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La Torretta La Torretta La Torretta Beach Club

La Torretta Beach Club

Explore the real Italy...

Calabria is a wonderful experience that cannot easily be

La Torretta Beach Club

bettered.

La Torretta Beach Club is perfectly placed on the Costa Azzurra, the Coast of the Gods, to explore this exciting and vibrant area, known today as Italy’s Real Riviera. Indeed the “toe of Italy” really is Italy’s hidden jewel in the crown. The area offers a taste of authentic Italy with a laid back atmosphere, the perfect holiday destination.

Real Italy has a varied coastline of sands and rocky outcrops, which is so beautiful it has been given the name La Costa degli Dei: the Coast of the Gods. It is said that the gods felt this natural, aquatic paradise was just the place to settle their children. It is famous throughout Italy for its white beaches and the clear blue sea, ideal for bathing. The coastline is heaven on earth and once seen and enjoyed this paradise is never forgotten.

Within walking distance of La Torretta Beach Club is the seaside village of Briatico, once a small, quiet fishing port but now a charming seaside resort. This historic small Norman town of just 4000 inhabitants is located on what is known locally as the Costa Azzurra. It is 25m above sea level and on a slope, so again offers delicious views out over the Tyrrhenian Sea. In Briatico visitors can discover a classic piazza where villagers meet for coffee in the morning, family restaurants and a long boulevard leading to the sea. The area surrounding the town is scattered with numerous vineyards, orchards and olive groves.

La Torretta Myths and legends abound, interwoven around the dramatic landscape and the lovely Tyrrhenian Sea. The granite hillsides contort into mystical shapes which often assume the form of a dragon or a mythological animal, transporting the visitor into a magical world far from reality. Combine this with the fragrant air and spectacular light, a visit to

The town pulls out all the stops on July 16 to celebrate with style. Madonna del Carmelo Day sees the beautiful statue of the Madonna carried in a procession on a boat along the coast towards the beach of St’Irene. There are other interesting festivals throughout the summer too.

Italy

Southern

Calabria is one region in Italy that has remained true to its roots. Unlike other areas of the country where tourism and industry have taken their toll, much of Calabria seems to have been untouched by time. Driving along its sinuous and often mountainous roads, it is not unusual to come a cross a donkey loaded down with firewood, or a shepherd leading his flock, lazily across a “highway”.

In small cities and towns across the region, old men spend hours playing cards at tables in the main piazzas, while grandmothers still dressed in black, sit on their doorstops to gossip with those who pass by. The region’s landscape, although often very rugged, has something for everyone. Surrounded by water, it has golden beaches, and seas that contain almost every kind of fish imaginable. Moving inland towards La Sila Grande, one finds an area unlike any other in Italy. It has snow-capped mountains, streams and waterfalls, and miles of evergreen forests. The region, once remote from the rest of Europe, is now easily accessible. A couple of hours fly time from northern Europe, the area is now served by airlines flying direct in to the modern Lamezia Terme airport. Drive south along the coast road, with breathtaking views……. Who could fail to be entranced?

Romantic villages cling to the pine clad granite hillsides, clear blue, sparkling waters lap 800kms of pristine, clean, white sandy beaches and hidden coves. Citrus orchards and olive groves clothe the landscape of beautiful Calabria, leading onwards and upwards to fragrant pine, beech and chestnut forests. Add local wine, a distinctive and hearty cuisine, centuries of fascinating culture and a relaxed Italian attitude, and the love affair with “the real Italy” begins! The region’s long and fascinating history has given rise to the diverse and exciting culture and cuisine Southern Italy enjoys.

Calabria

Today Calabria is a haven of peace and tranquility but this was not always so. Its position at the “toe of Italy” made it an ideal target for conquerors from the sea. The land was first settled by mainland Oscan speaking tribes, and it was one such Oscan tribe which introduced viniculture long ago in history. The Greeks recognised the area as perfect for the expansion of their empire and they established powerful and flourishing towns and cities along the coast. Such was its importance that the great philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras set up a school in Crotone in the fifth century BC.

HistoricTropea Tropea is so lovely it is considered to be one of the seven pearls of the Mediterranean Sea. Known as the St Tropez of southern Italy, it is the most important and fashionable centre on La Costa degli Dei.

The fabulous town is just 10 minutes south along the coastal road which runs just outside the new La Torretta Beach Club. It was lovingly described by early visitors as “a truly lovely historic stronghold that sprouts straight out of a 300ft crag with a cliff edge cathedral”.

This 12th century Cathedral is the home of the icon of the Madonna di Romania. Tropea’s history dates back to the times of the Romans when Caesar Octavian was defeated. Built on a reef in the Gulf of St Euphemia, the attractive town, crammed with lovely 17 and 18th century buildings constructed for rich merchants with courtyards, colonnades and important porticos, is popular with both locals and visitors. It is famous throughout Italy for its quaint and irresistible labyrinth of cobbled, narrow streets, pretty

buildings, friendly restaurants and bars. It offers explosive views of Stromboli, especially at sunset and on August 12 the setting sun appears to drop right into the cup of the volcano, like a bright red boiled egg! The Church of Santa Maria dell’Isola in Tropea is one of the icons of the region. It was built in the year 800 as a Benedictine Monastery, and sits on a tiny island just a few metres from the mainland of Tropea. The church is known as one of the wonders of Italy in miniature. The Tropea area is also renowned for producing the very best sweet

red onions in Italy and there is even a red onion ice cream to celebrate this fame! One of the town’s many food festivals, the Blue Fish and Red Onions Festival, is tremendously popular with visitors. The town now has an attractive marina to add to its charm. Boats cruise from the marina to the romantic, nearby Aeolian Islands and also Stromboli.

Pretty Pizzo At Pizzo Calabro the mountains meet the sea and the views are simply beautiful across the Gulf of Lamezia Terme and include Stromboli, the landmark volcanic island. Just like Tropea, the town is noted for its fascinating long, narrow alleys, almost all linked to the lower part of the city by ancient staircases The city centre is dominated by the Aragonese Caste which was built in the 15th century and the beautiful Church of St Matrix George Martyr.

The castle houses a charming museum which traces the city’s often turbulent past! For those who like to shop, the town boasts shops selling typical Calabrian products and of course local souvenirs. Pizzo also boasts a large “balcony” looking out over the sea offering visitors panoramic views of the whole coast. La Piazza della Reppublica is the focal point of the city, both for tourists and for locals. It is surrounded by historic bars where it is a sheer pleasure to sit and savour the world as it goes on by whilst sampling the delicious local ice-cream: Il Tartufo di Pizzo. Without a doubt, Italy is the home of

ice cream and Pizzo contributes to the world of gastronomy with the world famous Il Tartufo. This amazing chocolate ice cream with a zabaglione centre, so named because it suspiciously looks like a truffle, was first made in the town to honour the visit of Prince Umberto I of Savoy in 1943 and it is still served up today to much acclaim in the town’s 16 gellateria or ice cream parlours. From the Square take the stairs to the Marina and enjoy a refreshing walk along the Promenade. A walk along the beach to the north of Pizzo is also a must. It takes the visitor to the Church of Piedigrotta. This was built into the granite hillside by shipwrecked Neapolitan sailors as an offering of thanks to the Virgin Mary for saving their lives.

With the scent of fragrant Bergamot filling the air, Briatico is rightfully regarded as a place of extraordinary beauty with an unique character and charm. Spring in particular brings a never ending sea of flowers in a rainbow of colours and the herbs and spices of charming Calabria combine with the salty sea air to create an exotic magic. Myths and legends abound at Briatico, not least at the stunning Sant’Irene a landmark rock reaching out into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Legend has it that the mermaids of the Mediterranean were imprisoned in tunnels deep inside the rock, the tunnels having been hewn by mythical creatures, half man half fish. A few hundred metres from the shore is the mystical island of Sant’Irene, where once the Romans fished for tuna, another location to set the imagination racing.

Briatico is a place for relaxation and for fun. Between its steep ledges come glimpses of breathtaking panoramas and of course the views of the Torre La Rocchetta, the picturesque ruin of a 16th century Saracen tower. The area is rich with archaelogical sites and pottery, tools and beautiful jewellery have been found dating back to the Iron Age. Old meets new with style and vitality in this town of contrasts. The area is known for its transparent blue seas and Italy’s most perfect white beaches, some of which are only accessible by boat from the town’s lovely new marina. Inland the area is crisscrossed with vineyards, orchards and olive groves and the flora and fauna are stunning.

Breathtaking Briatico The town still has a daily supply of fish from the Tyrrherian Sea. The town’s restaurants and bars are famed for their cuisine made from the fresh ingredients grown right here in southern Italy.

La Torretta La Torretta Beach Club

La Torretta Beach Club is actually named after the landmark Norman look-out tower just on the beach it looks down on to. Like the original tower, La Torretta Beach Club also shares good views, at 22m above sea level the development affords delightful views of the turquoise Tyrrhenian. The beautiful position just 300m from a truly lovely beach, and is set in beautifully landscaped grounds amid citrus orchards and olive groves. The new development comprises 60 apartments and town houses, all of which have been built to the highest specification in traditional Italian materials, featuring traditional roof tiles, local stone and wood. Calabria has strict planning rules and the development has been designed to enhance the beautiful coastal area.

Luxury is the watchword and La Torretta Beach Club is a five star development. All residences have been designed to make the most of the relaxing climate. Cool, restful interiors are styled to celebrate the simple rustic charm of southern Italy, using the very best materials.

The seven larger town houses offer three bedroom, two bathroom accommodation and are carefully positioned to take full advantage of the beautiful landscaped grounds and the resort’s facilities. Each apartment enjoys stunning views out to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Ground floor apartments enjoy gardens front and back while those on the first floor are equipped with balconies and a roof terrace if desired, ideal for year round sunbathing. La Torretta Beach Club residents enjoy five star excellent facilities just metres away

from their front doors. The ground floor Beach Club Restaurant serves up a wide selection of regional foods and the roof terrace bar, with its stunning views of the sea and local area, is ideal for a chilled glass of the local vino, Ciro Bianco, For those who enjoy being pampered La Torretta has its own spa and sauna as well as a fully stocked beauty salon with the very latest

treatments on offer. The complex also includes a ground floor mini supermarket and shop. A large swimming pool is placed in the centre of the palm fringed site and is available for all residents to use. There is ample space for sunbathing round the pool. For those who prefer to bathe in the sea, the beach is just a few minutes walk away.

La Torretta Beach Club

Ground floor townhouse example with patio & lawn areas

This is an example of a typical three bedroom, one bathroom townhouse

First floor townhouse example

A typical one bedroom, one bathroom ground floor apartment

Round and about La Torretta Beach Club

La Torretta

La Torretta

Beach Club

It is very tempting to choose to enjoy the five star luxury of La Torretta Beach Club and not venture out into the neighbourhood.

The warm climate all year round makes Southern Italy a very special destination. So much so that today, Southern Italy, and Calabria in particular, has been identified as one of Europe’s premier up-and-coming places to invest in stylish properties.

Hotel Dolomiti sul Mare

Hotel Baia della Rocchetta

For those who would like to enjoy a taste of the real Dolce Vita of Southern Italy a short walk in the sunshine offers much to tempt the visitor.

A Luxurious 5 Star development of three bedroom, two bathroom townhouses and one bedroom apartments set amongst the citrus and olive groves of the Calabrian coastline... Sun-soaked southern Italy which lies almost at the centre of the azure blue Mediterranean Sea is one of Europe’s most beautiful regions and a place where it is said the surprises never end!

Italy is the home of the pizza and the fresh ingredients readily available in Calabria make the local offering a delicacy not to be missed – and expect to pay a lot less than further north. So head for the Goccia di Mare Pizzeria, set right on the edge of a perfect white beach lapped by the sparkling waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, a perfect setting to enjoy eating over a glass of wine or a cool Martini after a dip.

Residence Albatros Pizzeria Goccia di Mare

There are no restrictions of foreign ownership of properties in Italy. So happily this makes any property purchase in Southern Italy relatively hassle free.

A typical one bedroom, one bathroom first floor apartment

There is camping in the tree lined grounds of the sophisticated Hotel Dolomite sul Mare. The main hotel is a lovely stone building set in colourful, landscaped gardens, with an airy dining room and a terrace bar with big umbrellas to shade visitors from the summer sun. Catch up with evening entertainment and fashion shows during the season or enjoy sailing and windsurfing off the beach just 500m away. There is nightlife too at Hotel Baia della Rochetta, close to the landmark look out tower, which again boasts stupendous views out over the sea. As well as a disco, the hotel offers hydromassage, a huge tempting pool, tennis and even billiards.

The nearby Baia Punta Safo Hotel is a well known local landmark built in an ancient village style with lovely arches and stonework. The Hotel, which boasts magnificent views of the Aeolian Islands over limpid seas has a sporting complex with football, volleyball, tennis and diving on offer.

Calabria is without a doubt the country’s best kept secret and its newest property hot-spot. This is given weight by the Italian equivalent of the Land Registry which hails the area as one of the country’s most affordable regions offering wonderful value for money.

Baia Punta Satō Resort

Bed & Breakfast ‘Piana Di Vadi’

La Torretta Beach Club

Look in too at the Residence Albatross, a lovely hotel described by visitors as “pure relaxation on the beach and almost absolutely perfect.”

Distance from beach = 165m

Beach Bar

The Green Garden Club attracts a European clientele, hence the German beer garden. With two pools, lots of sunbeds and umbrellas it is an ideal spot to relax. When the going gets hot try a cooling ice-cream. The secret is out …they are free all day!

Green Garden Club resort