CALABRIA
Discover the Calabrian world!
Features
The "Toe" of the Italian boot, sun-flooded generally all year round. Surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the West and the Ionian Sea on the East, with it's 500 mile long coastline offers most varied beaches, from sandy to pebbly, with coves, dramatic cliffs and wild rock formations.
The region's geographical position, centrally located in the Mediterranean Sea coupled with the four different seasons around the year typical of the Italian climate, create the perfect setting to enjoy both Summer and Winter activities.
On a general 15 minute drive from coastline to inland, all around the region, Calabria features wonderfull and adventurous environments, with it's three National Parks of "La Sila", "L'Aspromonte" and the UNESCO World Heritage "Pollino", home to the symbol of the park, the Pino Loricato (a type of Bosnian Pine), with mountainous tips from which you can enjoy the breath taking view of both seas side by side.
Added value, is the ancient, old fashioned charm of the old town villages, sloped over the mountains and along the coast;
the numerous archaeological findings around the region mixed to the artistic and historical background, from ceramic to copper works... for example the full-size "Bronzi di Riace"! Perfectly sculpted bronze statues of two Greek, naked, bearded warrior bronzes, found at sea out of Riace, dating back to 460bc
The perfect recipe for a great holiday!
Food & Wine
Like all around Italy, food and wine are part of the pleasures of life and Calabria boosts an immense food and wine culture, mainly based on the regions traditionally poor cuisine. Capable of satisfying all taste buds, thanks to the varied sea and mountain environments, the Calabrians have developed it into its modern version remaining faithful to the original traditions and tastes.
Multi generational fishermen, farmers and wine-makers provide the prime ingredients that coupled with experienced knowledge they bring to the table amazing dishes and wines, rich in flavour, which vary from village to village with their own personalisation.
Typical Calabrian products include:
the Cedar fruits, Cedro and Bergamotto, both grow naturally in the region and in the "Riviera dei Cedri", from which they make each fruits version of Limoncello, candied fruit, food flavourings, perfumes and medicinal products;
the Soppressata cured meat, or the 'Nduja, a spreadable hot spicy salami;
the Pecorino and the Caciocavallo cheeses;
not to mention the home made ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and their favourite local cured meat, or the typical Calabrian long fresh pasta, "Fusilli" usually served with rich goat, slow cooked plum tomato sauce, or pork or beef lighter version for milder palates.
These are only some of Calabria's delicacies...
Come and refresh your taste buds!
Traditions
The history of Calabrian territory is punctured with transits and conquests of various civilizations, and therefore the regions traditions reflect the influence of its past. The Calabrian way of life is a simple one, based on family, hard work and the simple concept of making the most of spending time with family and friends, hence the locals welcoming and warm heartedness. These aspects of the Calabrian lifestyle and culture make up a vast profile of traditions that vary from town to place and go from the religious and historical to the cuisine, wine and folklore, creating a calendar year full of mixed events.
The "Chilly Festival" in Diamante, a product that is part of Calabrian food culture; the more religiously set popular events, featuring the procession at sea with the holy statue of the Madonna del Carmine in Scalea on her own fishermens boat followed by the dedicated orchestra and the town locals, or the procession passing over the villages floor streets entirely covered in coloured salt designs (Infiorata) overnight by the passionate locals in Verbicaro, or the one that heads down from the town village of Buonvicino to the isolated old church in the mountains by the river where a miniature version of the original statue of Santo Ciriaco is sheltered in a small cave that gets hundreds of visitors in the one day event each year;
Our events section is on the way!
Transport
Calabria is well connected with trains and bus services from and to major airports.
A car hire is a great option to move around enjoying all that the region has to offer.
Airports
Reggio Calabria
Lamezia Terme
Crotone
