Liguria: a paradise on the Mediterranean coast or a hidden treasure?

Liguria and the French Riviera: a historical connection

The Azure Coast and the Liguria region have a close connection that traces back to the Mediterranean Sea and ancient Greek culture. It is here that many settlements emerged, which later became important cities, such as modern Nice and Genoa.

It is interesting to note that the name "Liguria" can be translated from ancient Greek as "what a wonderful song!". The official border separating France and Italy runs through the small town of Ventimiglia. Also, on the French Riviera, there is a small but proud principality of Monaco, ruled by the Grimaldi dynasty for three centuries.

In the modern context, it is often difficult to draw a clear line between these two countries in Europe. For example, until the end of the 19th century, the Côte d'Azur was part of Italy, and only after that was the County of Nice transferred to France as a token of gratitude for assistance in containing Austrian influence. Thus, it can be confidently said that Liguria and the Côte d'Azur are intertwined in history and culture.

The climate and nature of Liguria

This coastline, thanks to its natural protection provided by the Maritime Alps, delights travelers with a mild climate and bright sunshine throughout the year.

• While inMilan, which is only 200 kilometers away, winter temperatures can drop to minus 5 degrees Celsius,
• On the coast, temperatures rarely drop below 7 degrees Celsius.

Liguria is known for its romantic names: "the land of flowers," "the fairy bay," and "the bay of sirens," which beautifully reflect its charm.

The villages and resorts of Liguria

Small and cozy towns located in the mountains attract those who seek a peaceful environment and wish to spend time with family. In contrast, fishing villages that have gradually turned into luxurious resorts cater to those who appreciate an active nightlife and own expensive yachts.

On busy streets, you can encounter:

• luxurious hotels,
• famous stores,
• trendy restaurants and
• elite clubs,

what creates the harmonious atmosphere of the Azure Coast.

Geography of the Ligurian Coast

Geographically, the Ligurian coast is divided into two main areas – the western part, known as the Riviera dei Fiori or the Riviera of Flowers, and the eastern part, called the Riviera di Levante or the Palm Riviera. The western section borders the French Riviera: just half an hour's drive from San Remo is the famous Monte Carlo.

While the eastern part of Liguria, although further from the Franco-Italian border, attracts visitors with its wonderful resorts, such as:

• Nerves,
• Riomaggiore,
• Santa Margarita and
• Portofino.

Portofino, once a small fishing village, is now rightly considered one of the most famous gems of the Ligurian coast. This picturesque town has become a popular vacation spot for celebrities from around the world, and its status in the hierarchy of global luxury resorts can only be compared to that of the glamorous Saint-Tropez.

Thanks to its picturesque landscapes, comfortable climate, and cultural heritage, this region continues to attract tourists and travelers eager to discover new experiences.

Modern resorts of Liguria

Modern resorts located along the Ligurian coast share many common features, such as medieval street architecture and a well-developed infrastructure capable of meeting the demands of even the most discerning clients. One such remarkable city is Rapallo, which is nearby.

San Remo: a leader among resorts

Nevertheless, San Remo, located west of Genoa, undoubtedly holds a leading position among them and can be compared to the popular French resort of Cannes. Despite its small size, this city attracts many tourists due to its diverse cultural events, including the famous music festival held annually in February.

Real estate in San Remo

When purchasing real estate at this resort, many people prefer to settle in the surrounding areas where residential complexes and villas with private beaches are located on spacious green park grounds. The list of property owners in San Remo includes well-known individuals such as:

• Silvio Berlusconi
• Luciano Pavarotti
• Andre Agassi

This region also became a favorite spot for the Russian aristocracy, and after the visit of the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna in 1913, an Orthodox church was built here.

Advantages of Liguria

It is worth emphasizing that although Liguria may be less known to foreign tourists compared to the French Riviera, wealthy Italians adore this region. Northern Italy is the economic center of the country, where production capabilities and wealth are concentrated. Milan and Bologna have become places of residence and work for Italians with significant financial resources, who often choose the Ligurian coast for a pleasant getaway.

Real estate market

The real estate market in Liguria is showing steady growth, attracting both those who want to enjoy the sun and warm sea, as well as those planning to sell their apartments or villas for a profit.

Problems with land

Nevertheless, the problem of the lack of available land for construction has also affected the Italian Riviera – vacant plots have become a true rarity. This creates attractive conditions for investments in new residential complexes, which are currently under construction.

Real estate prices

The minimum price per square meter in such projects is approximately3500 eurosIn the most sought-after areas, such as San Remo and Portofino, prices can range from6000 to 10000 eurosper square meter. At the same time, the fee for the garage is often not included in the total cost and can vary from30,000 to 50,000 euros.

Amenities in residential complexes

New luxury residential complexes offer a variety of amenities, such as:

• Terraces with a magnificent view of the sea
• Air conditioning systems
• The infrastructure is well-developed, including swimming pools and fitness halls.
• Golf courses, if the buildings are far from the shoreline.

One of the key features of new buildings designed in the traditional Italian style is the presence of multiple bedrooms, even in apartments with a small area that does not exceed100 square metersThis eliminates the need to purchase larger apartments if accommodation with three or four rooms is required for summer vacations, which significantly simplifies the process of choosing a suitable place to stay.

Villas on the Ligurian coast

For those with significant financial resources, villas on the Ligurian coast can be a very tempting option. The prices for properties located near the sea are almost comparable to those seen on the French Riviera. In well-known destinations like Portofino, listings become a true rarity.

The cost per square meter ranges from6,000to15,000The price is determined by the location, level of comfort, and finishing. For Russian-speaking clients, the finishing may seem quite simple: the Mediterranean style is generally characterized by minimalism—whitewashed walls, stone floors, and a lack of unnecessary decor.

Examples of villas and their prices

For example, a villa in neoclassical design with an area of350 square meters, located just in300 metersfrom the sea, not far from the French border, is estimated to be around2.1 million eurosHowever, if proximity to the sea is not the main criterion when choosing real estate, you can find more affordable options with a pool, garage, and well-maintained garden in the picturesque regions of the Ligurian Alps.one million euros.

Expert opinion

Yulia Titova, head of the foreignreal estate department at "Best Real Estate," notes the following:

• In Liguria, there are also apartments and mansions with historical significance.
• There is a growing interest in new modern villas that are built according to current standards and are quite attractive for investment in Europe.
• Secondary housing with an area of350–400 square meterson the land plot near1200 square metersit may cost from2.5 to 10 million euros.
• A new villa with similar characteristics will cost approximately1.5 million euros.

Advantages of new buildings

Although the condition of buildings on the secondary market usually meets high standards, new constructions are often preferred. This is because developers offer long-term,ten-year warrantyon the quality of its product.

Yulia Titova also points out that apartments undergoing restoration can be a great investment opportunity if the work is carried out by professional builders with a good reputation.

Features of the Italian market

The Italian real estate market has fewer foreign investors compared to the French market, and it also lacks the rapid price growth seen on the French Riviera. However, stable domestic interest in real estate prevents prices from falling.

Another characteristic feature is the projects that are in the preliminary approval stage (off-plan), which are becoming increasingly popular.

Investing in real estate on the French Riviera

Italian investors are actively engaged in speculative operations in the real estate market, often buying apartments during the construction phase and later selling them for a profit upon project completion. Sometimes the price difference can reach 25%. Despite the fact that the Italian Riviera attracts many buyers, interest in real estate on the French Riviera is noticeably stronger.

This region has been a magnet for celebrities and wealthy individuals for many years, attracting people from all corners of the world. Since the 19th century, its residents have included representatives of the global aristocracy, primarily the English and Russians, who still make up a significant portion of the international clientele in the housing market.

Resorts and quality of life

The cities and resorts of the French Riviera, including Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Monte Carlo, are perceived as a single complex symbolizing a high standard of living and exclusivity, accessible only to the chosen few.

Nightlife in Nice and Cannes

Nice and Cannes are centers that attract people who prefer an active lifestyle and vibrant nightlife. They are home to stylish clubs, modern discos, and magnificent private beaches, making these cities extremely popular among tourists.

Every year, these places see an influx of travelers, totaling around 300,000 people. However, the dream of owning a villa in Monaco may seem unattainable.

Real estate in Monaco

This tiny principality, second only to the Vatican in size, is known for its high real estate prices, which actually have no real value. This, in turn, makes investments in such properties extremely difficult.

For example, apartments in modern apartment buildings are offered at an average price of about25,000 euros per square meterSuch a fact, as noted by specialists from Prime Realty, allows Monaco to take a leading position in terms of square meter prices on the global market. This is explained by the fact that there are virtually no undeveloped plots and new construction projects in the principality.

Elite residences on the French Riviera

On the French Riviera, you can find not only elite villas but also residences designed for multiple owners. Yulia Titova, an expert in this field, emphasizes that high-end residences typically consist of complexes with 5-7 apartments.

Their distinctive feature is the spacious terraces surrounding the residential buildings. Such residences are often located within well-maintained parks, which sometimes resemble real forests, covering areas of up to several hectares.

The residences also include:

• 24-hour security
• Pools
• Playgrounds for children

Search for premium-class housing

For those looking to find premium housing on the French Riviera, it is recommended not to search independently, but to contact a specialized agency that is well-acquainted with the local real estate market and its nuances.

Experienced agents can assist with tax issues, payment for notary services, transaction processing times, and will develop convenient payment schemes.

It is important to note that many agencies on the French Riviera offer services from Russian-speaking specialists, including brokers and lawyers.

Factors influencing pricing

The pricing of real estate on both the French Riviera and the Ligurian coast is influenced by a variety of different factors:

• Distance to well-known resorts
• Proximity to the sea
• Having a private dock or beach
• Size of the land plot
• Availability of a park, tennis or golf courts
• Pool, garage, and the age of the buildings

The surrounding area around your potential home is also quite important and can influence your purchasing decision.

Advantages of the French Riviera

One of the clear advantages of the French Riviera compared to the Italian one is the availability of direct flights from Moscow to Nice. For those planning to reach their villa in Liguria, a layover inMilan, Paris, or Nice will be necessary, as there are no direct flights to Genoa.

The distance by car from Nice to Genoa is almost 200 kilometers, and fromMilan it's about 250 kilometers. These factors should also be taken into account when choosing a place for permanent residence or for vacation.

Conclusion

As I conclude my journey through the enchanting Côte d'Azur and its equally beautiful neighbor, Liguria, I realize how deeply these places have absorbed the spirit of history and the cultural heritage of various eras. These are not just resorts; they are entire worlds where the Mediterranean sun and mild climate create perfect conditions for a fulfilling rest and enjoyment of life. Each town, each coastline here radiates a unique atmosphere that leaves an unforgettable mark in the heart.

Cultural heritage

It's amazing how the efforts of the ancient Greeks and modern resorts intertwine into a single whole, transforming Liguria and the Côte d'Azur into a unique canvas, the whirlwind of bright colors of which can overshadow even the most lavish notions of paradise on earth. Here, history and traditions are embodied in architecture, cuisine, and national celebrations, making every trip to this region a true cultural discovery.

Investment prospects

I cannot help but emphasize that, although many foreigners have not yet had the chance to discover Liguria as they have the French Riviera, the locals and wealthy Italians certainly appreciate this corner. The opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and cultural heritage here holds great investment potential, and as an author, I am convinced that this is just the beginning. The long-term market instability, along with the emergence of high-end new construction programs, indicates that Liguria is ready to open up to a wider audience eager to appreciate its undeniable charms.

Life and happiness in Liguria

Watching how people live in small towns where time seems to have stopped, you realize that happiness lies in simple things — in a peaceful evening on the beach, in delicious food, and in the friendliness of people. I hope that those who decide to visit these sacred lands will take away not only vivid impressions but also a piece of warmth that Liguria and the azure coast offer.

Call to travel

Therefore, I urge you to see this place with your own eyes, as the beauty contained within it is hard to convey in words. May everyone find their inspiration and joy in this authentic corner of the world, which I have no doubt will become their favorite place on Earth.