Reasons to buy property in Liguria
 Location,
location, location
Liguria is enviably blessed in its location, climate and geography. Apart
from being one of Italy’s most visited regions, the temperate climate
has made it a very popular spot for retirees and second-home-owners. It’s
a cosmopolitan place – elegant yet relaxed, with none of the aloofness
of the Côte d’Azur. And thanks to its long status as a holiday-haven,
it enjoys an excellent transport infrastructure and easy access, the closest
airports are Nice, Genova and Pisa.
What can I buy within my budget
?
For less than 100,000 Euros...
The hinterland behind western Liguria’s golden beaches should
probably be your prime target. Here you can find habitable one-bedroom
village apartments for €65,000 or two-bedroom versions for €95,000.
If you wish to restore, this is probably the best area to look for a rustic
house with land which can be had for as little as €50,000
in places such as Airole.
 For
less than 200,000 Euros...
Between €100,000 and €200,000 you will find lots of appealing
options in Liguria. Most of these options are, again, in the hilly hinterland
of the western coast, but you can also find the occasional rustico to
restore in the hills of Liguria’s eastern half, or indeed pick up
a
one-bedroom apartment in a large western seaside resort like Sanremo
or Ventimigia.
For less than 400,000 Euros...
Between 200,000 and €400,000, there are one and two bedroom
apartments in long-established seaside resorts like Bordighera and Ospedaletti,
these rent out for €800 per week during the high season. There are
also country houses in various states of repair near eastern coastal towns
like La Spezia or townhouses
in the eastern hinterland. One and two bedroom apartments
in Lérici tend to go for between €200,000 and €400,000.
In the western hinterland two and three bedroom stone farmhouses less
than ten miles from the sea and nicely positioned for panoramic views
can be had for the same price.
Roja Valley Apartments
 If
you are looking for something very special, then consider proeprty around
Airole,
a beautful well-kept village along the Roja Valley. Realpoint can offer
apartments
in a converted customs house from only 149,000 Euros, including swmming
pool, gardens and stream with a beach - simply idyllic.
The Old
Customs House building, from which the Roja Valley Apartments have
been created, is of typical Italian construction-stucco covered stone,
under a red pantile roof. Balconies and windows in complementary style
have been added for comfort and ease, and add to the visual aesthetics.
The building is situated in the floor of the River Roja Valley on level
ground, surrounded by densely-wooded, steeply-sloping hills.
For up to 800,000 Euros...
From €400,000 to €800,000, you can begin looking for
apartments in the western beach resorts, and at smaller properties in
various places along the eastern coast. A two bed apartment in lovely
Portovénere is around €440,000, or a three-bed townhouse for
€550,000.
 And
over 1 million Euros...
If you want to spend a million euros or more, Liguria has plenty
of delicious
villas in delightful settings to tempt you. This region excels in
buildings which are beautifully designed both inside and out.
Many of these are off-market so contact us so that we can offer a selection
of suitable properties.
Areas of Liguria
Western Liguria
This corner of Liguria has all the advantages of being close to the French
border. There are abundant sandy beaches overlooked by family friendly
resort towns – often with lively attractive 19th century architecture.
The climate is exceptionally gentle, with flower-growing being a big local
business, and flowers blooming even in February. Ventimiglia, Finale Ligure,
Bordighera and Ospedaletti are venerable old resorts in this area, but
the best known town is probably Sanremo – with its labyrinthine
old lanes, casino, daily flower market and designer shopping bargains.
Set on a large sheltered bay backed by an amphitheatre of hills, property
prices in Sanremo are high but bargains can be picked up in the hilly
hinterland dotted with picturesque villages and affordable property prices
here have encouraged a lot of second homers. While not quite as reliable
as the coastal resorts, there are fairly good rental prospects in the
western hinterland, and a great lifestyle on offer.
Imperia to Genova
This stretch of Liguria’s coast is not as well known but has a string
of family-oriented resorts on sandy beaches which are very popular with
Italians and other nationalities. The majority of Liguria’s least
expensive seaside property lies in this central western part, and two
and three-bedroom homes represent particularly good value here. Inland,
the terrain of Liguria’s central western area quickly climbs to
leafy heights, cut through with winding mountain roads and sprinkled with
charming little hill towns and villages. As everywhere in the region,
property prices drop as you move away from the coast.
Genova is still Italy’s largest port and has thrived on seaborne
trade for 1,500 years. It’s a very lively and colourful city, not
overlarge at just 600,000 inhabitants. Its gloriously eclectic architecture
jumbles up and down steep hillsides – glossy boutiques flanking
Art Nouveau villas nestling beside Renaissance palaces rubbing up against
medieval tenements.
Portofino
East of Genoa, Liguria’s coastline is much steeper and rockier than
in the west. Tiny cliff-bound coves sit at the feet of leafy slopes dotted
with colourful villas. Visitors come in their hundreds of thousands to
wander secluded inlets and steep footpaths, admiring the vivid blue and
turquoise sea, the tall cliffs sprouting evergreens, the fruit-coloured
houses and the white luxury yachts.
 The
Portofino area is especially desirable, with some astronomical property
costs. Prices in dainty Portofino are prohibitive to most, but Santa Margherita
Ligure and Rapallo are larger and slightly less exclusive places to consider
if you want to buy on this mini-peninsula.
East of Monte di Portofino, Chiávari and Lavagna each have a good
stretch of sand, while cheery Sestri Levante has two, and a stunning central
boulevard. Inland from here, green slopes and villages abound. An especially
charming spot is Varese Ligure, a medieval market town with arcaded streets.
Lower prices and good roads to the sea make the inland east an attractive
proposition.
La Spezia and the Cinque Terre
La Spezia is a pleasant enough place but its stunning neighbours are what
draw the attention down to this part of Liguria. People come primarily
for the Cinque Terre – five cliff-bound villages formerly accessible
only by boat, where terraces have been carved into the near-vertical landscape
to hold brightly-painted homes and endless grapevines. There are few bargains
to be had in these five semi-accessible and much-sought-after locations,
but superb rental returns await anyone able to secure a place.
Elsewhere in Liguria’s extreme east are beautiful Portovénere
with its pink and yellow tower-houses staring serenely over the water,
and swish Lérici with its castle, beaches and marina. Both towns
are almost as popular as the Cinque Terre. Bargain-hunters should definitely
look inland, where prices start tumbling even just a short distance from
the sea.
Beaches in Liguria
 Diano
Marina beach has fine golden sand and depths are suitable for children
low. The beach is equipped and there are facilities such as playground,
swimming pools and babysitting.
Riva Ligure is in the province of Imperia. Black sandy beach where the
sea is transparent and the background is low and stony.
Sanremo and is loved for the fine sand and its crescent shape that allows
you to enjoy a unique view from the promontory to the cypresses of Bussana
Aregai. Free and equipped beaches it is a destination for families, but
also reserves of quiet corners in which to engage in a spot of peaceful
sunbathing.
The Tre Ponti beach of Sanremo is a favorite for young people. Just steps
from the bike path and stretches of cliff and beach. Served by bars and
clubs and the stretch to the east due to the prevailing winds has become
a spot frequented by surfers.
Balzi Rossi is a few miles from Ventimiglia and is known for its pebble
beach The sea is blue and turquoise and very popular with divers and is
within an archaeological area.
History
Liguria knew the presence of Man in very ancient times. Traces of Neanderthal
Man were discovered in the settlements of the Ligurians (Ligures), which
date back to the first millennium B.C.
During the first Punic War the ancient Ligurians were divided, some of
them siding with Carthage and a minority with Rome, whose allies included
the future Genoese. After the Roman conquest of the region, Liguria, was
created in the reign of Emperor Augustus. The great Roman roads (Aurelia
and Julia Augusta on the coast, Postumia and Aemilia Scauri towards the
inland) helped strengthen the territorial unity and increase exchanges
and trade. Important towns developed on the coast, of which evidences
are left in the ruins of Albenga, Ventimiglia and Luni.
Between the 4th and the 10th centuries Liguria was dominated by the Byzantines,
the Lombards and the Franks and it was invaded by the Saracens In the
11th and 12th centuries the main Ligurian towns, especially on the coast,
became city-states, over which Genoa soon became dominant.
Between the 11th century (when the Genoese ships played a major role in
the first crusade, carrying knights and troops to the Middle-East for
a fee) and the 15th century the Republic of Genoa experienced an extraordinary
political and commercial success (mainly spice trades with the Orient)
and it was the most powerful maritime republic in the Mediterranean from
the 12th to the 14th century, In spite of its military and commercial
successes, Genoa fell prey to the internal factions which put pressure
on its political structure.
The 18th century saw France restore influence over the republic. Napoleon’s
first Italy campaign marked the end of the secular republic and was transformed
into Ligurian Republic, according to the model of the French Republic.
After a short period of independence in 1814, the Congress of Vienna (1815)
decided that Liguria should be annexed to the kingdom of Sardinia. The
Genoese uprising against the House of Savoy in 1821, which was put down
with great bloodshed, aroused the population’s national sentiments.
Some of the most prestigious figures of the Risorgimento were born in
Liguria (Mazzini, Garibaldi, Mameli, Bixio).
In the first years of the 20th century the region’s economic growth
was remarkable: a lot of industries flourished from Imperia to La Spezia.
During the World War Two Liguria experienced hunger and two years of occupation
by the German troops, against whom a liberation struggle was led among
the most effective in Italy, when allied troops finally reached it they
were welcomed by partisans which, in a successful insurrection, had freed
the city and accepted the surrender of the local German command. For this
feat the city was awarded the gold medal for military valour
Food & Wine
 Liguria
is famed for being the home of pesto, the delicious basil, pine nut, oil
and garlic paste that flavours so many Italian dishes. With so much coastline
it’s unsurprising that fresh fish and seafood form the central ingredients
of the ‘cucina profumata’ (fragrant food) that typifies this
Italian region.
Among the specialities you will find are spaghetti alle vongole, sea
bass and sea bream and wonderful grilled sword fish. Chickpea flatbread
(farinata) and focaccia bread are also served. Extra virgin olive oil
from the region is regarded by many to be the finest in Italy.
While the majority of wines produced in Piedmont and Tuscany are full-bodied
red, Liguria specializes and excels in delicate white wines: Vermentino
, Sciacchetrà and Pigato are some fine examples that complement
the delicate and zesty local cuisine which features a variety of seafood,
mushrooms, aromatic herbs, walnuts, pastas and baked dishes.
People
Liguria had very important people both in ancient and modern times.
It would be very hard to speak about them all and so we just like to highlight
some of them. Christopher Columbus is surely the most famous There was
also Andrea Doria the powerful Admiral of the Republic, a member of one
of the ancient families whhich still has important descendants in Genoa
nowadays. Giuseppe Garibaldi and Giuseppe Mazzini, architects of the unification
of Italy, Goffredo Mameli the author of the national anthem and Nicolò
Paganini the most famous violinist of all times. We cannot forget other
famous non Italians who have taken Liguria to their hearts: Ezra Pound,
Lord Byron, Shelley and Ernest Hemingway all loved Liguria and the Golfo
dei Poeti takes it name from Byron and Shelly’s sojourn in the region.
National Parks & Nature Reserves
The Cinque Terre National Park
This UNESCO world heritage site in the province of La Spezia covers all
five Cinque Terre villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola
and Riomaggiore. There is a host of walking trails that link one village
to the next. The route from Riomaggiore to Manarola is known as "Lover's
Lane" (Via dell'Amore) due to the particularly scenic nature of the
coastline. The park also offers cycling and horse riding opportunities.
The Marine Protected Area of Portofino
The Marine Protected Area (Area Marina Protetta di Portofino) is an ecologically
protected area which includes the municipalities of Camogli, Portofino
and Santa Margherita Ligure. The area is particularly good for sport fishing,
diving, yachting and swimming, although there are strong sea currents
in this area. There is a very rich and diverse fauna along this coast.
Riserva Naturale Regionale di Rio Torsero
This regional nature reserve close to Ceriale, is famous amongst palaeontologists
for the abundance and variety of its fossils. The reserve is home to a
museum where these finds can be examined. Trails in the park include the
10 Km Ceriale to Poggio Grande route, taking in areas of natural beauty
that are equally interesting from a historic point of view.
Alta Via Dei Monti Liguri
This is a 400 Km excursion route linking Ventimiglia and La Spezia. Paths
are well marked out with red and white markers and routes can take from
a few hours to several days to traverse. The scenery changes dramatically
along the way and there are marvellous views over Corsica and the Alps.
Sports that can be practised in the park include hiking, horse riding,
mountain biking, climbing and paragliding.
Outdoor Sports in Liguria
Golf
Liguria is well equipped for golf enthusiasts of all levels, with a total
of five courses across the four provinces. Golf was initially played in
Italy in 1903 and there is now an Italian Golf Federation with a branch
in Liguria. One of the best courses being the Sanremo course, there are
other courses located in Lerici, Rapallo and Garlenda.
Cycling
 The
Sanremo cycling rally was formerly a mixed surface event (tarmac and gravel),
the rally is now an all-tarmac event and takes place around the mountains.
Sanremo is the finish of the classic Milan-Sanremo cycle race (294 km),
one of the five 'Monuments' of the cycling season. The Milan-San Remo
is a classic cycling race while the 'Classic' San Remo Rally races through
the Ligurian and Tuscan Alps in May.
Experienced mountain bikers may wish to ride along the Alta Via dei Monti
Liguri, although it must be remembered that these routes are primarily
designed for walkers so paths are not ideally suited to mountain bikers.
Bike riders are asked to limit their speed and never to leave the marked
trails.
To reserve bike excursions in the Cinque Terre national park, go to the
information office in any of the five villages.
Liguria’s Cycle Path
A spectacular new cycle - pedestrian path now hugs the picturesque Ligurian
coast between Tuscany and the French Riveira. It is the perfect way to
explore the quaint fishing villages and glamourous town of San Remo..
The first 24kms from Ospedaletti via San Remo to San Lorenzo al Mare,
offers an exhilarating Riviera break for cycling fans, families or walkers.
74km of cycle paths provide magnificent coastal views as well as to food
trails in the hills. The current path already provides access to 5kms
of previously unreachable beaches and a vast Marine Park, which acts as
a whale sanctuary.
Skiing
 The
closest skiing is in Limone in Piemonte at an altitude of approximately
2,050 metres. Although you can enjoy skiing in both the French and Italian
alps which are slightly further. Limone has:
• 29 Lifts - highest lift: 2,050m (6,725ft), lowest lift: 1,032m
(3,386ft)
• 46 Slopes cater for beginner, intermediate and expert
• Total piste length: 90 Km
• Cross-country: 9 Km piste
• Ice rink and paragliding, snowboarding
Sailing
 Over
three hundred kilometers of the Ligurian coast present a wide range of
ports and docks equipped for recreational sailing.
Events and Festivals
The Sanremo Music Festival
The Ariston Theater hosts the celebrate annual Sanremo Music Festival,
a very popular song contest held in the city since 1951. This festival
inspired the Eurovision Song Contest, which started in 1956, and for years
the Sanremo festival selected the Italian entry. The internationally notable
song "Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu", also known as "Volare",
was performed at this festival for the first time by Domenico Modugno
in 1958. The festival is so popular amongst Italians that it is often
referred to simply as "Il Festival" (The Festival).
Other Events
Other events include the Tenco Prize (autumn), a song contest for authors
dedicated to the memory of Luigi Tenco; the Flowers Parade in January/February
in which every city of the Italian Riviera presents an original composition
of flowers displayed on a Carnival/Mardi-Gras style moving car; and the
summer Firework International Contest in the second week of July.
La Spezia's August sailing regatta sees all the local fishing boats battle
it out in the lovely Gulf of Poets. Imperia's tall ships regatta takes
place every other year in September. In July, Rapallo stages a three-day
firework festival in honour of the Madonnna.
Weather
The Italian Riviera is renowned in Italy for its superb year round climate.
The region enjoys a hot summer but not the overwhelming heat of southern
Italy and retains s warm and constantly sunny climate in the winter. The
ring of hills, lying immediately beyond the coast, together with the beneficial
influence of the sea, account for the mild climate the whole year round
with average winter temperatures of 7-10° and summer temperatures
of around 28° which makes for a pleasant stay even in the heart of
winter.
Travel and other Information on Liguria
Everything from travel to the weather, a useful resource where new information
is added regarding accommodation, which airlines operate to regional airports
etc. Click
for more information
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here if you are interested in Fractional
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