.

And with good reason. For a start, this part of Italy boasts a breathtaking 180 miles of coastline also known as the Italian (or Ligurian) Riviera, spanning the border with France at its western end to the five picture-postcard villages that make up the fabled Cinque Terre, now a UN World Heritage Site.

Stefania Russo explains: "Liguria is pipped only by perhaps Tuscany when it comes to parts of Italy most requested by our househunters. In addition to the Cinque Terre coast, its beaches and beautiful mountainsides, the French Riviera is only over the border, there is skiing in Piedmont, just 40 minutes away, while there are two airports in Genoa and Nice."

The priciest resorts on the coast are probably the Cinque Terre, Bordighera and Alassio. Bear in mind you pay a premium if you insist on overlooking the sea. The market is kept bullish thanks to demand from well-off Italians, Swiss and French. Typically expect to be asked for around Euro 420,000 for an apartment within walking distance of the coast and up to Euro 1,000,000 for a sea-view villa in a similar location.

As always, however, there are bargains by looking around. In Alassio, 80sq m apartments with sea view can be found from Euro 235,000. And in Bordighera, Euro 335,000 can pay for a 85sq m flat also boasting a sea vista, although you will probably find yourself somewhat farther out from the beach.

However, a short drive from the coast is the hilly countryside full of welcoming villages. But if you are prepared to give up proximity to the coast, troop just less than half an hour inland, to villages such as Perinaldo, which is what a growing number of American and British bargain-hunters have done in recent years. Here, expect a 65sq m apartment to set you back around Euro 150,000.

Prepared to take on a restoration? Then you may get away with Euro 105,000, possibly with a large garden as well. With Liguria's enduring popularity, rental potential is bullish, in particular if you have bought near a coastal resort. Typically, a two-bedroom condo can fetch Euro 1,300 a week between May and October and a luxury villa with swimming pool Euro 2,750.

Among the most beautiful towns on the coast are undoubtedly Alassio, Sanremo and Portofino. Alassio has a 3km long sandy beaches and has pulled in tourists for more than 100 years while celebrities such as American writer Ernest Hemingway started holidaying here from the 1930s. Sanremo oozes timeless glitz and is now best known for its music fete.

While one of Portofino's most striking features is multi-coloured rows of fishermen s homes overlooking its harbour. In high season its swanky clothes shops bursting designer items and the yachts littering its waters speak volumes about the calibre of well-off visitor that holidays here.

But in terms of natural beauty little beats the five clifftop hamlets that make up the Cinque Terre. Some things in life are priceless.

About the Author

Homes and Villas Abroad.com, who advertise 5,000 houses for sale in Italy and property in Sicily.

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