Tropea is probably the most famous Calabrian resort – a flagship of local tourism. The town sits atop a high cliff, with white beaches and turquoise waters below, and opposite is the iconic rock with the Santa Maria dell'Isola sanctuary, which you recognize from most photos of Calabria. The old town is full of narrow alleys, small squares,...
San Nicola Arcella is exactly the place where you think: "Aha, someone designed this coastline for Pinterest." A small town perched on cliffs, below a bay with turquoise water, surrounded by the rock arch Arco Magno and beaches hidden among the rocks. In photos, it looks almost suspiciously perfect. And everyone wants to see it.
Praia a Mare is one of those places that looks "just" like another Italian resort in photos, but in person, you discover it has its little secret: a giant rock with a hidden sanctuary inside. The beach stretches really long, with mountains behind you, Dino Island in front, and in between, a town where the classic Calabrian mix lives –...
Maratea is just a short distance from Scalea, but the atmosphere is completely different: cliffs plunging into the sea, winding roads, an old town clinging to the hillside, and above it all, a giant statue of Christ. Yes, a bit like in Rio. Except here, instead of samba, you hear the honking of scooters and the rustling of bags with focaccia....
What hasn't been said about Caserta yet?
Today, I will add another possible day trip that is easy to take from Scalea by train.
Imagine, thousands of years ago, the first traders from distant lands disembarking on the shores of Calabria. Among their treasures was a peculiar fruit – the cedro. This citrus, likely brought by the Greeks or Phoenicians, quickly became a part of the Calabrian landscape and culture.
Sapri - a town where you not only transfer to the train Another trip from Scalea, which can be completed in 3-4 hours including the train journey, is to the picturesque town of Sapri. Most of us associate it only with being the most common transfer station when we fail to catch a direct train to Scalea....
Diamante is a picturesque town south of Scalea, just a few minutes away by train or car. It is known for its long promenade, clean beaches, and turquoise sea. It is also nicknamed the "city of murals" because its historic streets are adorned with dozens of colorful murals by artists from all over the world.
On the Calabrian coast, between the sea and the mountains, lies the town of Paola. It's not just another Mediterranean resort—this is where St. Francis of Paola (1416–1507), a hermit, founder of the Order of Minims, and the patron saint of all Calabria, was born. His life story, miracles, and deep faith continue to attract pilgrims and tourists....