Ryanair 'opened up southern Italy'

Ryanair's cheap flights from the UK to southern Italy will open the area up for travellers and people looking for holiday homes, an industry expert has said.

Mike Dunkerley, director of the Global Property Group, explained that cheap flights to southern Italy could help that area to develop into a holiday destination to rival parts of Spain.

Ryanair launched its direct service from Stansted to Lamezia in February and holidaymakers have been using the route to gain access to this fascinating region throughout the summer.

Mr Dunkerley said: "Ryanair have done for this region what the budget airlines have done for easy access to Spain.

"They've made it highly accessible - two and a quarter hours flight. You can get back and forth without busting the bank."

He added that low-cost airlines meant that people could fly to southern Italy for just £50 return. In the past, flights could cost around £300 which put people off visiting the area.

The Calabria region of Italy is situated at the 'toe' of the country, south of Naples. The area boasts beautiful beaches and interesting medieval towns.

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