Overlooking the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Calabria is a real hidden gem in southern Italy. With its magnificent beaches, unspoilt nature and rich cultural heritage, this land is a true paradise for lovers of nature and ancient history.
A hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Calabria in pills is the ideal guide to understand what is famous for Calabria and to know its most evocative wonders.
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Beaches of Calabria
Calabria is renowned for its enchanting coasts washed by the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. White sandy beaches and crystal clear water framed by imposing cliffs and lush vegetation stretch for miles along the Tyrrhenian coast while hidden bays and wild beaches, such as Capo Rizzuto and Soverato, sprout along the Ionian coast.
Among the Calabrian beaches not to be missed is also that of Capo Vaticano with its expanses of white sand, turquoise waters and panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands.
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Praia a Mare, known for its black sandy beach, offers a wild beauty and a unique landscape. The beach is surrounded by high cliffs and overlooking one of the symbols of Calabria, Dino Island, famous for its caves and crystal clear waters.
And ‘not to be missed also the beach of Capo Colonna near Crotone because characterized by an evocative atmosphere and a spectacular view of the ruins of the ancient Temple of Hera Lacinia, one of the most important archaeological sites in Calabria.
In addition to bathing relaxation, the Calabrian coast is also a paradise for lovers of water sports, such as surfing and snorkeling, thanks to the ideal conditions offered by the sea.
The nature of Calabria
Calabria is not only sea.
The hinterland of the “toe of the boot” is characterized by unspoilt nature and breathtaking landscapes. Its national parks are a paradise for hikers, offering trails immersed in wild nature and unique mountain landscapes.
The Pollino National Park, the largest national park in Italy, a true natural oasis, with majestic peaks, deep gorges and rushing rivers. Shared between Calabria and Basilicata, it offers a unique combination of biodiversity and spectacular landscapes. Its imposing peaks, including Mount Pollino, reach remarkable heights and offer panoramic views.
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Located in the mountainous hinterland, the Sila National Park is a vast protected area that embraces three mountain massifs: the Sila Grande, the Sila Piccola and the Sila Greca. This park is famous for its extensive forests of beech, pine larch and fir, which create a different environment during all seasons of the year. Here you can venture along scenic trails, spot wild animals and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking and skiing during the winter.
The Aspromonte National Park is located in the southern part and contains a wide variety of flora and fauna, including chestnut, beech and holm oak woods, as well as animal species such as wolves, golden eagles and roe deer. Here you can explore breathtaking landscapes, visit ancient abandoned villages, go hiking along scenic trails and admire the so-called waterfalls of Maesano.
Finally, located in the central part, the Serre Regional Natural Park is characterized by a wild nature, with deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers and rich vegetation.
Calabria between history and culture
The region is also rich in history and culture. Archaeological sites such as Scolacium and Locri Epizephyrii testify to the influence of the Greek civilizations that settled in these lands centuries ago. Medieval castles, such as the Aragonese Castle of Reggio Calabria and the Ducal Castle of Corigliano Calabro, tell stories of battles and past dominations.
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The historic city centres, with their cobbled streets and secular churches, are a real treat for the eyes. Here’s what not to miss to immerse yourself in the true authentic flavor of Calabria.
- Tropea – Tropea is known for its crystal clear waters and golden beach, but its old town perched on a cliff and overlooking the sea is a real gem to explore.
- Gerace – This medieval village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. With its narrow streets, secular churches and stone houses, it offers a magical atmosphere and a dip in the past.
- Cosenza – The city of Bruzi offers a fascinating blend of history and culture. Its historic center, with its imposing Norman-Swabian castle and ancient churches, is a real sight for sore eyes.
- Scolacium – This ancient Roman archaeological site, located near Catanzaro, offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in history and admire the remains of a theater, an amphitheater and an ancient basilica.
- Locri Epizephyrii – It is an ancient Greek archaeological site that offers a testimony of the influence of Greek civilization in Calabria. Here you can admire temples, theatres and other ancient structures.
- Pentedattilo – This village, located on a cliff, offers spectacular views of the coast. Its ruined houses and narrow streets create a mysterious and charming atmosphere.
Events and traditions
Calabria is also famous for its festivals, festivals and anniversaries that celebrate the culinary culture and local traditions. Among the most famous are the Chili Diamond Festival, the Red Onion Festival of Tropea and the Grape and Wine Festival in Ciro Marina.
In addition, religious festivals such as the Feast of San Francesco di Paola and Holy Week represent moments of great devotion while the patron festivals such as the Feast of Maria Santissima di Porto Salvo and the Feast of San Rocco animate the cities and villages with fires artificial, music and typical food.
The Calabrian cuisine
The Calabria guide in pills can not give up mentioning the traditional Calabrian cuisine. The region boasts a variety of delicious dishes, reflecting the authenticity and culinary passion of Calabria.
It is a cuisine based on high quality ingredients, often coming directly from the surrounding land and sea. The “toe of the boot” is famous for its production of citrus fruits, olives, hot peppers, tomatoes, red onions and marine delicacies such as tuna and anchovies.
From ‘nduja, a spicy salami typical of Spilinga based on pork, spices and chilli, to handmade pasta such as fileja and maccaruni seasoned with rich and tasty sauces, up to cheeses such as pecorino silano and caciocavallo crotonese flavor Calabrian flavors are a feast for the palate.
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For desserts, Calabria offers a wide variety of delicacies. Among the most famous are the petral or chjinuli (half-moons of shortcrust pastry filled with almonds, walnuts, figs, orange peel and tangerine) and the mostacciolo, (a kind of hard biscuit with Calabrian honey and mulled wine typical of the Calabrian tradition).
Moreover, Calabria is known for its quality wines, including the renowned Cirò, a robust red produced in the hills surrounding the town of Cirò Marina.
How to get to Calabria
Calabria is called the “tip of the boot” in reference to its position in the “boot” shape of the Italian peninsula. It is a region with a privileged position, bathed by two seas, become a crossroads of cultures and historical influences, since it has been dominated by different civilizations over the centuries.
This land is surrounded by the Ionian Sea to the east and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and bounded to the north by Basilicata and to the west by Sicily, from which it is separated by the Strait of Messina, one of the most famous sea arms in the world.
Calabria is kissed by the sun for most of the year, with a typical Mediterranean climate that offers hot and dry summers and mild winters.
To reach this land, you can use different travel options, from the plane to the car to the train. You can also arrive by boat.
If you prefer to fly, Calabria has three civil airports: the airport of Reggio Calabria with national and international connections; the airport of Lamezia Terme with numerous domestic and international flights; the airport of Crotone with mainly domestic flights.
It is accessible by car from anywhere in Italy thanks to the motorway network. The main highway to take is the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria while the state roads 18 and 106 run along the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coast respectively.
Those who prefer to travel by train can take the Tirrenica line that connects the most important cities of the north to the south, including Calabria.
The region has several ports that offer connections with other destinations: the Port of Gioia Tauro is one of the most important commercial ports of the Mediterranean; the Port of Reggio Calabria offers connections with Messina and the Aeolian Islands, as well as with Malta; the Port of Sibari, The Port of Vibo Valentia Marina and the Port of Villa San Giovanni offer connections to the Ionian Islands and Sicily. Get ready for an unforgettable journey and discover this region of irresistible charm.
Calabria Straordinaria is the official tourist information site of the Calabria Region
Copertina: lacnews24
