With long summers and just over 1,800 miles of stunning coastline between them, the islands of Sicily and Sardinia are top contenders for some of the best value for money and long-term security in Europe, says Amy Grace

Italy rarely disappoints and if landing your own pad for revelling in la dolce vita is your aim but you want a property with a secure exit strategy and the potential for a good return, look no further. Sicily and Sardinia are the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, and both are popular holiday destinations for Italians, meaning that they offer robust domestic markets.

In Sicily, prices are still rising in top destinations such as Taormina, Cefalu and Ortygia, as property supply is limited. Jeremy Smith of Sicily Property Company finds that buyers tend to begin a search in areas they have heard of. “While this is understandable, areas that have already been discovered can be more expensive. The south-west currently has a lot to offer investors and holiday-home buyers. Towns such as Marsala and Scopello, are within an hour of Palermo’s airport, so if Ryanair were ever to pull out of Trapani, there is still a good link. It’s a pretty area with friendly people, and Arab culture is evident in the food, architecture and slow pace of life. Apart from wine, there is little industry here, which is reflected in the domestic prices and is, therefore, appealing to most Brits.”

Marie Louise Sherrington of The Sicilian Villa Company deals in sales and lettings and says that both islands have a unique attraction. “Many of the areas we sell in are conservation areas, so the landscape will remain the same and you can be sure that no one will build in front of your view. I usually pick properties that are tucked away inland a little, approximately five to 20 miles from the coast, and only those properties that would make a good holiday let, retirement location or investment.”

Sicily’s landscape varies enormously– unspoilt, white sandy beaches stretch for miles in the southeast contrast with the Catania – Etna area, with its pebbly beaches and deep, steeply shelving sea. Here, the narrow roads leading from small towns to the sea are surrounded by grey lava rock, whereas in the south east the stone is golden and cacti, olive trees and Carob trees flourish. The baroque towns of Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scili, just 90 minutes’ from Catania airport, are Marie Louise’s main area of focus.

“Buyers coming here are often fairly affluent and usually interested in history, culture and unspoilt areas. I have couples hoping to retire here and then there are investors who see the potential for working with architects and builders. We have a long season here and so if you’re considering renting property out, you can usually count on full occupancy from mid June to the first week in September, and then there are busy times such as Easter and bank holidays in May.”

Read the full article in our June 2009 issue.