Italy's alternative Riviera recommended

Italy offers a cheaper alternative to the French Riviera, it has been stated.

The Liguria region is close to the Cote- D'Azur but is cheaper to buy Italian properties in, the Independent reports.

Luca Catalano of estate agency RealItalia told the paper that "regular flights into Genoa and Nice" make it a highly accessible area for UK buyers.

While coastal one-bed villas cost around GBP259,000, those looking slightly inland can find lower prices, said Italian property specialist Gemma Knowles.

She remarked: "Nice apartments in towns can cost from around GBP215,000 while inland you can find homes in charming hilltop villages or farmhouses from around GBP130,000."

Italy was recently named as one of the countries to benefit from a growth in UK buyers thanks to the rising strength of sterling against the euro, the Financial Times reported.

Director of dealing at foreign exchange firm Currencies Direct Mark O'Sullivan noted that the improving pound had provide a "confidence boost" to British investors buying in Europe.