Scalea
The Town
Located on the west coast of the Calabrian region, Scalea is a little pearl facing the Thyrranean Sea, with the medieval Old Village town centre terraced over the hillside spreading down into a developed seafront resort area with hotels, restaurants and bars.
The old town centre, entwined with steps, alleyways and piazzas was constructed with the purpose of protecting the town against invaders, as was the old Talao watchtower. They were built on what used to be the Island of Scalea, watching for and served as lookouts for unwanted visitors coming from sea or the Cimalonga Tower.
The unspoiled charm of South Italy's towns and villages
Has to offer...
The town of Scalea offers miles of beautiful beaches with equipped lidos from May to September. Swimming season goes from April to November or even all year round for the most adventurous and when it is safe to do so weather wise.
August can be crazily flooded with national tourists, and outside the Summer season it is a fairly quiet seaside town.
A town who's economy relies much on fishing and agriculture, when you order at a restaurant you just know the food is local and fresh, and part of a lush traditional cuisine developed for the modern palates to please lovers of fish, meat, veggies, pastas and pizzas.
No dish is complete without great wine to accompany it, going from the absolute treat of a bio homemade wine sold by a local private vineyard holder and farmer or the more popular Calabrian reds, whites and roses.
Activities and To Do
Scalea boosts a variety of shops, souvenirs and delicacies ready to bring back home with you!
Locally produced products that come from ingredients typical of the area of "La Riviera dei Cedri", with candied fruits and desserts or the chilly varieties made into spreadable hot salamis.
Monday is market day, and evening dinners can be varied with the local food court open with various take away options.
Scalea boosts a busy yearly calendar of in-town and nearby events going from the religious to entertainment and diverse food festivals for the most varied fun days and evenings out.
Our events section is on the way!
Airport
The closest airport to Scalea is Lamezia Terme, 2/2:30 hours drive away.
Train Station
The town has its own train station well connected with regional and national train lines to main Stations of Lamezia, Naples and Rome up to North Italy.
Close by towns
Scalea's nextdoor neighbours are San Nicola Arcella on the North side and Santa Maria del Cedro towards South. They are small touristy towns with restaurants, bars, nightlife, shops and souvenirs.
Driving South, Diamante boosts stunning seaside walks.
Nearby
San Nicola Arcella is a small typical but modern seaside village, located up high on the hills. Offers stunning views of the island of Dino in Praia a Mare and the gulf of San Nicola Arcella.
On the other side of the coast Diamante is the home of the Chilly "Peperoncino" Festival (a "hot" event happening in September. It is also famous for the fascinating murals painted all round the old town centre.