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San Remo is undoubtedly the most important Italian Music Festival, the song contest began in 1951 and has been held in San Remo every year since launching the careers of incredibly famous Italian singers, like Andrea Bocelli, Zucchero, Eros Ramazzotti, Laura Pausini, Elisa. Giorgia and Massimo Ranieri.

This week, RAI have released the names of the singers and songs competing in the 2012 62th edition of the festival. Italian pop legend Gianni Morandi will host the show with Tamara Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One group CEO Bernie Ecclestone, Ivana Mrazova, a Czech fashion model, and Italian actor/director Rocco Papaleo as co-host. Morandi hosted a very successful edition of the festival last year won by Roberto Vecchioni and launched Raphael Gualazzi in the best newcomers’ category.

The festival begins this year on the 14th of February and goes until February the 18th.

Watch out for a special evening on the 16th of February, as the festival will celebrate “gli Italiani nel mondo”, the achievements of Italians around the world, with a special evening entitled Viva l’Italia dedicated to Italian famous songs with participants singing a duet with international artists, including Brian May, Gary Go, Patty Smith, José Feliciano, Sarah Jane Morris and Shaggy.

Below is a list of the singers who will participate this year and the international guest stars and special songs they will perform on the 16th.

Nina Zilli and Skye, Morcheeba Never never never (Grande grande grande)
Samuele Bersani and Goran Bregovic My sweet Romagna (Romagna mia)
Dolcenera and Professor Green My life is mine (Vita spericolata)
Pierdavide Carone and Lucio Dalla with Mads Langer Anema e core
Irene Fornaciari and Brian May I who have nothing (Uno dei tanti)
Emma and Gary Go If paradise is half as nice (Il Paradiso)
Matia Bazar and Al Jarreau Speak softly love (soundtrack “Il Padrino”)
Noemi and Sarah Jane Morris To feel in love (Amarsi un po’)
Francesco Renga and Sergio Dalma El mundo(Il mondo)
Arisa and José Feliciano Que serà (Che sarà)
Chiara Civello and Shaggy You don’t have to say you love me
Gigi D’Alessio and Loredana Bertè with Nina Hagen Auf Der Welt (Piccolo Uomo)
Eugenio Finardi and Noa Surrender
Marlene Kuntz and Patti Smith The world became the world

Italian audiences will be tuning in for an extravaganza: music, fashion, entertainment and awards. But you don’t have to be in Italy to view the annual affair. To see international broadcasts, check the Rai programming schedule by selecting your geographic area. The festival will also be broadcast on Radio1 Rai.

The Sanremo Festival is always an Italian entertainment experience, and with special secret guests expected this year, there’s no excuse for missing the singing or the spectacle!

From: ItalyMag

Another good reason to visit San Remo and the Italian Riviera, Western Liguria ….

What Knight Frank Report says about the luxury Italian housing market?

This report summarises the key market trends observable in the luxury Italian housing market. The report provides expert insight from our international network, highlights recent market performance, buyer demand and features a selection of prime properties being marketed by Knight Frank.

The global downturn led to a renewed interest in core markets like Italy with international buyers returning from their searches in less established locations. Now is an opportune time for those seeking the dream property and lifestyle that only Italy can provide.

Italy’s most desirable regions continue to attract international lifestyle buyers searching for their dream holiday home. Buyers primarily come from the UK, Italy, Scandinavia, Germany, Russia and Benelux countries. US buyers have returned to the market but only tentatively due to their unfavourable exchange rate.

Although the global economic downturn saw prices in parts of the country fall by around 20%, there have been few forced sales, and where vendors have been realistic in setting prices, properties are selling in reasonable timeframes. The top end of the market (€5m-plus) has been slow in comparison, with buyers in this range being more cautious than others on price.

Italy is still widely considered to be a strong, established, core market.

The first half of 2011 is likely to see relative price stability across the regions with the potential for a slight decline. The only vendors to experience significant price falls will be those who have not yet reduced their asking prices.

Italy is a myriad of destinations, each with their own unique charm and character.

Buyers are predominantly driven by their desired lifestyle – they seek the long-term enjoyment of a second home rather than a short-term investment opportunity.
For them, the importance lies in the architecture, the climate, the al fresco culture, the food and wine, the bustling cities and wonderful vistas. The country also represents a safe and trusted destination with good transport links and a solid infrastructure.
Buyer interest was reinvigorated on the back of the global recession, as those searching in less established locations turned to what are seen as the trusted core markets, such as Italy.

Transaction volumes increased in 2010 as buyer confidence returned. Buyers do however remain price-sensitive as a result of the large number of properties available in most areas.
Many vendors now understand the need to be realistic on price. But buyers should not expect to find many ‘fire sales’, merely pricing that reflects the current market.

Search Property in Liguria

Go to Knight Frank Italy

(from: Knight Frank)

Demand for homes in Liguria is reaching an all time high among foreign buyers. The competition for Ligurian properties is driving prices up, and attracting homeowners who will spare no expense in finding the perfect Italian getaway.

For anyone new to investing that may not have decided on which sector they should invest their money into, below are the top 10 reasons why property should be considered as one of their investments.

Region Liguria is situated in a very strategic position in Italy and has one of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in the country thanks to its unique micro-climate.  The combination of the two make it an excellent location for property investment.

Liguria Homes has come up with 10 reasons why you should consider investing in the Ligurian property market:

1.     Liguria is one of the top holiday destination in Italy and renting out a property here with a good return is very easy
2.     Properties in Liguria are a profitable investment and a good hedge against the inflation too
3.     Their starting capital value is revalued all the time
4.     Properties in Liguria have both high yields and low-risks so that no other region could be able to compete with them
5.     They are real and tangible and they don’t change their stuff in accordance with the economic situation too
6.     Their value can change, but in the last 60 years it is always increased
7.     Properties in Liguria are suitable for all the “portfolios” because of their flexibility and adaptability
8.     A property in Liguria is “cashable” in short time
9.     Fly to Nice, only 2 hour flight time from all the european countries with direct flights during ALL year
10.     Ligurian people are the most friendly, welcoming and outgoing people you could wish to meet

These are only 10 simple reasons, but, believe me, there are millions…

To Search Investment Properties in Italy or to ask for more information about Liguria Properties, please visit: www.liguriahomes.com

From: Italymag.co.uk

Demand for homes in Liguria, Umbria and Tuscany is reaching an all time high among foreign buyers. The competition for Ligurian properties is driving prices up, and attracting homeowners who will spare no expense in finding the perfect Italian getaway.

Expatriates are willing to pay enormous sums for a Ligurian address. According to entrepreneur Martin De Rosa, Germans spend an average of 300,000 Euros and 76% of British buyers look at buildings in the 300,000 to 500,000 euro price range. The Russian buyers put other foreign homeowners to shame, willing to put down over 900,000 for the perfect Ligurian home.

Property values have risen throughout Italy in spite of the global economic downturn, and 61% of real estate agents expect the housing market to get even better in the next two years. The thriving market is attracting buyers who are willing to pay up to 17,000 Euro a square meter for properties in Ligurian towns like Santa Margherita Ligure.

The increased interest in the region may signal a trend of foreign buyers moving away from major cities and preferring to purchase homes in smaller villages.

Record-Breaking Blue Flags

As prices hit record highs, Liguria has achieved a record number of Blue Flag beaches. In fact, the award-winning beaches play a major role in increasing the desirability of property in the region.

Blue Flags are awarded around the globe by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The sought-after distinction is bestowed according to a range of environmental indicators such as water quality and protection of nature.

In 2011, Liguria was awarded the most blue flags out of all the regions in Italy, so those seeking a prestigious coastal location can head east or west to find decorated beaches.

In the Western Riviera, blue flags were awarded to Camporosso and Bordighera in the province of Imperia. In the province of Savona, Albissola Marina, Albisola Superiore, Bergeggi, Celle Ligure, Finale Ligure, Loano, Noli, Spotorno, Savona-Fornaci, and Varazze were the most decorated beaches.

While
 in the Eastern Riviera, Chiavari, Lavagna and Moneglia were the recognised coastal towns in Genoa. Lerici and Ameglia-Fiumaretta in La Spezia were also awarded blue flags.

Location, Location, Location

It is unsurprising that foreign buyers are willing to pay high prices given Liguria’s incomparable location. The small region is bordered by the sea, the Alps and the Apennines.

Liguria is home to the famous Mediterranean seaside towns of Cinque Terre and Portofino.

In addition to beautiful beaches, the region is best known for its fresh seafood cuisine and as the birthplace of pesto.

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All the properties on the market in Liguria are on www.liguriahomes.com

Italy has 233 top beaches, two more than last year, in 125 municipalities. The figures emerge from the 2011 Blue Flag table, which certifies the services and environmental friendliness of coastal and lakeside resorts, as well as the cleanliness of the water.

Blue Flags are international distinctions, created in 1987 and awarded every year in 41 countries with patronage and support from UNEP, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Tourism Organisation.

LIGURIA’S TOP SLOT – Liguria again tops the regional table with 17 flag-winning resorts. Equal second with 16 are Marche and Tuscany while Abruzzo on 14 has one more than last year. Campania is unchanged on 12 and Emilia Romagna has one more flag this time with nine. But Puglia lost two flags and is now on eight. Veneto has six blue flags and Lazio slips back to four, leapfrogged by Sicily with six and Calabria on five. Sardinia secured blue flags for all five resorts taking part in the scheme. Friuli Venezia Giulia and Piedmont both confirmed last year’s two resorts while Molise and Basilicata have one flag apiece. This year, a resort in land-locked Lombardy joins the line-up, Gardone Riviera on Lake Garda.

In Liguria these are the 2011 Blue Flags: Camporosso, Bordighera (Imperia); Loano, Finale Ligure, Noli, Spotorno, Bergeggi, Savona, Albissola Marina, Albisola Superiore, Celle Ligure, Varazze (Savona); Chiavari, Lavagna, Moneglia (Genoa); Lerici, Ameglia-Fiumaretta (La Spezia)

Blue Flags for Marinas & Small Boat Harbours

The Blue Flagis an annual environment award to Small Boat Harbours or Marinas that have focused on good management of facilities and services regarding the environment and nature, as well as provide information to their users about the environment. To be eligible for this award, the Small Boat Harbour or Marina has to fulfil a number of criteria related to education, information and environmental management, safety, services and water quality.

Even for Marinas, Liguria again tops the regional table with: Portosole in Sanremo, Marina degli Aregai (Santo Stefano al Mare),  Marina di San Lorenzo, Porto di Imperia, Marina di Andora, Porto Luca Ferrari in Alassio,  Vecchia Darsena di Savona, Cala Cravieu in Celle Ligure, Marina di Varazze, Porto Internazionale Carlo Riva in Rapallo , Marina di Chiavari, Marina di Porto Venere, Porto Bocca di Magra (Ameglia) and Porto Lotti in La Spezia.

The Blue Flag Programme for marinas and beaches is run by the non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education). Today, Blue Flag has become a truly global programme with an ever-increasing number of countries participating in the programme.
The Blue Flag programme promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas.
It challenges local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in water quality,environmental management, environmental education and safety. Over the years, the Blue flag programme has become a highly respected and recognised eco-label working to bring together the tourism and environmental sectors at local, regional and national levels.

To know more: www.blueflag.org/ 

San Remo, Liguria: the “Castle of the Knights of Rhodes” for sale (XVII century)

Immersed in the quietness of an old hamlet on the hills of San Remo, called “Verezzo”, huge ancient country house for sale that was first a Castle used by the Knights of Rhodes, then in 1750 became a Convent with private Chapel.

At today, the property has the outside parts (facade, roof, etc) fully restored, while the interiors of around 700 m2 still need to be renovated. This ancient property for sale in San Remo Verezzo can be also a perfect B&B or farm or guest’ house…

This property in San Remo Verezzo is settled on 3 levels + terraces with panoramic view over the olive groves valleys and over the blue sea. The interior is absolutely fascinating with some of the rooms with the original arcade ceilings and others typical details. The Chapel and the olive-mill are absolutely fantastic…

There is also 3 hectares of land (with water source) with right to build more houses for a total of around 600 m2….

To have more info and pictures:

http://www.liguriahomes.com/en/immobili/sanremo/2v15/

Now LiguriaHomes can offer also luxury Villas for rent, for a month in Summer or for an entire year.

We have some fantastic Villas in Liguria for rent, all with sea-view and swimming-pool and landscaped private garden…

These Liguria Villas for rent are totally and well furnished, ready for max 10/12 guests.

Ask for more info.

info@liguriahomes.com

+ 39 334 9323000

The San Remo Music Festival is coming!

San Remo is a small Italian town near the border of France. Located on the Ligurian coast, San Remo is known as a beautiful resort town, but its true claim to fame is the music festival held there every year. The festival della canzone Italiana, commonly called the Sanremo Music Festival is one of the oldest singing competitions in Europe.

The song contest began in 1951 and has been held in Sanremo every year since. Well beloved in Italy and beyond, the Sanremo Music Festival even served as the inspiration for the Eurovision Song Contest.
The festival has launched the careers of incredibly famous Italian singers, including Andrea Bocelli, Zucchero, Eros Ramazzotti, Laura Pausini and Massimo Ranieri. But Sanremo is almost as much about the host as the talented performances. Every year, eager audiences tune in to see who will present the show. This year, Italian pop legend Gianni Morandi will host the show, with George Clooney’s latest love interest, Elisabetta Canalis and Italo-Argentinian model and TV star Belén Rodríguez as co-host.
The festival begins this year on February 15 and goes until February 19. On February 17, exactly one month before the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of a united Italy, the festival will celebrate the event with a special programme which will include Verdi’s “Va, pensiero”, “‘O sole mio”, “Viva l’Italia” and other songs that Italians love and which represent their history. Below is a list of the singers who will participate this year and the famous songs they will sing on the 17th.

Patty Pravo - Mille lire al mese
Nathalie - Il mio canto libero
Roberto Vecchioni - ‘O surdato ‘nnammurato
Giusy Ferreri - Il cielo in una stanza
Luca Madonia con Franco Battiato - La notte dell’addio
Max Pezzali - Mamma mia dammi 100 lire
La Crus - Parlami d’amore Mariù
Anna Oxa - ‘O sole mio
Modà-Emma - Here’s To You, La ballata di Sacco e Vanzetti
Tricarico - L’italiano
Al Bano - Va’ pensiero
Anna Tatangelo - Mamma
Luca Barbarossa e Raquel Del Rosario - Addio, mia bella, addio
Davide Van De Sfroos - Viva l’Italia

The song contest features many more participants than it has in the past and is now a huge television event. Italian audiences will be tuning in for an extravaganza: music, fashion, entertainment and awards. But you don’t have to be in Italy to view the annual affair. To see international broadcasts, check the Rai programming schedule by selecting your geographic area. The festival will also be broadcast on Radio1 Rai.

The San Remo Festival is always an Italian entertainment experience, and with special secret guests expected this year, there’s no excuse for missing the singing or the spectacle!

Vele d’Epoca di Imperia celebrate this year its 16th edition. Over the years, the Imperia Regatta has become one of the most important competitions in European vintage sailing calendar.

From 8th to 12th September 2010 Imperia Bay will be the setting for the 16th Edition of the “Imperia Classic Yachts”, one leg of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2010 international circuit, an unmissable event reserved for vintage and classic sailing boats , sponsored for the first time by the Ministry of Tourism.

This is an event which attracts increasing numbers of Queens of the Sea, each with her own fascinating story. But it is the warm hospitality and the series of events organised around the regattas which has drawn all eyes along the coast to this Italian town.
Visitors from all over the world are bewitched by the Riviera climate, the colours, perfumes and flavours of the Province of Imperia, and the breathtaking sight of a thousand sails silhouetted against the setting sun.

“There’s a lot of hard work on a classic boat…. no electric winches, only bent backs and arms hauling the sheets and hoisting the halyard on these masterpieces of the sea which the passion of a few have restored to their original splendour” – says Lucio Carli – President of Assonautica Provinciale di Imperia which has been the organiser of the event from the very outset.

The new face of PORTO MAURIZIO  means a more elegant setting for IMPERIA CLASSIC YACHTS: and improved facilities for participating boats which must have been built prior to 1950, the classic yachts built between 1950 and 1975 and their replicas recognised under C.I.M. regulations 2010-2013. Modern sailboats can also take part in the special “Spirit of Tradition” section if the design or construction materials are in the traditional style. Among these are the “classics” and the metric classes which include the 12 metre (International Rule), which have been the protagonists of the America’s Cup classic challenges.
2008 saw a new section with the invitation to craft in the historic “J Class” which will take part alongside the other well-loved sections. The “J Class” made history in the America’s Cup in the  30s thanks to characters like Lipton, Sopwith and Vanderbilt.
Since 2006 the Panerai – Imperia Classic Yachts event has been part of the “PANERAI

CLASSIC YACHTS CHALLENGE” which touches on some of the historic ports on the Mediterranean (Antibes, Cannes and Mahon) as well as overseas ones like Antigua, Nantucket and Newport. Every two years, Imperia is also part of the Circuit and plays an increasingly important role. Craft are divided into categories and challenge one another in exciting regattas.

The circuit, organised by A.I.V.E. (Associazione Italiana Vele d’epoca =Italian Classic Yachts Association) and C.I.M. (Comité International de la Méditerranée =International Mediterranean Committee) is divided into four regattas, plus some high seas races. At the end of the various trials, the Challenge winners will be declared in each class and category.

FRATELLI CARLI, AGNESI, has long been a byword for Mediterranean cooking and Imperia, together with FONDAZIONE BANCA CARIGE, PORTO DI IMPERIA SPA  and IMPERIA YACHT SRL, are present at this edition alongside the TITLE SPONSOR OFFICINE PANERAI and, together, have contributed much to a deeper understanding of the seagoing tradition. The Imperia Classic Yachts event will also see the Italian debut of EILEAN, the 22 metre ketch from Bermuda, designed and built in 1936 in the legendary Scottish Fife boatyards, recently restored to her original glory in the wake of conservative philological restoration which took over three years to complete. Officine Panerai, the Florentine luxury watchmakers and sponsor of the Classic Yachts Challenge was behind the purchase and restoration of this historic craft.
In order to celebrate the return to the regattas of this Queen of the Sea, there will be a real feast for all lovers of classic yachts, an exhibition along the quays recounting the story of the painstaking salvage and rebuilding which brought Eilean back to life, using original parts and historical photos of the boat.

Since the first edition, the Classic Yachts has been organised by the Imperia Sailing Association,  Assonautica Provinciale di Imperia, with a contribution from the Imperia Chamber of Commerce, under the sponsorship of the Liguria Region, the Province of Imperia, and the municipal authority and Prefecture of Imperia, with the administrative and logistical cooperation of the Harbour Office. The organisation and logistics of this event, one of the major ones in the Mediterranean, is possible thanks to the help of Yacht Club Imperia, Yacht Club San Marino,  Yacht  Club Marina degli Aregai, Club del Mare Diano Marina, Circolo Nautico Arma and Club Nautico San Bartolomeo al Mare.
The main area where the even will take place is in Calata Anselmi, the dock of Porto Maurizio but the entire city of Imperia is in a festive mood.

COLLATERAL EVENTS  to be held in the International Naval Museum on the western Riviera of  Imperia at Calata Anserlmi, Porto Maurizio from 8th to 12th September.

From: www.veledepoca.com

Looking for a Property for sale in Imperia? Real Estate in Liguria?

Go to www.liguriahomes.com

Where to buy in 2010

From: Primelocation newsletter
Author: Alexander Garrett is a freelance property writer who contributes regularly to The Observer and British Airways’ Business Life.

After a dreadful 2009, this could well be the year when Britons’ interest in buying abroad is re-awakened. But which countries should you be looking at? Here are our top five selections, balancing perennial appeal with a couple of emerging hotspots.

France. Any further weakening of the Euro will provide a green light for Brits to resume their love affair with France. The attractions are obvious: gastronomy and wine, uncrowded towns and countryside, and a better climate than at home – especially in the south. On top of that, France has one big advantage over all other destinations: accessibility. Security checks and airport congestion have taken much of the gloss off flying; but to France you can travel in your own car, or increasingly, by high-speed train. The choice of properties and locations in France is virtually unparalleled, from a run-down farmhouse in Normandy costing €30,000 to a super-villa in the playground of the Cote d’Azur costing millions.

Croatia. 2010 could be the year it finally happens for Croatia, a country that has unparalleled attractions for buyers of holiday homes, with 1,800km of unspoilt coastline, and more than 1,000 islands in the Adriatic Sea.  What’s more, it is set to join the EU in 2012, less than two years time. The country promotes itself as “the Mediterranean as it once was”, reflecting the unspoilt character of the coastline, with low-key development. It’s already a favourite among the sailing fraternity and while Dubrovnik is a world-famous heritage site, the peninsula of Istria is just coming to the fore as a rival to Tuscany with its olives, truffles and wine. Central Dalmatia, around the second city Split, is ripe for discovery. In the medieval town of Trogir, a three-bedroom house would cost you around £350,000.
Turkey. The hit destination of this latest recession, Turkey offers fantastic coastline properties at bargain prices. Being outside the Euro has made it even more attractive to British buyers, while the prospect of eventual EU accession enhances the overall investment proposition. Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is arguably one of the best value locations you could find a holiday home anywhere in Europe. And Kalkan is the most sought-after spot on this coastline, a former fishing village now bustling with restaurants and gift-shops, with boat trips readily available. Here you can buy a high-quality villa with fabulous sea views starting from around £200,000 – a fraction of what it would cost on the Costa del Sol. Prices still have some way to go as Turkey catches up with the western Mediterranean.

Barbados. There has to be one exotic inclusion in the list, and Barbados has shrugged off the recession to reinforce its position as Britain’s favourite Caribbean island. Rum punch, palm-fringed beaches, a vibrant nightlife and plentiful flights are among the plus factors. Barbados goes from strength to strength with ongoing development attracting high-profile buyers such as Wayne Rooney in the last 12 months. Knight Frank estimates that prices have fallen by an 22 per cent over the last two years; nevertheless, property is among the most expensive in the Caribbean, starting at around £150,000 for a one-bed seafront apartment and heading quickly up into the millions for properties at exclusive estates like Royal Westmorland or Sandy Lane.

Italy. While prices plummeted in Spain over the last two years, on another Mediterranean peninsula – Italy – property has held up fairly well. The simple reason is that Italy has never participated in the wholesale over-development that took place in Iberia, a policy that is now paying some dividends.  Now other Italian regions are encroaching on the radar: Liguria, Puglia, Abruzzo and Piedmonte to name a few. As a brand, Italy has class and is likely to prove an investment that holds its value.