This is a very short post to let everyone know that I am flying to Sicily on Tuesday to look at two projects. Firstly I will be visiting the new marina at Licata which is now finished. Naturally I will be taking lots of pictures so that you can see how it looks, and also meeting with the developers to discuss the berths available and prices for both houses and apartments overlooking the marina, as well as any other details which might be useful.
The second development is in Agrigento, a few mile up the coast from Licata. This is for golfers, as it is being devloped by Rocco Forte and will be a spa resort complete with golf course right on the beach - a links course in Sicily. The development looks wonderful and is due for completion in 2009. It is early days and there is no sales offce yet, but the site is under construction, so again I will be taking plenty of pictures.
I will be back on Monday, so I will post on Tuesday with my thoughts and impressions on the coast and the developments.
If you are looking for a good solid investment, as well as an exciting new location for your boat, then the new marina currently being built on the Didim coastline in Turkey, could be the answer for you, and don’t be fooled - this is no second rate marina with few facilities. Included in the plans are all those ‘must haves’ for a top class resort including a heliport for the rich and famous to land with their friends and guests - surprised? - then read on!!
Turkey has a truly stunning coastline, great weather, fabulous food and the high standard of service that British and European buyers have come to expect from a second home destination. Property prices are also extremely reasonable when compared to more established European destinations. The country also has a feel of the exotic, and the reception from the Turks is never anything less than welcoming. Infrastructure is also good, with excellent roads and a wide choice of airports. In addition, the range of facilities and amenities, from water sports to retail therapy, is nothing less than phenomenal. Perhaps the only type of buyer that Turkey won’t appeal to is the golfer, with few courses having being built to date! The cost of living in Turkey is also very reasonable – perhaps 30 to 50 per cent cheaper than the UK. All in all, Turkey has a great deal to offer the British buyer – be it for investment, retirement or just a holiday home.
Construction is already well under way on the marina and associated infrastructure, and is scheduled to be open in the summer of 2009. Above is a schematic which shows the overally layout and design. The marina has been designed for yachts from 75 metres up to 150 metres, which are becoming increasingly popular in the Aegean and eastern Mediterannean, although there are ofcourse berths for smaller yachts!!
There will also be a shopping centre,several supermarkets, yacht equipment shops, a fitness centre and a sports facilities, banks, a petrol station, restaurants and a cultural centre. Five star hotels are already in place to serve the marina expansion. In addition the marina will also have local ferryboat management alongside, for cruises to the Greek islands of Kalimnos, Kos and Leros, as well a customs post, port authority facilities, and a passport control unit. Included in the plans are a yatch club, the heliport for the rich and famous to land helicopters direct on the site ( no walking to the yacht required!), a capacity for 623 berthed yatchs plus 600 yachts in dry dock, a yacht lift for 300 and 100 tonnes, and a swimming pool. It’s an impressive design in a beautiful part of the world.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with this part of the Med, I would urge you to visit this part of Turkey as it provides some wonderful sailing, particularly with the proximity of the Greek islands of Kos, Samos, Kalimnos, Leros and Patmos. With local property prices starting at £40,000 for a pretty two bed apartment, now could be the time to invest. You may not have the mega yacht yet, but an apartment overlooking the marina is a good start.