Italy (Calabria)
Where rugged beauty meets authentic charm, and every moment is a taste of la dolce vita.
We purchased an apartment in Scalea, Calabria, in 2019 and have thoroughly enjoyed the laid-back lifestyle. We're just 2.5 hours by car or train from Naples, the third-largest city in Italy and home to a major international airport. The Amalfi Coast is only 2 hours away by car, and Sicily is 3.5 hours away. Scalea itself has a population of around 11,000, which swells to over 30,000 during the peak August holiday season. The Scalea Old Town, over 500 years old, is perched on a hill overlooking the beach and the current business centre. There are numerous bars and restaurants right on the beach, and being on the West Coast, you're treated to spectacular sunsets over the sparkling turquoise sea. Scalea is remarkably affordable, and its properties, along with those in surrounding areas, are exceptionally budget-friendly.
Calabria, a region in southern Italy, borders Basilicata to the north, the Ionian Sea to the east, the Strait of Messina to the southwest (separating it from Sicily), and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west. With a population of nearly 2 million, it has historically been one of Italy's less affluent regions, though it's currently experiencing improvements.
The entire region enjoys a balmy Mediterranean climate, characterized by long, hot, dry summers and brief, mild winters. This allows you to enjoy the region's pristine beaches for over nine months each year. Calabria is a land of endless green mountains and charming medieval villages.
As one of the southernmost regions, Calabria receives fewer international tourists, offering a glimpse into the authentic Italy of the past. The atmosphere and surroundings evoke a sense of stepping back in time to the 1980s. While English might not be widely spoken in most areas, the people are friendly and welcoming to foreigners. We've found everywhere we've been to be safe, with very low crime rates.
Tropea is an impressive seaside town on Calabria's west coast, renowned for its charming historic centre, spectacular beaches, and prized Tropea red onions. The iconic houses built into the clifftop and the breathtaking views over the beach below contribute to its reputation as the "jewel in the crown of Calabria."
Scilla is an enchanting fishing village on the west coast, reminiscent of spots on Italy's Cinque Terre. It features a patchwork of colourful houses overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Scilla's castle, perched on a rocky promontory, is the town's focal point. The Marina Grande side of the historic town boasts a wide beach with spectacular castle views.
The cost of living in Calabria is the lowest in Italy. Except for petrol, everything is significantly cheaper than in Australia. A couple owning an apartment in Scalea could live comfortably on €250-300 per week, covering groceries, alcohol, electricity, entertainment, vehicle expenses, and other costs.
We have established connections with professionals in Italy (real estate, legal, and tax) to assist with property purchases, ongoing maintenance, and restoration services in Calabria. We've also recently obtained Italian elective residency visas and can advise on the best way to acquire them.
Property prices in Scalea and nearby areas are incredibly affordable, among the cheapest in Italy.
Indicative Prices (2025) | Apartments, Villas, and Houses with Sea Views
*Prices shown are based on an exchange rate of 1.72 and do not include taxes or associated purchase expenses
€65,000 (AUD$111,000) - Studio apartment, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, fully furnished, large terrace overlooking the sea (29m2), direct access to a private beach (Scalea)
€69,000 (AUD$118,000) - Apartment, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, spiral staircase access to a large paved solarium (50 m2) with panoramic sea view (San Nicola Arcella)
€79,000 (AUD$135,000) - Apartment, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, completely renovated, partly furnished, sea views (Scalea)
€99,000 (AUD$170,000) - Apartment, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished, in a tourist village with a 62 m2 solarium and splendid sea view (Paola)
€135,000 (AUD$232,000) - Historic property, sea view terrace, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (historic centre of Scalea)
€169,000 (AUD$290,000) - Apartment, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully furnished, 238 m2, sea view (Scalea)
€185,000 (AUD$318,000) - Semi-detached house with garden, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully furnished, external staircase to a large 115 m2 solarium with panoramic view (San Nicola Arcella)
€230,000 (AUD$395,000) - New semi-detached villa, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, splendid sea views (Diamante)
€201,000 (AUD$345,000) - New terraced villa, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, on two levels, sea and island views (Diamante)
€389,000 (AUD$669,000) - Apartment, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 306 m2, fully furnished, 72 m2 terrace with panoramic sea views looking straight down the beach (Scalea)
