Calabria

Calabria is the up and coming holiday destination in Italy. As the southernmost region of the peninsula Calabria has been unaffected by mass tourism and remains largely undeveloped and sparsely populated due to the mass emigration of the 1950’s. Having shrugged off it’s mafia reputation and improved it’s transport links, Calabria and its friendly inhabitants are ready to greet tourists with open arms and to show off their enchanting homeland.

Calabria boasts some of the best beaches in Italy with miles of golden sand and crystal clear water. The azure waters of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas are among the cleanest in Europe and the sunsets are spectacular. While the climate this far south can result in August temperatures soaring above 40 degrees it also means that the period from March to November remains constantly warm and dry.

The foot of Italy offers far more than merely a beach holiday. The landscape is stunning and the Aspromonte mountains offer excellent walking opportunities. The town of Tropea is among the highlights of Calabria with a lovely cathedral and many shops, bars and trattorias. There are stunning views across the Tyrrhenian to the Stromboli volcano and perched upon a rock at the foot of the town is the church of “ Santa Maria dell’Isola”. Nearby Pizzo and Capo Vaticano offer a wide choice of excellent beaches.

There is no shortage of towns worth a visit. Cosenza and Crotone have more than enough to justify a day trip and hstory lovers will want to head down to Reggio to explore the famous Museo Nazionale with its vast collection of Greek artefacts.

The food of Calabria is as colourful as the region itself with red chillies predominant in many dishes. Seafood and fresh fish is on most menus and food connoisseurs should seek out the caciocavallo cheese and the Amaro del Capo liqueur.