Calabria captivates tourists at first sight with its rampant and originality. It is not surprising that the great poet compared the region with the sweet whim of the Almighty, 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, who built such cities as Ipponio, Medma, Metauro, Locri, Crotone and Sibaris. In the 3rd century BC , colonies of the Romans appeared, making an invaluable contribution to the development of the region, having built cities and trade routes here. However, the Romans needed forests to build ships - this caused great harm to the local nature.
In the 5-15 centuries, the area was attacked by various conquerors. Byzantines and Goths, Normans, Lombards and Saracens ruled here. On the territory of Calabria, the remains of architectural structures related to different eras are still preserved. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of the united Italy, the city of Catanzaro became the capital.
Climate
Calabria has a mild climate characteristic of the Mediterranean. 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 the summer - warm and comfortable, + 26 ° ... + 29 ° . Calabria is very hospitable in September, when the real velvet season begins here.
Location
The mountains, the Calabrian Apennines, occupy about 42% of the territory, and the landscape of the rest of the region is mostly hilly. No more than 8% of the territory is in 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: the Ionian and Tyrrhenian. If you are interested in a more accurate location, then Calabria on the map of Italy is the bottleneck 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: travel 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. Flights will save time, and destinations are formed in a variety of resort cities in the region.
Features of rest
All the charm of visiting this corner of Italy is that it combines a beach holiday on the coast and picturesque mountains, a unique untouched nature and holiday season, which, as it seems, does not end there. 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. Residents of the Nordic countries come here with pleasure in the fall.
Ecology and nature conservation are given special attention. Sea water is incredibly clean, and local fish and seafood are very healthy. The construction of multi-storey buildings in the region is prohibited, and everything has a wonderful rest. The absence of large industrial plants has led to the fact that the area is ideally suited for the placement of resort complexes.
Where to stay?
In Calabria, along with traditional hotels, villas and apartments located on estates or farms where olives, grapes and citrus fruits are grown, wine and honey are considered to be very popular. This version of the settlement is called "agriturismo."
Often equip hotels-estates. The owners are hereditary aristocrats who managed to maintain an unusual old-fashioned atmosphere. Vacationers will enjoy it, admiring the exquisite furniture, frescoes, original works of art. Here, tourists can order sausages and local cheeses a couple of days before departure, if they want to take something with them.
A variety of settlement options offers Calabria. Hotels focused on vacationers of different levels. You can comfortably relax in the 3 * hotel, where the settlement is provided in spacious and functional rooms, good conditions for families are created, there is a restaurant, bars and an indoor pool. Recommended for living 4 * hotels, which offer an extended range of services. In 5 * hotels, everything is thought out as much as possible for a comfortable stay, animators work, there are discos and plenty of entertainment.
Sea vacation
The area stretches along the coast. It is not surprising that the beaches of Calabria are so popular with vacationers. The local resorts for a long time were 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 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. Guest reviews who had a wonderful vacation here, played a role.
Resort Reggio Calabria
The city is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations in Calabria. The foundation years of Reggio Calabria are not known for certain, but it is believed that already in 750 BC the first Greek colonies appeared here. Historically, for centuries, special attention was paid here to the development of art and science, and its own school of philosophy was founded. The city was constantly in the focus of attention of the conquerors, since it was at the intersection of important sea and trade routes. At the end of the 18th century, Reggio di Calabria suffered severe damage due to the earthquake.
A walk along the boardwalk, acquaintance with 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 local attractions, special attention should be paid to visiting the botanical garden and monuments of antiquity (Roman baths and ancient walls of the city).
Resort Soverato
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. On a map of Italy it can be seen that the city is located on the shore of the Gulf of Squilache, not far from Catanzaro - the capital of the local province.
The main form of relaxation is visiting beaches that stretch along the coast for many kilometers. Of the attractions, the Cathedral of St. Mary, the Marincoll Palace and the Santicello Botanical Garden deserve special attention.
Resort Tropea
One of the most beautiful resorts, where the architecture is strict and sophisticated. The city is built on a rock formed from volcanic tuff. The coast is washed by the waters of the Gulfs of Joya and Sant'Eufemia, in the cleanest water are the reefs of San Leonardo, Isola Bella, La Pizzuta and Formicoli.
Local sandy beaches are recognized as the best. Soft white sand covers them. 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.
Resort Scalea
Surrounded by mountains and the sea hides a great place to relax. This city is chosen by those tourists who value comfort. It is here that modern hotels, villas are built, and the beaches are equipped with everything necessary for receiving guests. The city has developed tourist infrastructure, which makes it more attractive for tourists to come.
Of the attractions, you can note the Old Town, located on a hill at some distance from the resort. The symbol is the tower of La Torre Talao, built in the 16th century and performing defensive functions. It is worth visiting the church of San Nicola in Plateéis.
Ski vacation
Despite the fact that the coastal zone of Calabria is very hot, the climate of the mountainous part is quite severe. Thanks to the landscape features of Calabria, the reviews of the tourists are impressive, ideal for skiing. Landscapes seem even more surprising if you look at the azure, turquoise, purple and emerald waters of the washing seas and bays from snowy peaks.
A popular resort is Camigliatello, where trails for beginners and experts in skiing are built, there are trails located in the mountains and on the plains. You can ride a snowmobile, ATV.
Tourists are advised to visit Palumbo. The tracks of this resort center are located on Mount Carillon. The small resorts of Lorik and Chirilla accept visitors.
Kitchen Features
For those who prefer seafood dishes, they love fish (familiar and exotic varieties), holidays in Calabria seem like a paradise. The main components of the dishes are mussels, shrimp, lobster, tuna, swordfish and hammerfish. Pasta and cheese, pizza are prepared in a special way. Fans of fine drinks will be able to appreciate the unique taste of local Calabrian wines, which are considered one of the best on the peninsula. Chedro and Limoncello liqueurs are prepared from the zest of lemon, which they drink before meals, believing that they stimulate the digestive tract.
Local residents independently produce olive oil, the raw materials for which are obtained here. Grapes, figs, potatoes, wheat and citrus fruits are grown.
As for pasta, or "pasta", the hostesses here like to pamper relatives and guests with home-made products, and it is extremely rare to cook from semi-finished products. Pasta sauces are made from tomato, fish or meat. In some areas, you can enjoy delicious sausages, which also belong to the national cuisine.
Excursions (Calabria)
A trip to the Aeolian Islands involves a visit to the active volcano Stromboli, consisting of basalt and andesitic lavas. Next, tourists are taken to the island of Panarea, where a unique village of the Bronze Age era, consisting of oval huts, is still preserved. A kind of excursion center is a visit to the island of Lipari, where there is a museum with unique exhibits from 4-1 millennia BC The coastline is dotted with cliffs with 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 combine with a visit to the city of Tropea. In Pizzo, it is worth allotting time for walks in the old city with squares and narrow streets. Near the sea there is an amazing cave, inside which the church of Piedigrotta hid. Picturesque Calabria, attractions which is represented mainly by old buildings, offers for inspection the old town of Tropea. The most interesting places are the Norman Cathedral and St. Mary's Church, which is on a small island. Tropea practically did not suffer during an earthquake in the beginning of the 20th century, and therefore local ancient 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 is 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 Cera San Bruno is inconceivable without visiting the local baroque churches, as well as the Certosa Museum, founded in the 12th century. Extremely rich in monuments of architecture and history of Calabria. sights is in almost every locality. Tourists are offered to visit Sicily or book a night excursion to the Stromboli volcano, visit the Dzungri, where they conduct tastings of salami, cheese, vegetables and wine.
Calabria travel reviews
In addition to the well-known and popular resorts, tourists are advised to visit Diamante, admire the work of local painters who adorn the walls of houses. Or take a stroll through the grocery market, which is open on Saturdays: purchase amazing home-made cheeses and all kinds of sea fish.
A lot of impressions from the trip will be given to those who are fond of diving. In addition to the colorful underwater world, tourists are 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 bay of St. Eufemia. Here are great opportunities for relaxation: equipped beaches and historical monuments, such as the Svevo-Normansky 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, towering 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, they produce alcoholic specialties, such as grappa or lemon liqueurs, and wines. You can order cheese or honey, which is prepared on the farms. And also alcoholic drinks based on bergamot and reproductions of bronze statues are brought from here. There are no particular restrictions on the export of goods and souvenirs from Italy . It is forbidden to export works of art and archaeological values.