Calabria Property Consultants

Sunday 14 December 2014

Christmas in Scalea?

Try as I might I’m really struggling to get into the Christmas spirit this year.

Yes we have Christmas decorations, trees, inflatable santas and shops decked out with their Christmas offers. But there’s still something lacking.

 I’ve been searching these last few days for what that missing ingredient is and must admit I’m at a loss. OK it’s December 13th with just 12 days to go until the big fella in the red suit comes a calling. However Calabria in December just doesn’t feel like Christmas.

Maybe I need to travel North to see what it is we seem to be lacking for the festive period. The locals may be dressed in their puffa jackets, scarves and hats, but they do that in September!



Perhaps one of you will spot what it is? 
If so please post a response to put me out of my misery.

I have Irish friends arrived today. I was hoping to ask them to help unravel my problem. Unfortunately they’re on the beach basking in the beautiful sunshine.

No doubt they will be happy to find that tomorrow will be warmer. So much for the dolce vita.


Wednesday 10 December 2014

Il Corsaro



Over the coming months I am going to share the vast fountain of knowledge I have amassed over the last 10 years or so, living here in Scalea.

I know,I know, it’s just the sort of bloke I am. Forever giving and sharing. 
Has there ever been a Saint Tony?


First on my list is one of the most popular restaurants in Scalea, Il Corsaro. 
A family run eatery with both a pizza and restaurant menu. 

Owner and head pizza chef Gianluca, head waiter Cesare and the team will
ensure you’ll have a pleasant experience in typical Calabrese fashion. The food is 
consistently good quality for a great price. 


The table wine (red or white) is local and inexpensive and goes down well …. Too well sometimes. If beer is your poison, then either Peroni/Nastro bottled or draught beer is available. 



This restaurant is not only popular with tourists, but very popular among the locals as well. 

My personal favourites here include tuna pizza, penne pasta with pancetta and a creamy sauce (my mouth is watering just writing that) and chicken in breadcrumbs covered with a cheese and tomato sauce. 

The finishing touch can be added by a lemon sponge cake. You will thank me after, believe me.


You can find Il Corsaro on Corso Mediterraneo as you enter Scalea from San Nicola just before the traffic lights on the left. You’ll find me here most Sunday evenings, but don't let that put you off.

Il Corsaro Map

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Parking charges are back in Scalea

Parking charges had been suspended up until recently.
If you're visiting Scalea this year please be aware that parking charges apply where there is a blue marked bay.

Monday 7 April 2014

Bill Paying Service

Since 2013 Calabria Property Consultants have been offering a bill paying service. Prior to this agencies in town have offered this service but problems with communication and "the system" had created some misunderstanding. Continually being asked to help out, I decided it was time to get stuck in to the problem and offer a bill paying service myself. The continual changes in comune policy makes managing bill payments challenging. The latest change is TARSU (waste). This is now called TARES with changes to the way waste is collected and how charges are made. We issue accounts regularly and are on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding bill payments/charges. If you would like to use Calabria Property Consultants bill paying service please contact Tony using the contact form on the right.

We are HAPPY from SCALEA



In March 2014, Scalea took the "We are happy from...." challenge. The idea was to make a video set to Pharrell Williams' song "Happy". Videos have been shot in 668 cities over some 87 countries. Many of the residents and business owners of Scalea took part in the video and have shown the world just how happy they really are.

Watch the video and be inspired - maybe you'll see some people and places that you recognise!



Our advice would be to come and see for yourself, the Italian dream is available at a reasonable price...

Property For Sale

Sunday 6 April 2014

2 Storey Renovation Project in Beautiful Piazza


On one of the beautiful piazzas in Santa Maria del Cedro, a 2 storey building in need of renovation is for sale. This abandoned property was previously a bar with a studio apartment. The ground floor is approximately 40 sqm split into 2 rooms - the main bar area and the store room.
Stairs lead to the studio living area, which covers a further 20 sqm. The property is being sold as living accommodation and would make a beautiful 1 or 2 bed apartment. The project would be open to design ideas with consultation/advice from the local geometra. Assistance is available for project management.

Saturday 5 April 2014

Scalea

On the northern tip of Calabria, along the west coast the seaside resort of Scalea, one of the largest towns in the area offers a warm Calabrian welcome. The town is home to just over 10,000 people but swells with tourists in the summer. Almost 6km of lidos line the beach from Scalea to Santa Maria del Cedro, with plenty of beach activity and entertainment during the day and evening. The town, originally just a small village on the hillside close to the beach with quaint narrow streets and typically old style Italian housing is still thriving with many investors choosing the character of old Italy and renovating those antique buildings. There are, of course, plenty of re-sale homes and some new builds on modern complexes to cater for a variety of tastes. Scalea boasts many fine restaurants with fresh fish a big part of the diet and offering along with traditional pasta dishes. The local wine is a fine brew, either red or white and with most of the menu locally grown, reared or brewed the prices are very competitive and easy on the pocket. Many properties will have access to views with the town surrounded by hills but also close to the sea. Many activities you come to expect from a resort town can be found in Scalea such as rafting, go karting, trips to local attractions and many local festivals throughout the year. With property prices from €12,000, Scalea is certainly worth a look.
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Renovated One Bed Townhouse in Centro Storico

In the heart of the old town in San Nicolla Arcella, a renovated 60 sqm townhouse is for sale. Among the warren of narrow streets, this period property is ready to furnish and move in. Accessed by stone steps, entry is into the kitchen which comes with some appliances. The bathroom is to the left at the end of the kitchen. Fitted with sink, bidet, toilet and shower, approximately 10 sqm in total. The property then opens to a large living room with the original double doors opening out into a large bedroom. This is a must for those with a passion for traditional Italy at a bargain price.
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Calabria

Calabria, up until now, has been untouched by foreign visitors. Italians have been having great holidays here for decades, but it has remained unknown to the rest of the world. Property prices in Calabria are a bargain. Not only this but the cost of living here is one of the lowest in Western Europe, with annual bills on many apartments not exceeding €1000, fantastic local cuisine and wines that are light on the pocket and one of the warmest welcomes from the locals you are likely to find. Calabria is a magical land with bright blue warm sea and lush high mountains. Around every corner is a new panoramic view. It has something to offer everyone, from beach holidays to skiing in the Sila mountains. The climate here is amongst the best in the Mediterranean with long hot summers and very short mild winters. Which means that for 9 months of the year Scalea stays over 20°C. The main towns are (from north to south): Praia a mare, Scalea, Diamante, Belvedere Marittimo, Cetraro, Paola and Amantea. The entire coastline has a stunning backdrop of mountain ranges which form the national parks in this part of Calabria (Pollino and Sila). The entire area has very little industry and the air is clean and pollution free and the people of Calabria live to a grand old age (one of the best in Europe). The other advantage of being on the west coast is the fantastic sunsets over the sea.
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