Ciao. We seek winter accommodation in

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08/01/2018 - 08:09

Ciao. We seek winter accommodation in Calabria, or possibly Sicily.  Initially, would like to spend a few weeks there from late November. Just to get a feel for things there at that time of year. Eventually, we hope to spend several months there in the winter. Originally, we planned to purchase a small apartment but some advised us that rental is a better option. Would be very grateful for advice, opinions etc. Many thanks  

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Thank you for your comment and thoughts, Steve. We are presently dealing with all those issues, having recently returned to Germany, and having purchased a house. I really struggle with Northern winters these days so a few months in a warmer, lighter climate would be a bonus. But the lack of home comforts is certainly something that concerns me. A friend has purchased two holiday properties in Italy and has had some issues to deal with and thinks rental is not a bad option. But it all comes down to the property itself and the location, perhaps.

Hello,  I spent my first winter in Calabria (Platania) this last January and February.  The small towns are very quiet in the winter months.  Many of the inhabitants leave the small towns in the winter which I think adds to the charm of the town.  No crowds and plenty of parking.  Winter is the celebration of the pig.  Festivals and changes to menus featuring the pig are all over Calabria.  And it is time for making all types of Salumi.  The area around Platania has many unique processes that other areas do not have.  I enjoyed learning their ways.I am excited to go back again this coming winter.  Feel free to ask any question you may have,I should also add that I fell in love with Platania and Calabria and bought a home there 5 years agoCiao, John

Hi John,Thank you for the info. I have to start researching Platania as well. Great to hear your enthusiasm.Thank you for offering to answer any questions. Am sure there will be many. 

Well John might be able to answer some of your questions that you have not already sorted. We rented initially privately on a 3 months basis and thereafter month by month. We ended up renting for 5 months and I would say having the need for a car for where we were that was the most difficult in terms of cost and organising (extending). I guess over winter it would be a lot cheaper and easier. More minor were things like garden tables, not been able have our other home comforts we would normally have.  The rental had most things like a washer, tv and the like, but there were things (like garden furniture) that were not there. Fortunately we found a house whilst renting and what with the owner and friends we bought a car and other things ready for the move which made renting easier.

Thanks for those insights, Steve. The car situation in the EU is a pain, and although we have solved the issue in Germany, we don’t really want to drive to Calabria. Am wondering if a pellet oven is a must in the winter. Suspect that might be challenging to find as well.