The Active Volcano, Mt Etna, as viewed from Piazza Armerina
- The Costa Del Sol and Mallorca are dramatically overbuilt and have lost their charm.
- Tuscany and Umbria are overpriced and inundated with foreigners. Your neighbors are likely to be American, British, Dutch, Swiss, etc. The true Italian experience has disappeared.
- Provence is subject to dramatic swings of weather, especially the Mistral winds and the winter rains. In the summer, the temperature often exceeds 90 degrees. The French Riviera is overpriced, congested and struggling with beach erosion.
- Madeira is too far away from mainland Europe for easy getaways. The Atlantic Ocean around it is quite cold, even in summer, and there are few attractive beaches.
- Easy access via non-stop, low-cost flights from many northern European cities to Catania, Palermo, and Trapani
- Reasonable prices, both for buildable land and existing villas
- Modern, un-crowded highways
- Low cost of living and real estate taxes
- Beautiful, warm seas with lovely beaches
- Delicious gastronomy and wines
- Unmatched cultural heritage (Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Normans, etc.)
- Variety of terrain, including mountains, forests and offshore islands
- Excellent value for money, not only to enjoy a delightful second home, but also to provide an investment
