Hello All

[FlatField]

Hello all, I'm new to this forum.

I lost my property in the earthquake in L'Aquila and have been unable to find anything else in Abruzzo that suits me, I love the region but have recently been pointed towards Scalea by an Italian friend. I have looked for flights from UK and they all appear to be quite expensive around £250 one way, Whereas Ryanair flies to Pescara for peanuts.

Do Ryanair do flights if so are they seasonal only?

Also read quite a bit about the area, (Calabria) that suggests it's not as friendly other regions, it's still referred to as Bandit country on some sites, I have a friend who had a very bad experience with muggers there whilst house hunting, is it really as bad as we're led to believe?

[MarKel]

Oops,
I always thought Scalea was practically crime-free!
Markel

[GAIL]

IN REPLY TO THE ABOVE. Sorry to hear you lost your house in the earth quake, As you state you are looking for a new home in Calabria [Scalea]Well do I start. Scalea is a wonderful place to live, the people are kind and helpful,every one knows each other. I COULD LEAVE MY FRONT DOOR OPEN no one would break in,and if Iwish to walk around SCALEA ON MY OWN , nothing would happen to me. life is very safe in Scalea. IT IS NOT BANDIT COUNTRY. The forum is a very helpful link, All the form people are very kind and helpful to wards any questions asked. Lesley is my favourite as you can a question and Lesley will know what to do. There is a guy called Tony who would be able to help you find a new home Good luck house hunting gail

[Andy&Kath]

Hi Flatfield

Welcome to the forum. I would have to say that you shouldn't believe every rumour you hear. I've no doubt that like everywhere in the world there are good and bad people in Calabria. However, from my experience the people are extremely friendly and go out of their way to help you. As Gail has pointed out, I have never had any problems walking around Scalea and wouldn't expect any. As far as flights are concerned; Ryanair fly to Lamezia (from Stansted) from March to October. After October Mr O'Leary usually has one of his many disputes over charges and stops the flights for a while, although last year they started again in December. Easyjet also fly from Stansted to Naples. As far as cost is concerned we usually pay between £40 - £80 each for a return flight. The train from Lamezia to Scalea costs about 12 euros each (1 way - 1 1/2 hours) and Naples to Scalea about 24 Euros each ( 2 1/2 hours). There are regular buses from both airports to the train station which cost 2-3 euros. I would also highly recommend Tony of Calabria Property Consultants should you decide to do some property hunting in the region.
Hope this helps
Andy

[bella_ciao]

Hi and welcome,
Is this an excellent forum, or what? I've not met most of the regular posters on here personally because our main connection with the area is through already having relatives over there but I do know that, if you have any kind of question or problem to do with the area, there is usually someone who can help you out, as you can see. Those who travel regularly to Calabria or who are already "in situ" through making it their permanent residence have usually encountered or experienced most of the problems and difficulties, or are currently dealing with them, so they often have good tips to share - so handy when you are venturing into relatively uncharted territory.
I think the previous posters have probably already answered your question about bandits - I have to say that I also felt it was a very safe place to be - maybe the rumours you've heard are more to do with fokelore than reality but I guess it's wise to keep on your guard wherever you go these days, however relaxed you may feel - seems to be the course of commonsense to me.
Sorry to hear about your losing your house in L'Aquila - must have been a difficult time for you. However, I'm sure you'll find something really nice in Calabria, so happy hunting!
All the best.
Kind regards,
Frances.

[annetigano]

Welcome to the forum - could not agree more with the comments made above. We have found everybody most helpful and friendly. Certainly recommend Scalea but you will probably find it a little different from Abruzzo in as much as it is still somewhat old fashioned and the locals do not worry too much about the appearance of their property and are far more laid back than other parts of Italy. You will find many estate agents in the area - ours was excellent and have remained friends with him since the purchase - Antonio at A&M Immobiliare. Good luck

[Italy4me]

Originally Posted by GAIL

IN REPLY TO THE ABOVE. Sorry to hear you lost your house in the earth quake, As you state you are looking for a new home in Calabria [Scalea]Well do I start. Scalea is a wonderful place to live, the people are kind and helpful,every one knows each other. I COULD LEAVE MY FRONT DOOR OPEN no one would break in,and if Iwish to walk around SCALEA ON MY OWN , nothing would happen to me. life is very safe in Scalea. IT IS NOT BANDIT COUNTRY. The forum is a very helpful link, All the form people are very kind and helpful to wards any questions asked. Lesley is my favourite as you can a question and Lesley will know what to do. There is a guy called Tony who would be able to help you find a new home Good luck house hunting gail

Thanks for your kind words Gail.
I'm not sure I always know what to do but I will always try to help if I can!
In fact I have been reading and watching a bit more of late to try to encourage others to come forward first with their helpful suggestions.
There is a wealth of knowledge and information out there amongst the forum members that I very much value - and I wouldn't want to put anyone off responding by always jumping straight in with my humble opinions 8-)

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to post their thoughts and ideas - and to everyone who pops by just to dip in to read what's new - it's a great little community we have here!

Lesley

[Italy4me]

Originally Posted by FlatField

I have looked for flights from UK and they all appear to be quite expensive around £250 one way, Whereas Ryanair flies to Pescara for peanuts.

Do Ryanair do flights if so are they seasonal only?

Welcome to the forum.

Where are you flying from?
Depending on where you are in the UK (assuming you are in the UK!) the Liverpool - Naples flights are very popular and can be incredibly cheap if you can choose your times to travel.