Calabria, otherwise known as the “toe” of Italy’s boot, is a rustic region rich in culture, cuisine, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With its abundance of postcard-perfect landscapes, inviting Mediterranean climate, and timeless towns dotting the coastline, Calabria represents a fantastic investment opportunity for those looking to purchase holiday home rentals still at extremely low prices. Another advantage of the region is that the lively resort town of Tropea qualifies for the 7% Flat Tax regime. You can read more about this tax break here.
Let’s discover some of Calabria’s most famous towns and some undiscovered treasures.
Tropea
Tropea is one of the most well known beaches in Calabria. It is lined with dramatic cliffs and a historic castle that looms over the coast, but the headliner is the deep turquoise-tinged water that laps its beaches and a scattering of dramatic grottoes. The historical center of Tropea is one of the biggest draws in the area, with an authentic air that reminds visitors of “la vera italia”, or real Italy. Exploring its cobblestone streets, grand palazzi, and pocket-sized trattorias tucked away in little alleys is one of the highlights of a visit to Calabria.
Property prices in Tropea are extremely modest, with one-bedroom apartments with a sea view starting from around €55,000. Tropea was the winner of “Italy’s Most Beautiful Town” national competition for 2021, and though it is just now popping up on the international radar, this seaside retreat has long been a favorite summer destination among Italians.
Pizzo
Pizzo Calabro is best known as home to the famous “tartufo” gelato and has an extremely quaint historical center perched up high on the hill overlooking the sea.
Historic palazzi are lined along the cliff tops overlooking the marina, which offers a packed promenade of restaurants, bars, and cafés.
Property prices in Pizzo start from around €60,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in the historical center just 150 meters from the beach. Pizzo also qualifies for the 7% Flat Tax regime.
Scilla
Scilla is a beautiful fishing village where the homes and businesses are perched directly along the water’s edge, earning it the nickname “Venice of the South”. It is virtually unknown to non-Italian tourists, despite being one of the most picturesque villages along the coast with its deep blue water and views across the Tyrrhenian Sea to Sicily.
Detached houses located just meters from the waves start at around €90,000. Scilla also benefits from the 7% Flat Tax Regime.
San Nicola Arcella
One of the most striking examples of Calabria’s natural beauty is the arched grotto in San Nicola Arcella, known as the “Arcobaleno”, or rainbow.
Located along the coast in the province of Cosenza, this delightful town is still relatively untouched by tourism and unknown by foreigners.
With one-bedroom apartments offering a spectacular sea view starting at €30,000, it represents the opportunity to purchase a slice of “La Dolce Vita” for a song! San Nicola Arcella is also part of the 7% Flat Tax regime.
The holiday season in Calabria starts up in June and finishes in October, with the peak months being July and August where holiday rentals fetch an above-average rental income. A new direct high-speed train running north-south between Turin and Reggio Calabria has made the region more accessible to both domestic and international visitors. Calabrese locals are extremely warm and inviting, don’t be surprised if you get an invite for an impromptu dinner….they are famous for it!!