San Remo Music Festival 2012

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 says about the luxury Italian housing market?

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

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(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.

10 good reasons to invest in properties in Liguria

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

Foreign Buyers Spare No Expense in Liguria

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’s Blue Flag Beaches: Liguria top region again

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/ 

A Castle (XVII century) for sale in Liguria, Italy

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/