Sicily - Italy’s number one tourist destination in 2009 - is becoming more and more popular for those who want to buy a house.  British and German buyers, that are also being joined by people coming from eastern Europe, are finding a good opportunity to invest in the island’s properties, the possibility to make their wish come true and change their lives at the same time.

 A recent article published on the Financial Times (22 August 2009) states that the island “is one of the last outposts of traditional Italian life”. Sicily sits just 3km off Italy’s coast but remains a ”world apart” - according to the famous newspaper - where survive the ancient soul and the traditional way of life, always loved by foreigners. Sicily also boasts the best climate in Europe and the best price/quality ratio in the real estate market, characterized by a substantial price stability. Therefore it shouldn’t arouse astonishment that so many people decide to buy right here there second-home or even to sell the properties in their own countries to move to the biggest island in the Mediterranean; whether if in the countryside, or at the seaside, on the mountains or on the islands, it’s just a matter of taste.

Here are a selection of lovely properties for your consideration across the island:

 Casa Eoliana

In the enchantment of Salina, one of the pearls of the Aeolian Islands, is situated Casa Eoliana http://www.property.livinginitaly.co.uk/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=1761   The house, built in the typical Aeolian manner, has a wide terrace with a wonderful view over the bay of Malfa and of the sea. The property for sale consists of the villa (130 square metres) with terrace (75 square metres), the detached annex (55 square metres) with terrace (25 square metres) and a land of 6.500 square metres. For those who love the sea and the unspoilt nature this house, surrounded by a garden replete with cactus and Mediterranean plants, is sheer paradise.

Villa Solonia - Modica

In the Val di Noto, a few kilometres from the UNESCO city of Modica, a masterpiece of the 18th century baroque, is situated Villa Solonia. http://www.property.livinginitaly.co.uk/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=1763   This country dwelling, a former noble residence, consists of the villa (roughly 680 square metres), the two annexes (130 square metres) and the courtyard (roughly 1800 square metres). The villa is on two levels, on the ground floor there are a wide entrance divided by two arches, the living room, the library, the dining room with a beautiful, stone fireplace, the old kitchen, fallen into disuse, with a wooden stove.

The property, surrounded by high walls covered with bushes, has its entrance though a gate made of wrought iron overlooking the provincial road. On the two sides of the driveway are the two annexes and part of the garden with a beautiful, stone well. At the rear of the villa extends the rest of the garden and beyond it the boundless countryside of Modica with its olive groves. For those who love the charm and the peacefulness of nature with an exceptional artistic heritage this is the ideal property.

In the western side of the island, not far from Palermo, the main town with more than 2000 years of history, is situated “Casale in Pietra” http://www.property.livinginitaly.co.uk/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=1762 that has been entirely restored and improved with the realization of a charming, private swimming pool with a terrace-solarium. The property is situated on a knoll and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. It consists of the house, the annex and a land of roughly 10.000 square metres. The dwelling is on two levels and its interiors are wide, functional and well-proportioned. At the rear there is a small apartment with a loft and a toilet. The annex, about 30 metres away from the main house, consists of one large room with a loft, also with a toilet, and overlooks a small patio. For those who are looking for the right mix (the peacefulness of the countryside, the proximity to the seaside and to the island’s most important city, and a swimming pool) combined with an advantageous price and a good opportunity of investment this is the right property.

On the first Sunday in February, Agrigento, celebrates the first almond blossoms of the season in its Festa del Fiore del Mandorlo.  The almond blossom heralds the arrival of Spring, at least in Sicily!!  Although most of the rest of Agrigento is quite modern, it still retains quite a bit of its ancient allure from the temples to its cobblestone streets that wind through the town.

PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN AGRIGENTO

For all that the Agrigento has to offer, it is only natural that property sales have seen a great increase, whether a medieval townhouse in centro storico; a new build villa overlooking the sea; a villa in a resort complex or a lovely country villa with summerhouse close to town……….. in otherwords something for everyone.  Below is further information on these properties, which are located mostly around Cianciana - A charming agricultural town perched on a hill 350 sqm above sea level and 30 minutes from Agrigento,  Cianciana stands out for the cultivation of almonds, grapes, and olives,  For more information on any of the properties below or any other information as we have a large selection of properties available, please visit the property site http://www.property.livinginitaly.co.uk or contact myself direct june.clayton@livinginitaly.co.uk

Villa in Resort Complex                                                                                             240,000 euros A prestigious family villa situated close to the important tourist area of Castellammare del Golfo, and nearby the wonderful and charming natural reserve of the “Zingaro”. The villa which covers an area of 100 sqm, on 2 floors with garden/land of 800sqm. The prooperty is situated in a resort complex, which includes many sports activities (5 a side football, tennis, boules, etc)  The swimming pool and the jacuzzi are part of the complex. The villa is a few km from Scopello , with wonderful rock formations and protected by old watchtowers  50 km from Palermo - 30 km from international airport at Palermo

Villa by the Sea                                                                                                           180,000 euros

A new build villa with a panoramic view of the sea, and only 600 meters from the beach. The price includes a building of circa 80 sqm with veranda and surrounding land.

Villa Andrea with Summerhouse                                                                                   385,000 euros

A beautiful two-storey villa covering 300 sqm, plus a further 150 sqm of verandas and a summer house,with land of 600 sqm. The property comprises 3 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, lounge and utility room, garage with space for 2 cars, and a storage room.  The property has a very panoramic view, in good condition and well situated being also close to the Cianciana centro storico.

Cefalu Luxury Villa with Vineyard                                                                                  900,000 euros