What is life and renting an apartment like for Larisa in Calabria?

Buyer profile

Larisa, who lives in Moscow, is engaged in real estate activities through the company Mediterranea. The region she is interested in is Italian Calabria, specifically the city of La Castella.

Real estate

She purchased a two-bedroom apartment with a total area of about 100 square meters, featuring a terrace and two gardens. The cost of this property was€129,000The deal was made in the primary market during the summer of 2012.

Rental business

The rental business in August has the highest level of profitability. This month is characterized by the highest temperatures in Italy, and although I'm not a big fan of the heat, rental prices reach their peak. Annual tax revenues amount to approximately€1000I believe this is quite acceptable. However, the electricity costs are much higher and can reach up to€200-300per month. This is due to the necessity of using air conditioners, without which it is quite difficult to survive in Italian summer conditions.

Culinary traditions of Calabria

The culinary traditions of Calabria are diverse and varied. It should not be assumed that the foundation of this cuisine consists solely of fish and seafood – this is characteristic only of coastal areas.

Apartment arrangement

Now let's take a closer look at the changes that occurred after I became the owner of the apartment and how it was furnished. After the deal was finalized, my realtor suggested various furniture styles and arranged for their delivery to the apartment, which saved me the trip to Italy. When we first arrived after completing the purchase, everything was ready for us to move in.

I didn't skimp on the furnishings and chose high-quality items for the decor. Setting up the apartment cost me around€20,000Since it already had a refrigerator and an oven, I decided to replace the oven with a dishwasher. In addition, I bought a microwave, a washing machine, and three air conditioners.

Frequency of trips

As for the frequency of my trips to Calabria, I usually visit this region once or twice a year, which is quite rare since I've been busy with work. But now that I have more time, I plan to spend more time in my apartment. The future will show how circumstances will unfold.

Renting out an apartment

Have I thought about renting out my apartment during the free months? Yes, I have successfully rented out my property to tenants twice. My realtor also helped me find tenants.

• The rental business generates particularly high income in August.
• Temperatures are reaching their peak, and even though I find it difficult to be in the heat during this time of year, rental prices are very high.
• In one week, I could earn from€800 to €900that significantly helped in repaying the loan.
• In the other months, of course, rental rates are significantly lower.

Maximal use of the apartment

I try to make the most of my apartment, so when I'm not renting it out, I invite my friends and family over. However, in winter, usually no one dares to come. Although, in reality, it would make sense – during that time, you can try skiing, which adds a certain appeal to the place.

This is indeed an intriguing option for a getaway and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Calabria not just in the summer, but also in the winter.

Arriving by car to the mountains, you can do this in just about an hour. How do you spend your days living in your own apartment? Personally, I try to make mandatory trips to the sea twice a day, before lunch and after four. The rest of the time, I dedicate to relaxing activities, such as reading books outdoors in my garden or culinary experiments. Usually in the evenings, we take walks around the neighborhood, and we might stop by a cozy bar or visit a local restaurant.

Housing maintenance expenses

What amount do you spend on housing maintenance? The taxes are approximately€1000per year, which is generally a reasonable price. However, electricity costs are quite high and vary from€200to€300per month. The main part of the budget goes to air conditioners, which are simply essential in Italy's climate. Even in my absence, the minimum electricity bill is around€30per month. I also pay the realtor who manages my property, within€500-600per year.

Infrastructure and shopping

I would be interested to know what financial obligations owning property in Italy entails. What is your assessment of the infrastructure in your area? Where, for example, do you buy groceries?

• In our small town, there are over 20 restaurants, bars, and pizzerias.
• There is a good supermarket.
• Freshly caught fish is sold at two markets. For example, mussels cost only€3per kilogram.
• You can also buy fish directly from the fishermen, of whom there are quite a few here.
• Farmers from the mountains bring fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat.

Overall, food here is even cheaper than in Moscow given the current prices.

Souvenirs and shopping

In our village, there are also many souvenir shops. If you suddenly feel like making more extensive purchases, then in...25 kilometersFrom La Castella, there is the city of Crotone. You can find there:

• A large fish market.
• A variety of clothing and shoe stores.
• A huge Auchan hypermarket.

But when it comes to buying clothes, you shouldn't expect anything special—this isn't Milan and not even Rome.

Restaurant prices

Restaurants in this area have moderately high prices. They are close to the general Italian rates. For example, a set lunch that includes appetizers, pasta, a main course, dessert, half a liter of wine, and a bottle of water will cost approximately€20per person.

Culinary traditions of Calabria

Calabria, located in southern Italy, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. In this region, you can find a variety of gastronomic delights, including seafood such as tuna and swordfish. However, the most popular dish here is mussels served with a spicy tomato sauce, which gives the dishes a bright and rich flavor. Alongside mussels, culinary masters in Calabria also prepare shrimp, lobsters, and crabs, which hold an important place on the tables of the locals. The culinary traditions of the area are quite diverse, especially in the mountainous regions, where you can discover a completely different approach to cooking.

Mountain delicacies

In the mountains, it is generally not customary to order seafood delicacies; the culture here is more focused on consuming meat, local cheeses, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. In numerous mountain restaurants, you can often try:

• spicy sausages
• sausages
• other meat dishes prepared according to old recipes

At a certain time of year, such as during the mushroom season, both locals and tourists flock to the mountainous areas to enjoy true culinary masterpieces made from porcini mushrooms. Tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms is especially popular — this dish features homemade pasta and large forest mushrooms that can be foraged in lush pine forests.

How to get to Calabria

How can one get to this picturesque region of Italy? Calabria has two main airports. One of them, Lamezia Terme, is located on the Tyrrhenian coast, while the other, Sant'Anna, is close to Crotone on the Ionian coast. The fact that the distance from Sant'Anna airport to the nearest town is only 11 kilometers is a great bonus for travelers. The summer months from June to September offer an excellent opportunity to take charter flights from Moscow to Lamezia Terme, which makes the trip much easier. However, getting to the Ionian coast can be more challenging — a taxi will cost you about...80 euros.

Flights and layovers

If you plan to visit the region at a different time of year, you will likely have to make connections, as direct flights may not be available. Typically, tourists choose a route through Rome or Milan, after which they transfer to domestic flights. The waiting time between flights can be quite long, so it is advisable to plan your route in advance, especially if you intend to use charter flights during the summer season.

Car trips

In addition, for car travel enthusiasts, there are many attractive places nearby Calabria. To the north lies Apulia, and you can reach its main city, Bari, in just three hours. This city is home to the famous Basilica of Saint Nicholas, one of the most venerated saints in Russian tradition. Also in this region is the architectural wonder of Alberobello, known for its unique trulli, characteristic houses with conical roofs. A road trip also offers a great opportunity for an excursion to nearby Sicily.

Traveling without a car

If you don't know how to drive, there's no need to worry: local tourist offices will offer you a variety of excursions and the option to rent cars for comfortable travel. Additionally, there are organized bus routes and taxi services in the region.

Family vacation in Calabria

Calabria is the perfect place for a family vacation, where spending time with children doesn't require much effort. The region has water parks that will provide little ones with plenty of joyful moments. The beaches of La Castella are great for kids to swim: the shallow waters remain that way for quite a while, allowing parents to relax about their children's safety while they play in the water.

Linguistic feature

When it comes to communication at the local level, knowing Italian greatly simplifies interactions with the locals. Sometimes, residents find it difficult to express themselves in other languages, so having a basic understanding of Italian will be very useful in everyday life and will help facilitate easier communication with those around you.

Conclusion

In conclusion to our fascinating story about Larisa's life in Calabria, I want to emphasize that her story is not just a description of buying real estate, but a true chronicle of how dreams can become reality. Purchasing an apartment in Italy is a whole chapter of life that inherently combines both practical steps and emotional experiences.

Larisa not only acquired a cozy home by the sea, but she also made it her own, filled with joy and comfort. In her story, you can hear the voice of someone who has found their corner in the world, where they can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature. Every visit to her beloved apartment becomes a special event, filled with warmth and memories.

Active use of housing

I admire how Larisa skillfully organizes her leisure time, combining days at the beach with cultural walks through the picturesque village. But what impresses me the most is her decision not to leave her apartment idle, actively using it for rental during the high season. This demonstrates her practical approach to life and her desire to get the most out of her investments.

Calabrian cuisine

Calabrian cuisine, mentioned in the story, reveals to us the richness of regional gastronomy. I'm glad that Larisa doesn't limit herself to the usual stereotypes about Italian food and enjoys all its nuances. It is this richness and diversity of local culture that makes each of her visits to the apartment special.

Inspiration for others

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the path taken by Larisa serves as an inspiration for many who dream of having their own place abroad. Larisa not only bought an apartment but also welcomed a new culture, new people, and, most importantly, happiness into her life. This experience serves as a reminder that any dream can become a reality if one believes in themselves and takes action.

I hope her story inspires others to follow their dreams and find joy in every moment of life.