Calabria captivates tourists at first sight with its wildness and originality. It is not surprising that the great poet compared the region to the sweet caprice of the Most High, who, tired of the creation of the world, gathered all the best in this part of Italy.
History
The first settlements in Calabria appeared in ancient times. In the 8th century BC, the ancient Greeks settled here and built cities such as Ipponio, Medma, Metauro, Locri, Crotone and Sybaris. In the 3rd century BC, Roman colonies appeared, who made an invaluable contribution to the development of the region by building cities and trade routes here. However, the Romans needed forests to build ships - this caused great damage to the local nature.
In the 5th-15th centuries, the area was attacked by various conquerors. Byzantines and Goths, Normans, Lombards and Saracens ruled here. On the territory of Calabria, the remains ofarchitectural structures related to different eras. In the middle of the 19th century, the region became part of the united Italy, the city of Catanzaro became the capital.
Climate
Calabria has a mild Mediterranean climate. The weather is mostly warm and sunny, rains are very rare. Even in winter, the air temperature rarely drops below +10°C, while the sea temperature remains at +16°C. In summer it is warm and comfortable, + 26 ° С … + 29 ° С. Calabria is very hospitable in September, when the real velvet season begins here.
Location
Mountains, the Calabrian Apennines, occupy about 42% of the territory, and the landscape of the rest of the region is predominantly hilly. No more than 8% of the territory falls on the plains. Due to the fact that the entire peninsula is crossed by ridges, the local rivers are quite short, but there are many artificial lakes.
The area is washed by two seas: Ionian and Tyrrhenian. If you are interested in a more precise location, then Calabria on the map of Italy is the narrowest point of the boot peninsula, its southernmost territory.
How to get there?
To visit Calabria, you can book a flight to Naples or Rome. Further options are possible: traveling by train or flight, which will allow you to get to the final destination called Calabria. The airport is located in Lamezia Terme. The railway runs along the sea coast, which will allow you to enjoy the view of picturesque landscapes. Air travel will save time, and the directions are formed in a variety of ways.resort towns of the region.
Holiday features
The beauty of visiting this corner of Italy lies in the fact that it combines a beach holiday on the coast and picturesque mountains, unique untouched nature and a holiday season that, as it may seem, does not end. In the spring (early March), a ski resort still functions, and on the sea coast you can meet vacationers who bask in the rays of the gentle sun. The people of the Nordic countries are happy to come here in autumn.
Ecology and nature conservation are given special attention. Sea water is incredibly clean, and local fish and seafood are very he althy. The construction of multi-storey buildings in the region is prohibited, and everything is conducive to a wonderful holiday. The lack of large industrial plants has made the area ideal for resorts.
Where to stay?
In Calabria, along with traditional hotels, villas and apartments built on estates or on farms that grow olives, grapes and citrus fruits, produce wine and collect honey are considered a very popular settlement option. This settlement option is called "agriturismo".
Often equipped with estate hotels. The owners are hereditary aristocrats who managed to preserve the unusual old atmosphere. Vacationers will get a real pleasure, admiring the exquisite furniture, frescoes, original works of art. Here, tourists can order sausages and local cheeses.production a couple of days before departure if they want to take something with them.
Calabria offers a variety of settlement options. Hotels are aimed at vacationers of different levels. You can comfortably relax in a 3hotel, where accommodation is provided in spacious and functional rooms, good conditions for family holidays are created, there is a restaurant, bars and an indoor pool. 4hotels are recommended for accommodation, where they will offer an expanded range of services. In 5hotels, everything is thought out as much as possible for a comfortable stay, animators work, there are discos and a lot of entertainment.
Sea vacation
The area stretches along the sea coast. No wonder the beaches of Calabria are so popular with vacationers. The local resorts have long been visited exclusively by residents of large cities in Italy, such as Rome, Turin and Milan, focused on the highest standard of living. But soon the popular resorts of Reggio di Calabria, Soverato, Tropea, Scalea and many others became known far beyond the borders of the country, and Calabria became one of the most popular destinations. The reviews of tourists who spent a wonderful holiday here played a role.
Reggio Calabria Resort
The city is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations in Calabria. The years of foundation of Reggio di Calabria are not known for certain, but it is believed that the first Greek colonies appeared here already in 750 BC. Historically, from time immemorial, special attention has been paid here to the development of art and science, and its own school of philosophy was founded. The city was constantlythe focus of the conquerors, as it was at the crossroads of important sea and trade routes. At the end of the 18th century, Reggio di Calabria was severely damaged by an earthquake.
Walking along the promenade, getting to know the Cathedral, ancient churches and mansions - this is the whole hospitable Calabria. Reviews of tourists will be another proof that the direction for the rest is chosen correctly. Among the local attractions, special attention should be paid to visiting the botanical garden and ancient monuments (Roman baths and ancient city walls).
Soverato Resort
On the coast of the Ionian Sea lies the cozy town of Soverato, which is ideal for a beach holiday. This is one of the most beloved resorts that Calabria offers. The map of Italy shows that the city is located on the Gulf of Squilace, not far from Catanzaro, the capital of the local province.
The main type of recreation is visiting the beaches that stretch along the coast for many kilometers. Of the sights, the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary, the Marincolla Palace and the Santicello Botanical Garden deserve special attention.
Tropea resort
One of the most beautiful resorts, where the architecture is distinguished by rigor and sophistication. The city is built on a rock formed from volcanic tuff. The coast is washed by the waters of the gulfs of Gioia and Sant'Eufemia, in the purest water are the reefs of San Leonardo, Isola Bella, La Pizzuta and Formicoli.
Localsandy beaches are recognized as the best. They are covered with soft white sand. Occasionally, along the coast you can see bays and grottoes that look majestic. The picturesque view of the coast is complemented by hills where magnificent fruit trees grow.
Scalea Resort
Surrounded by mountains and the sea hides a great place to relax. This city is chosen by those tourists who appreciate comfort. It is here that modern hotels, villas are built, and the beaches are equipped with everything necessary for receiving guests. The city has a developed tourist infrastructure, which makes it more attractive for tourists.
Sights include the Old Town, located on a hill at some distance from the resort. The tower of La Torre Talao, built in the 16th century and performing defensive functions, is considered a symbol. The church of San Nicola in Plateis is worth a visit.
Ski holidays
Despite the fact that it is very hot in the coastal zone of Calabria, the climate of the mountainous part is quite severe. Due to the peculiarities of the landscape, Calabria, which tourists' reviews are impressive, is ideal for skiing. Landscapes seem even more amazing if you look at the azure, turquoise, purple and emerald waters of the washing seas and bays from the snow-capped peaks.
A popular resort is Camigliatello, where tracks are built for beginners and experts in skiing, there are tracks located in the mountains and on the plains. You can ride snowmobiles, ATVs.
Tourists are advised to visit Palumbo. The slopes of this resort center are located on the mountainCarillon. The small resorts of Lorika and Chirilla receive visitors.
Kitchen Features
Those who prefer seafood dishes, love fish (usual and exotic varieties), holidays in Calabria will seem like paradise. The main components of the dishes are mussels, shrimp, lobsters, tuna, swordfish and hammerhead fish. Here they cook pasta and cheese, pizza in a special way. Fans of gourmet drinks will be able to appreciate the unique taste of local Calabrian wines, which are considered among the best on the peninsula. Lemon zest is used to make Cedro and Limoncello liqueurs, which are drunk before meals, believing that they stimulate the digestive tract.
Local residents independently produce olive oil, the raw materials for which are obtained here. They grow grapes, figs, potatoes, wheat and citrus fruits.
As for pasta, or "pasta", the local housewives love to pamper their relatives and guests with home-made products, and they rarely cook from semi-finished products. Pasta sauces are made from tomato, fish or meat. In some areas, you can enjoy delicious sausages, which are also part of the national cuisine.
Excursions (Calabria)
A trip to the Aeolian Islands involves a visit to the active volcano Stromboli, consisting of bas alt and andesitic lavas. Further, tourists are taken to the island of Panarea, where a unique village of the Bronze Age, consisting of oval huts, is still preserved. A peculiar center of the excursion is a visit to the island of Lipari, where there is a museum with unique exhibits 4-1millennium BC The coastline is dotted with rocks and caves. The last to visit is the island of Vulcano, whose unique landscape was formed as a result of volcanic activity.
Excursions to Pizzo Calabro are combined with a visit to the city of Tropea. In Pizzo, it is worth taking the time to walk around the old town with its squares and narrow streets. Not far from the sea there is an amazing cave, inside which the church of Piedigrotta hid. Picturesque Calabria, the sights of which are represented mainly by ancient buildings, offers the ancient town of Tropea for inspection. The most interesting places are the Norman Cathedral and the Church of St. Mary, which is on a small island. Tropea was practically not damaged during the earthquake at the beginning of the 20th century, and therefore the local old buildings are of real historical value.
When making excursions to the town of Scilla, or Scylla, it is worth listening to an interesting legend about its origin. Noteworthy are the Church of the Holy Spirit and the medieval castle of Ruffo, where one of Napoleon's marshals was executed.
A trip to the city of Sera San Bruno is unthinkable without visiting the local baroque churches, as well as the Certosa Museum, founded in the 12th century. Calabria is extremely rich in architectural and historical monuments. There are attractions in almost every village. Tourists are offered to visit Sicily or book a night tour to the Stromboli volcano, stay in Dzungri, where they taste salami, cheese, vegetables andwine.
Calabria: reviews of tourists
In addition to the well-known and popular resorts, tourists are advised to visit Diamante, to admire the works of local painters who adorn the walls of houses. Or stroll through the food market, which is open on Saturdays: buy amazing homemade cheeses and all kinds of sea fish.
Those who are fond of diving will get a lot of impressions from the trip. In addition to the colorful underwater world, tourists will be lucky enough to see the remains of ancient ships that sank off the coast.
Be sure to visit Vibo Valentia, it offers a great view of the Gulf of Santa Eufemia. There are excellent opportunities for recreation here, with organized beaches and historical monuments such as the St. Norman Castle and the Cathedral of San Leoluca.
Not far from Tropea is the cozy town of Capo Vaticano. Those tourists who crave new experiences should definitely come here. From the local beach you can see the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna, rising from the depths of the sea. Everything around is saturated with the mysterious spirit of antiquity.
The most ancient cities of the province are Crotone and Sibari Marina, on the territory of which archaeological excavations are constantly conducted, and local archaeological museums are full of exhibits from different eras of ancient history.
What to bring from Calabria?
In some provinces of the region, special alcoholic drinks are produced, such as "grappa" or lemon liqueurs, wines. You can order cheese or honey, which is prepared on farms. And they take it from herealcoholic drinks based on bergamot and reproductions of bronze statues. There are no special restrictions on the export of goods and souvenirs from Italy. It is forbidden to export works of art and archaeological values.
