Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts

Thursday, June 6, 2019

LE MARCHE BEACHES AT ITS BEST

If you’re traveling to this region in Italy, you cannot miss the lovely Le Marche beaches. Le Marche beaches in general are lovely but be sure the weather permits sunbathing.
Long stretches of soft sand mingling with patches of gravel or rock beaches make for an interesting coastline.
Butting right up against the Adriatic, this seaside is one you must experience at least once in a lifetime.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Le Marche beaches, mainly focusing on the Conero which has the most beautiful beaches to choose from.

Due Sorelle Beach

“Due Sorelle” literally meaning two sisters, names this unique spot. Two twin rocks marks the beach, hence the name.
The beach is characterized by its crystal clear waters, smooth pebbles, and soft white sand. There are no businesses on the beach and it’s a very secluded area for adventurers and beach bums alike.
If you like to venture out into the sea, rent a kayak and paddle around the coast. Another main feature that this beach is known for is the turtle release, famous in another town called Numana.
This beach is the main spot on the Riviera del Conero. It’s a place for magical, romantic moments and has a great atmosphere for soaking in the sun.
It simply can’t be put into words. A daily ferry can take you here from the aforementioned town of Numana as well as Sirolo and Marcelli.
Due Sorelle Monte Conero. Le Marche beaches, Italy
Photo by Lino M at Flickr

Mezzavalle

This beach has an interesting entrance path. A tough but scenic trek to this beach will make the dip in the sea that much sweeter.
It takes around 20 minutes to reach the cove and the free beach through much of the surrounding vegetation.
There aren’t many businesses around this secluded beach. Come prepared with your own equipment. The main differentiation of this beach is the blue water.

San Michele

The path along the beach of San Michele is full of vegetation and wild life, along the slope of Monte Conero. Close by the beach, you can access restaurants and shops.
However, if you prefer to spend the day just feeling nature around you, this is a great place also. It’s easy to stay away from civilization and crowds here.
The views are incredible and near by, you can visit the Sassi Neri. This is a beach with dark sand. It’s a magical site and one that is well worth the trip!

Spiaggia della Scalaccia

This beach is somewhat of a lagoon. It’s a natural cove area starting from Osteria del Baffo di Pietralacroce. After walking for around 30 minutes you will reach the coastline.
It is more secluded and not very crowded. It’s a perfect spot for a more intimate-time-away from crowds and tourists.

Portonovo

This beach is for water-sports-lovers. It’s a great place for diving, windsurfing, and snorkeling. Additionally, there are many private beaches providing beach equipment, such as chairs, umbrellas, etc.
It’s very crowded during the holidays and weekends. Come early if you need to park or expect to find good spot on the free beach. Its pebbly beaches have characterized this beach.
Portonovo. Le Marche beaches, Italy
Photo by Angel Torres at Flickr

Monday, May 27, 2019

YOUR FIRST TRIP TO ITALY – 10 TIPS

TRAVEL LIGHT

Tourists, especially from the United States, are used to having escalators and elevators in every building. If this is your first trip to Italy, it is very important to note that there are many places that have only stairs. Consider this when you’re packing! I suggest packing only a carry-on if you can manage it, but if not, be sure your bags are not too heavy to lift.
Traveling light will make it a whole lot easier to get on and off the trains. This is important as the trains make very quick stops. So you need to be able to quickly grab your suitcase/or bag and get off quickly. Just imagine how difficult this might be if you have to drag a heavy suitcase!
Corinaldo, Ancona, Marche, Italy *

DON’T TRY TO SEE EVERYTHING

Since it’s your first time in Italy, we understand that you want to visit all the beautiful places. But the problem is – there’s just too many! Do not try to see everything! Italy is such a beautiful country and it can be tempting to want to see all the tourist sites that you have read about. But in reality, you are more likely to enjoy your trip by taking you time and moving at relaxed tempo.

ITINERARY SUGGESTIONS


Let’s say your first time in Italy is only 10 days, we suggest limiting your itinerary to three places. Trying to visit more places will force you to spend a large amount of your time in transit, which can be exhausting, especially if you boarded a long-haul flight to Italy and factoring in your recovery from jet lag.
It’s best to blend some relaxation and sightseeing, which always makes up a quality itinerary. A combination of the sights in Florence and Rome with other locations like Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Lake of Como or Cinque Terre, that are more relaxed, is a good way to be sure to enjoy every place to the fullest. If you are looking to add in one or two other places that possess a “rich” Italian charm, then Venice or Verona in Veneto, Lucca or Arezzo in Tuscany, Milan or Bergamo in Lombardy, are also great choices! It’s all about finding the perfect balance without missing too much. Not putting too much into your plan will ensure a more fantastic first time in Italy.

IS YOUR TRAIN TICKETS VALIDATED?

Chances are you will be taking a train at one point or the other during your trip. If this is your first time in Italy, this is one of the most important travel tips: keep in mind that whenever you are going to take the train, there are two steps in getting your tickets. The first step is purchasing your ticket, and the second step (which is very important) is validating it.
Many tourists visiting Italy for the first time assume that once they get their train tickets, they can board the train right away. But before you board the train, your ticket must be validated by inserting it into one of the yellow validating machines strategically located throughout the train stations. They are hard to miss and easy to use.
The validating machine registers the ticket and marks the day and time of the train ride, this ensures that each ticket is used just once.
Ticket inspectors carry out routine checks to ensure that riders have validated tickets. They don’t show and sympathy for tourists, even if it’s their first time in Italy. So if you can’t find the machine or are running late and need to jump on, be sure to find a worker immediately when boarding and let them know. They will punch a hole in your ticket for you beforehand so that they remember. If you do not validate your ticket, you will be asked to pay a fine.
how to validate train ticket in Italy

HOW IMPORTANT IS RENTING A CAR?

Speaking of trains, transportation is one of the most important factors when planning a trip. And people always want to know whether renting a car is necessary or not. The advice to people traveling to Italy for the first time is that they should plan on transiting the country using the train system. It can be quite a real challenge driving in Italy, especially in the cities. In the city centers, you typically need a permit so you can end up with issues and fines that are just not worth the hassle. This is your first time in this beautiful country, lay back and enjoy it!
The Italian train system is very well-connected, so without a doubt, you can almost anywhere by train. The trains in Italy run frequently and are easy to use(remember to validate your tickets). For example, visiting cities like Venice, Rome, Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, etc. are all easily reached by train from many other cities. Check out individual train costs depending on where you would like to go or the EuroPass, which allows a certain amount of trips regardless of the cities. Either way, rest assured, you don’t need a car to experience all the wonder of Italy.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

NATIONAL PARKS OF LE MARCHE

LE MARCHE NATIONAL PARKS

  • Sbillini Mountains National Park
  • Conero National Park
  • Gola Della Rossa and Frasassi Regional Park
  • Monte San Bartolo Regional Park
The region of Le Marche – or Marche – is a magical one for a number of reasons. Apart from the wine, food, kind people, etc, it’s abundant with natural beauty and national parks.
Much of the region is equipped with national parks, full of greenery, mountains, and rich views.
Here we’ve compiled a list of some of the region’s best main national parks to explore during your visit.

SIBILLINI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

The park covers nearly 700 square kilometers. This national park has been a sight to see since its establishment in 1993.
The park is mainly mountainous and stretches across the 4 provinces of Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Macerata and Perugia.
These protected areas between Umbria and Le Marche consists of many different natural environments.
Mountains, rivers, streams, wooded forests, hills, and gorges fill this first mentioned of the national parks.
When exploring this spot, check out the Infernacico Gorge or mountain top sites such as Piani di Castelluccio di Norcia, il Redentore, and the Pizzo del Diavolo. The last literally means the devil’s beard.
Photo by FedeGrad at Wikimedia CommonsCCA-SA 4.0

CONERO REGIONAL PARK

This park features a smaller portion of land but just as beautiful. In 1987, this 60 square kilometer park spreads over the Ancona province, through Ancona, Sirolo, Camerano, and Numana.
Monte Conero gives us the unique cliff which is far from easy to trek to. Steep paths lead the way through the Conero Regional Park with views of green countryside, hills, rocky coasts, and cities.
Photo by Francesco Gasparetti at Flickr

GOLA DELLA ROSSA AND FRASASSI REGIONAL PARK

On the slope of the Apennine mountains, this 90 square-kilometer park is a natural zoo of sorts. The park is said to be the most beautiful of all the protected parks in Le Marche.
The image of the hedgehog is the symbol of the park itself for their abundance in addition to royal eagles.
The municipalities of Serra San Quirico, Fabriano, Arcevia, and Genga host this natural wondrous area. If you’re visiting, be sure to check out the Grotte di Frasassi.
Photo by Claudio.stanco at Wikimedia CommonsCCA-C 3.0

MONTE SAN BARTOLO REGIONAL PARK

Moving to the Urbino and Pesaro province, this park spreads across only 15 square kilometers.
These national parks features a section of cliffs over the coast of the Adriatic. They have a magical coastline with plenty of rural inland area. The park has a fascinating and wild environment.
View of valleys, low sea levels, and wooded areas living in harmony since the beginning of its protection in 1994.
These are just a few larger main national parks. The region is equipped with plenty of smaller areas, parks such as Sasso Simone, Abbadia di Fiastra Reserve, Simoncello Park, and Cardeto Park.

Sunday, May 12, 2019

HOW TO BRING YOUR PET TO ITALY

PETS IN ITALY

On the streets of Italian cities and towns, it is not uncommon to see dogs leave their calling cards, showing an aspect that is quite gross, for lack of a better word. Therefore, be on the lookout when you walk.
In Italy, many dogs’ owners do not proper attend to theirs dogs. For instance, they may not take them out on long walks in the countryside or give them proper open areas to run around. Instead, they only take them to small dog parks or normal local parks; some even let their dogs loose on the streets to expect that they care for themselves. However, some cities do not condone such deeds and a dog owner may be fined a sum of €30 for not cleaning up any excrement your dog has deposited on the street. Though, unfortunately, the law is not obeyed by most people. Nonetheless, any dog owner is expected to use a poop scoop to pick up the feces left by his/her dog.

QUARANTINE PROGRAMS WHEN BRINGING PETS TO ITALY

When a healthy pet is arriving Italy, no quarantine is necessary. Although, an ISO standard microchip with appropriate scanner or another equivalent and a bilingual (Italian-English) health certificate issued by an approved veterinary surgeon are required.
Also, a rabies vaccination, which is not less than 20 days or later than 11 months before the health certificate is issued is required for cats and dogs. While a cat and dog that are less than 12 weeks old may not need the rabies vaccine, a health certificate indicating that no cases of rabies have been recorded in at least 6 months in local area of the dog is a must! For dogs coming in from countries that are known for high incidence of rabies, they must present a certified rabies blood test result a month after their first vaccination and a minimum of 3 months before they arrive in Italy.

TRANSPORTATION OF PETS IN ITALY

A shipping company should be notified beforehand if you’re planning to transport a pet by ferry or boat. This is because some companies will let you transport your pet in a vehicle while some will let you transport it in a cabin. If your dog is an aggressive type and is not used to traveling, you are advised to sedate the animal during the journey.

If you wish to transport your pet via air, every airline has its own rules and regulations. Consult the airline you are traveling with to know exactly what the procedure is concerning the transportation of your pet!

PET IDENTIFICATION

When a dog gets to 3 months, it is expected that its owner register it at the local dog bureau. It is part of the Italian regulations that a registered dog be tattooed not only on its ear, but its body too, as a symbol of registration. However, due to advancement in technology, the microchip identification method is gradually effacing the tattooing method.
In Italy, dog tax has been stopped. Because many dog owners refuse to pay tax, claiming that their animals are working animals. Identification discs are not worn by cats and dogs in Italy and no system of licensing is available either. Nonetheless, dog owners are encouraged to wear collars and tags containing the dog’s name, phone number and address on it.

If a lost dog is found, it is taken to local pound. And if not claimed by an owner, the dog may be put down. But If dogs are to be taken on a public transport, it should wear a muzzle. Also a leash must be attached to it. Also, If you will not be carrying a dog on a public transport, then, you must pay full fare for its transportation. If your dog is too big, it may not be allowed that you travel with it on a public transport.
Vaccinations of Pets and Native Diseases in Italy

VACCINATIONS REQUIRED

For cats, the vaccines required include Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP), Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and rabies in a minimum of 4 weeks before arriving Italy or in the last 12 months.
For dogs, the vaccines required are: Hepatitis, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Parvo, (DHLPP) and rabies in a minimum of 4 weeks before arriving Italy or in the last 12 months.

Pets in Italy face a number of dangers and diseases, which are not common in other European countries. These diseases include what is known as sandfly disease or Mediterranean. This disease is incurable once contacted. The best shot is to prevent the disease by reducing the time a dog uses outside the house during afternoon scorching sun . Or the time a dog spends outdoor at night. Meet with a veterinary surgeon to ask for other preventive measures that can be taken.

WELFARE AND INSURANCE

Ente Nazionale Per La Protezione Degli Animali is responsible for animal welfare in Italy. It is responsible for sheltering abused animals and animals that have gone astray. It also runs economical and affordable pet hospitals in a number of cities in Italy.
A dog may die after eating food that has been poisoned. Which may have been laid down to control predators by hunters. So, take very good care of your dog when taking it on a walk in rural areas.
Puppy of Bracco italiano
Do not let your dog roam about alone without monitoring it. It could be mistakenly shot at by a hunter or be stolen. If you live in a place where there are poisonous snakes, you can keep anti-venom. Which must be changed yearly and stored in the refrigerator.
Many insurance companies offer health insurance for pets, so seek out the one that suits you and your pet. It is advised that you have a 3rd-party insurance should your dog cause an accident or bite someone.

Friday, May 10, 2019

7 TRIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE DRIVING IN ITALY

The Italian autostrada, major highways, can be a daunting experience. Also, with the general perception of Italian driving and the fact that the country is equipped with a great train system, most tourists don’t even consider to rent a car. We’re here to say, have no fear! The following are all you need to know to understand driving in Italy. So, if you’re considering renting a car, keep reading.
FUEL
The most important thing when driving is, of course, fuel. The stations on the autostrada are mostly self-service and allow you to pay with a credit card. Some that have been updated may ask for a PIN number, so it’s safer to have a debit card ready if your credit card does not have a PIN. Filling up the tank is a pretty easy task so don’t be too worried about this part, it’s similar to self-service gas stations in other countries. The majority are but some stations are also not self-service. Be mindful that Italy uses the metric system, so your gas prices are measured in liters. Also, on the autostrada, gas prices are a minimum of 15–20% more expensive than others off this these particular highway roads.
Italian station service *

REST STOPS

This article wouldn’t be able Italy if it didn’t mention food! Going along with the typical perception of Italians and their food, even the rest stops have delicious treats. Sandwiches, coffee, and all your basics, even small trinkets are available at the Autogrill. A restroom and gas station is also available here. You may be surprised that you end up looking forward to these stops along your journey.
Italian motorway Autogrill *
SPEED
As you knoe, it’s a pretty common stereotype that Italians drive very fast. While there may be some truth to the craziness of some drivers, it’s true of anywhere. And speed is actually monitored fairly well on the autostrada.
Italian generic speed limits
Speed cameras line the highways and tickets are sent automatically to car owners. If you are renting a car, the agency will not only charge you for the speeding ticket but add an additional fee for processing each one. Speed limits are displayed on circular white signs with a red outline and the numbers in big black type.


Tuesday, May 7, 2019

ITALY’S TRAIN SYSTEM AND TICKET OPTIONS (TRAIN GUIDES)

LOCAL TRAIN SYSTEM OF ITALY
Traveling around Italy is really simple using the train system, whether it’s the national or private train service. You have plenty of options, dates, times, and they’re very easy to buy in advance or at the time of travel. However, you usually cannot buy more than 4 months or less before. So don’t be alarmed if you’re searching and cannot see something so far in advance.
Regional trains in Italy are usually the least expensive and don’t need to be booked ahead of time. They aren’t cheaper when you buy in advance and you can purchase them at a machine kiosk at every train station. If you don’t see a machine at the station, be sure to find a train worker as your enter the train to explain and buy your ticket directly. If you are caught without a ticket, you will be fined. So just let them know and they will allow you to purchase directly onboard. You may see some terms or abbreviations when searching for regional trains such as interegionale (IR), diretto (D), espresso (E).
Train information in Italy *
If you see regionale veloce (fast regional), this is the train that will make less stops along the way but typically regional trains stop at every station. On these trains there is no reserved seating so spending a little extra for first class may be worth it. If you have a long way and are traveling with suitcases since first class can be less crowded. If you decide not to buy in advance, make sure to validate your ticket before entering the train. There are small yellow machines typically at every platform to insert the ticket. It will be stamped with the time and date. This step is very important because if you do not validate your ticket, you can also be fined!
TrenItalia is the national train site of Italy. It’s simple to use and you are able to change the language to English. Here you can register as a member of buy as a guest; there’s no need to create an account when buying. To search for options, you can choose round-trip or one-way, and simply enter the departing and destination cities. If You have the ability to pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal then you will get your PDF via Email, Once you purchase your tickets online. You can print them or simply show the PDF to the ticket checker as they come by on the train. Be sure, if you don’t have WiFi, to download the PDF beforehand and save it in a safe place on your phone.
Italo train *
Italo is the private train company in Italy. Their trains are usually newer and much nicer than the other options also depending on the class variation that you choose. This might be best to use for long journeys which is typically what they offer.

Monday, May 6, 2019

LAKESIDE PROPERTIES IN ITALY

While this Mediterranean peninsula is surrounded by 7,500 kilometers of seaside, there are also magnificent lakeside views as well. The majestic, serenity of some are complimented by the dramatic landscapes of others. Whether you fancy a sand lined lagoons, fresh water sanctuaries amongst the mountains, or hillside forest surrounded ponds, Italy can offer it. Lakesides are more peaceful and hold great holiday homes or even year-round living quarters.
Lake, Iseo, Lombardy, Italy *
The main lake district is in the North of Italy, consisting of Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore. However, there are more throughout the country. We will dive into the Northern lake district first and then move on to the other regions. While all of Italy’s coasts are beautiful, the lake coasts are particular and offer a very different feeling than that of the sea. Many areas hold restrictions on building development so the value of the home and area that you fall in love with when buying the property is protected. The real estate market is very safe in Italy with a constant flow of demand, even if it’s slowed in recent years. This country does not experience many spikes in the market in general and property holds its value very well.

THE NORTHERN LAKES

Close to the metropolis that is Italy’s northern cities, the lakes of the north offer the most stable infrastructure and wealth. Wealthy northern Italian families search for second homes here also so properties are expensive as the demand is high. You can find some good deals of course if you shop around. This is a great location for connections for travel to other cities or countries. All the lakes are close to Milan, Italy’s main working city with incredible connections to the rest of Europe. Italians enjoy these waterside towns as a break from the city life. This is a wealthy area with high quality of life.

LAKE COMO

Lake Como is one of the most well known lakes of Italy. It’s famous for many things, especially its beauty, but also because the world famous actor, George Clooney holds a property here. Some believe this is the most romantic and beautiful of all the Italian lakes but each have their charm and none is much better than another.
Lake, Como, Lombardy, Italy *
The vibe of this lake can be quite dramatic and surreal. With views of the Alps, and misty fogs, it can be a scene right from a old romantic painting. With its narrow Y shape, each coast offers a view of another coastal town on the lake. Many famous people own properties here and many towns offer a feeling of sophistication and elegance. It can be quite pricy so if you are looking for property here, be prepared to spend a pretty penny.

LAKE GARDA

This lake is Italy’s largest and most visited and situated about 80 miles east of Lake Como. It’s a fantastic place for windsurfing and sailing due to its access to northern winds. During the summer months, it becomes very crowded and offers mountainous terrain and views to the north, slowly decreasing, getting flatter and flatter as you move down the coastline. You can find villas and apartments here, many part of developments offering common pools. However, villas may have many amenities on their property specific for that place itself. Garda is very family friendly with many kids around the area. However, it is probably the most expensive to buy property here of all the lakes.
Lake, Garda, Lombardy, Italy *

LAKE MAGGIORE

To the west of Lake Como we find Lake Maggiore. This lake also offers similar views and is breathtaking. The east side of the lake is better for purchasing property and is less crowded than the west. A 1-bedroom apartment runs at about €120,000 while a 2-bedroom place gets up to €180,000 starting out. Stresa, on the western side is the most expensive. If you’re purchasing a property with the intention to rent it out, around 8 months of the year, you will probably have bids for renting. If the property is a convenient spot for skiing purposes, you may find people to rent for more times of the year.
Isola, Bella, Lombardy, Italy *

CENTRAL ITALIAN LAKESIDE

While foreigners may be most familiar with the lakes of the North, there are dozens of lakes of varying sizes all over the country. The central regions are home to some beautiful lakes as well. In the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and the capital city of Rome are in this area. So, while you may not have the close metropolitan and wealthy north, the central regions offer the best wines and other breathtaking landscapes. They are more inexpensive than the northern lakes and offer more warm months out of the year.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

LE MARCHE PROPERTY, SEARCHING TO BUY IN CENTRAL ITALY

PROPERTY IN LE MARCHE

If you are searching to buy a property in central Italy, you’ve probaby considerered the two regions Umbria and Tuscany. However, Le Marche property is a less expensive option that can be absolutely beautiful also.
This region offers a combination of mountainous terrain, rolling hills, countryside plains, and the sea.
For price estimates of properties, you can easily find the information you are looking for on Italy’s main real estate sites: Osservatorio di Immobiliare. Also, click here for prices in this specific area.
Buying or renting in this region is a great steal considering the prices here are the lowest in central Italy yet you don’t sacrifice anything.
With a Le Marche property, you have access to all the magic of this part of the peninsula at a much cheaper price.
Country House Le Marche Property, Italy

Le Marche Property Pricing

From prices recorded in January of 2017 and 2018, the average cost of property dropped 4%. They went from about €1.853/sq.m. to €1.774/sq.m.
Since the last official calculation, the prices have continued to drop significantly. Also, countryside homes are even less than these recorded averages.
As a result, they could cost as little as €900/sq.m. City apartments are more expensive and bring up the overall average of prices of Le Marche property.
Additionally, if you are looking to buy property here in Italy, it’s important to familiarize yourself with certain terminology. Homes of different types may not be the same as you are used to.
Therefore, begin your search with the right keywords. In the section, “property types” below, we have compiled a list of the property types. These are most likely the names you will see and what you can expect.

Property Types

  • Attico or Mansarda = Attic
  • Loft or Open space = Loft
  • Appartamento = Apartment / Flat
  • Villetta a schiera = Townhouse
  • Casa indipendente = Independent Home
  • Rustic or Casale = Country-style Home / Farmhouse
  • Villa = Villa
  • Palazzo or Stabile = Building / Mansion

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

REAL ESTATE BUYING GUIDE IN ITALY

The process of buying a property can seem daunting enough in your home country. But fear not, it’s not so difficult and the process in Italy is very similar to those of other countries.
Due to reading this article, you’re one step closer to the Italian home of your dreams and hopefully will come away from it with less fear and more enthusiasm.
If you haven’t considered the idea of purchasing property in Italy, we hope to get you thinking after discovering how simple it can really be.
Going through Real Estate Agents in Italy is a safe process. Due to a law passed requiring strict selections of exams to be registered at the Chamber of Commerce.
Every agent must be registered and therefore must take and pass the exams. This guide applies to off-plan and resale properties.

OFFERTA; PURCHASE OFFER

The Real Estate Agent will assist in presenting a formal offer to the seller of the property. It is written up in Italian and English along with a down payment/deposit of 10%–20% of the purchase price.
Therefore, this payment legally binds the sale if the offer is accepted by the seller. This is the caparra confirmatoria.
If either the buyer or seller would like to negate the sale, one of the parties involved can claim damages to the property and return the down payment.
If the seller backs out, the buyer may be eligible for a refund with additional fees paid by the seller.

COMPROMESSO; PRILIMINARY CONTRACT

This is the phase which consists of all the details that will be outlined during the sale. At this step, all questions about the sale are answered.
All information is written in a preliminary contract if the seller accepts the offer.
Interior of italian home photo *
The final purchase price and conditions of sale are in this contract. Also, it will include a detailed description of the property along with any allotted permissions or planning and cadastral details.
The contract is signed when the caparra confirmatoria is paid. Also, paid to the Real Estate Agent is the commission fee, or provvigione.

ATTO NOTARILE / ROGITO; DEED OF SALE

The deed of sale must be signed and transferred in the presence of a Notary, or Notaio. The only individual during this process with the legal authority to transfer properties in Italy from one person or entity to another.
The buyer is responsible for hiring and paying the Notary. However, this person should be completely unbiased, independent, official of the public, responsible for ensuring the legality of all documentation during the sale.
This is obviously the most important step so we recommend finding an English speaking Notary. This makes it more comfortable and easy to understand everything during the process.
You may also ask detailed questions and ensure clear, transparent answers, without miscommunications.
We also recommend using a bank account to do the transfers and handling everything with a digital paper trail.

FINAL SEE & PAPERWORK

Within 3 months of the deed of sale completion, a copy of the paperwork should be available. This is 3 months after the Notary process completion and official purchase date.

REAL ESTATE & TAXES

Additional costs and taxes are paid. €150 is paid to the Notary from 3 small taxes. The government also values the property in order to impose certain taxes. This is the valore catastale.
If the buyer moves to Italy and applies for residence within 18 months of the sale, the registration tax or stamp duty, known in Italian as imposta di registro, is 2%–4% of the valore catastale.
Also, the tax goes up to 9% if the purchase is for a holiday home or investment property. This is without the buyers attempt at residence in Italy.
Additionally, 20% of earnings is payable as capital gain if it’s bought and sold within 5 years of the purchase.
Whatever the difference, if positive, in which the buyer sells the property for, 20% of that must be paid.
Interior of italian home photo *
If this property is an investment with the intention to rent it for additional income, this income is subject to tax by the Italian government.
Each year, the property owner must report the income amount made through this property with appropriate deductions (repairs, expenses, and local taxes paid). Authorities tax this income.
And it’s also reported in the buyer’s country of residence with a double taxation agreement. This will ensure the buyer only needs to pay the taxes on this income once.
Local taxes also factor in property ownership. The IMU or TASI property tax, or imposta municipale sugli immobili, is a 0.7%–1% local council tax.
Local government decides the percentage payable per year. This is in two payments, December and June.

ANCONA, LE MARCHE

Ancona is the capital of the Le Marche region, therefore it’s clearly a must visit during a trip to this region. Those traveling between Greece or Croatia will likely pass through Ancona as a travel hub.
This area features great weather while crowded with things to do like visiting the coast, lovely restaurants, museums, bars, monuments, etc.
When discussing the must-sees of Ancona, a few specific places come to mind that we have outlined here.

THE SEA

Bay of Portonovo

This is a great escape from the constantly-buzzing city life. The coastline is spectacular, from the forest areas to rich sandy beaches and mild sea temperatures, it’s a paradise for many.
Moving a bit away from the seaside, we run into the bay. Most noteworthy, the Portonovo Bay, is a beautiful sight to all who pass through. You can’t miss this site in Ancona.
Photo by Claudio.stanco at Wikimedia Commons*CCA-SA 4.0

Passetto Beach

This is the best place to be in this area for the beach and seaside walks. It’s a refreshing area of salty sea air and soothing sounds of the waves crashing along the shoreline.
There is a place of soft sand in order to relax and also rough cliffside which lead to the magnificent beaches.
Whether in Ancona or visiting all of Le Marche, it’s a good pit stop for some sun and sea during the summer months.

SITES AND ARCHITECTURE

Mole VanVitelliana

Being one of the most well-known attractions of Ancona, this iconic complex truly stands out among the rest of this city’s land.
It is located in the center of the harbor area, close to Parco Publico Cittadella. This area is where boats and cruise ships seat themselves for a few days or extended periods.
The Mole Vanvitelliana is extremely beautiful, with fabulous courtyards. Interestingly, this structure was originally intended for victims of Leprosy.
Photo by Ludushka at Wikimedia Commons*CCA-SA 3.0

The Amphitheatre

The ancient amphitheater is a structure that is very important to the city of Ancona. While it is not as magnificent as other examples of this type, it’s still a fantastic piece of architecture.
The theater was built by Augustus and was used as a place of study and practice for young gladiators and also for artistic practice.

Piazza del Plebiscito

This is the main square of the city of Ancona. The San Domenico church, National City Museum, the public library, and the government building are all in the Piazza del Plebiscito.
Consequently, its historical and present day importance is very overwhelming. This piazza features a variety of building structures that intrigue the visitor and keep the local people entertained.

Monday, April 29, 2019

ITALY’S 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

ITALY’S 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL GARDENS


One of the many things which distinguishes Italy from many other countries is its unique combination of the unparalleled collection of ancient art and its Eden-like gardens. The nature, beauty, culture, and historical aspects of many of the following gardens are huge differentiators. The regions of Lazio, Tuscany, Liguria, and Lombardy feature the 10 most beautiful gardens and parks in this most beautiful country.
FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA

PARCO DEL CASTELLO DI MIRAMARE, TRIESTE

The Castle of Miramare is already something of fairytales, situated on the sea. But, This enchanted garden area is home to a beautiful butterfly garden, featuring about 150 species of butterflies and moths. It seems a matter of fantasy while among this beautiful patch of lush greenery. The area overlooks the Gulf of Trieste and is teeming with various plant species also, viewable through the winding paths and lining the ponds of varying sizes throughout the park as well.
VENETO

PARCO GIARDINO SIGURTÀ, VALEGGIO SUL MINCIO

The Garden Park of the Sigurtà family is best known for its springtime flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and more tulips. It’s the best in Italy and Southern Europe for these flower types. Over the long history, this garden has been the property of a variety of owners. However, the current owners, the Sigurtà family, took over in 1941. This garden adds a special value to the special combination of historic culture and nature that is the region of Veneto.
LOMBARDY

VILLA CARLOTTA, TREMEZZO

The Villa Carlotta looks over the spectacular waters of Lake Como and the peninsula of Bellagio. The view of the alps as the backdrop will take your breath away. With the variety of plant species, your eyes can charm with different uniqueness at every turn. Various azaleas totaling around 150, camellia hedges, tropical plant species, rhododendrons, a valley of southern ferns, and ancient conifers are magnificent sites of nature’s magic. The bamboo garden and the pergolas of citrus plants allow for views within the gardens of intense difference to the surroundings and will completely captivate you. The climate of the area allows for this wide amount of plant species to thrive. The villa itself also has a collection of art.
PIEDMONT

VILLA TARANTO, VERBANIA

Also among the most beautiful in the world is the garden of Villa Taranto. It is split into sections to support each of the unique contents: flower beds, herbariums, greenhouses, and lush terraces. The terraces are comprised of seven kilometers and tens of thousands of varying greenery.

LIGURIA

VILLA GROCK, IMPERIA

This Villa opens to the public from 2010, while the gardens opened first in 2006. These openings after a very long process of restoring liberty, oriental, art-deco, and rococo elements. The villa received its name after the famous Swiss clown, Charles Adrien Wettach whose stage name was Grock. Europe’s greatest clown, a field of work appropriate in naming such an peculiar and oddly magical place.
TUSCANY

PARCO TEBAIDE, SIENA

The unique name of Tebaide Park comes from a desert in the upper region of Egypt. The Hermits populate This desert in the Middle Ages, following Christianity. The paths of the gardens show statues of many friars in praying positions, religious chapels with marble frescos, and statures of saints. Additionally, through the wooded area are stone crosses along the paths. This park was constructed between 1698–1705 and is located inside the Villa di Cetinale complex.
VILLA MEDICEA DI CASTELLO, FLORENCE
The Medicean Villa of Castello is split in three terraces among the hills and countryside of Florence. 16 lush rectangular garden beds are spread across the first terrace with a great fountain situated in the middle. The second was named the garden of citrus fruits and features plants potted in wildly ornamented decorative pots totaling around 500! A thick oak forest makes up the third terrace.
UMBRIA

LA SCARZUOLA, MONTEGABBIONE

The garden, La Scarzuola, is a surrealist’s imagination bring the life. The structures are odd and features various monuments, theaters, statues, and staircases amount the many paths throughout the wooden area. You may feel as though nymphs or fairies may just pop out next to you at any moment in this fantasy-like garden. This was the vision and creation of Tomaso Buzzi, a well-known architect. He creates a world of utopia for the visitor. This is a unique experience you will be glad you didn’t miss.
LAZIO

GIARDINO DI NINFA, CISTERNA DI LATINA

“The most beautiful garden in the world,” –The New York Times. This is a spot you must see in your lifetime. The Ninfa River crosses through the garden, giving birth to water bank plants and a variety of others on the gardens other areas. There are plenty of streams which spider off of the river also. The restoration and development of this property was the responsibility of Lelia Caetani who built it on top of Ninfa, a Medieval town which was in ruins. This is a lovely spot to venture through, world-renowned in the region of Lazio.