Property Description

Spacious coastal apartment with plenty of potential in Gioiosa Marea

Spread across a bright and spacious 96 square metre layout, Appartamento Rosaria blends comfort, practicality, and real potential. With independent heating, three small balconies, and even a partial sea view, it’s a property that ticks many of the right boxes for a holiday home, rental investment, or first-time buyer looking for a foothold in Sicily.

Inside, the apartment centres around a large living and dining room filled with natural light, where air conditioning and twin radiators keep things comfortable year-round. The kitchen is fully functional, while the bathroom offers all the key fixtures, with space and scope for renovation down the line. Overall, the layout is simple, airy, and easy to reimagine to suit your needs.

With Appartamento Rosaria’s central location, the best of Gioiosa Marea is practically on your doorstep. The town’s main beach, Spiaggia Gioiosa Marea, is just down the road for sunset strolls and summer swims. If you’re in the mood for adventure, the surrounding coastline, nearby towns like Messina, Capo d’Orlando and Cefalù, and the Aeolian Islands are all easily accessible, whether by car, train, or ferry.

For those keen on a light project, Appartamento Rosaria presents an appealing opportunity. The bathroom may well need a renovation, the kitchen could be modernised, and some minor condensation and wall cracks will need addressing, but with solid floors, independent heating, and functioning utilities already in place, the foundations are set. Whether you’re dreaming of a holiday base, a rental property, or a full-time Sicilian escape, this apartment offers an affordable entry point with plenty of upside.

The Property

As you enter Appartamento Rosaria, you’re greeted by a large and bright living-dining room that serves as the heart of the home. This welcoming space comes furnished with two sofas, some large cabinets, a television with a working antenna, and a dining table, ideal for both relaxing and entertaining guests. Thanks to a generously sized window, the room enjoys plenty of natural light throughout the day. For added comfort, there’s a storage closet coming off the main room, and an air conditioning unit to help keep things cool in the warmer months.

From here, the layout flows easily into the other rooms of the apartment. There are two bedrooms, both of which feature their own small north-facing balcony. The first bedroom is furnished with a double bed, bedside tables, two large wardrobes, and a dressing table with a mirror. The second bedroom, currently arranged with a single bed, offers extra floor space that’s been put to good use with a sofa, a small table, and a bookshelf, making it a flexible room that could suit guests, children, or even a home office if needed.

Returning through the main living area, you’ll find the bathroom, which includes all the essentials: a toilet, sink, washing machine, bidet, a bath, and a separate shower. Next door, the kitchen offers a practical space for cooking, with a fridge, an oven, stovetop, twin sinks sharing a single tap, and ample countertop space, as well as space to add a small breakfast table. A south-facing Juliet balcony here adds a lot of charm and offers a partial sea view, an enjoyable backdrop for your morning coffee.

Each room in the apartment benefits from at least one radiator, with the main living room having two, providing reliable warmth during Sicily’s surprisingly cool winter months.

Surroundings

Appartamento Rosaria enjoys a prime location in Gioiosa Marea, perfectly positioned between the town’s main high street and its charming historic centre. This puts daily conveniences within easy reach, whether it’s a quick trip to the supermarket, a morning coffee at a nearby café, or dinner at one of the local restaurants. Pharmacies, a gym, and pubs are all just a few minutes’ walk from your front door.

For those drawn to the sea, Spiaggia Gioiosa Marea, known for its golden sands and sunset views, is just a short walk away. If you’re after something a little more secluded, Capo Calavà and Spiaggia del Bue are both within a 5 to 10-minute drive, offering rugged coastlines and quieter spots to swim or sunbathe.

Gioiosa Marea itself is a coastal town of about 7,000 residents, set between the Tyrrhenian Sea and rolling hills to the south. It’s known for its relaxed pace of life, scenic beaches, and traces of ancient history dotted around the area. Unlike many small Sicilian towns, Gioiosa Marea also has its own train station, giving you the option to explore the island without needing a car.

The town sits about two hours by car from both Palermo and Catania airports, making international travel straightforward. Closer to home, Messina’s beautiful cathedral is just an hour away, and Capo d’Orlando is a 30-minute drive west, offering a bustling marina, beach clubs, and a livelier summer atmosphere. Head another 45 minutes west from there, and you’ll reach Cefalù, famous for its medieval castle, long sandy beach, and the scenic hike up La Rocca.

Looking eastward, Tindari and its ancient theatre are just 20 minutes away, while the lush landscapes of the Nebrodi National Park are also within easy reach. For island-hoppers, Milazzo, about 40 minutes away by car or train, serves as the gateway to the Aeolian Islands, perfect for day trips or weekend escapes.

Potential

Appartamento Rosaria already benefits from good structural bones, independent heating, and a bright, well-laid-out interior, but there’s definitely room for improvement, making this an excellent choice for buyers looking to put their own stamp on a Sicilian property without taking on a full-scale renovation.

The bathroom is the area most in need of attention. While it currently contains all the essentials, it would clearly benefit from a renovation, perhaps by adding a cubicle to the shower and redoing the tiling on the floor and walls. It could also be worth thinking about adding another air conditioning unit to one or both of the bedrooms to help combat the summer heat.

Some signs of condensation and minor wall cracks have appeared in places, typical of older Sicilian buildings, especially those near the coast. Applying fresh plaster and paint could quickly lift the overall feel of the property.

That said, many of the expensive and essential elements are already in place: the floors in the other rooms are in good condition, the central heating system works, and the electrics and plumbing are all operational.

Whether you want a low-cost holiday home, a rental property, or a first step onto the Sicilian property ladder, Appartamento Rosaria offers solid value with plenty of scope to make it your own.

If you are interested in Appartamento Rosaria, or moving to Sicily in general, but don’t know how to get started, our team will be happy to help you every step of the way, and put you in touch with our affiliated specialists.