Provinces: Reggio Calabria, Catanzaro, Cosenza, Crotone, Vibo Valentia
The toe of the shoe. Looking at the map of Italy, the Calabria region lies at the extreme south-west tip of Italy, reaching over to almost touching Sicily across the Messina Strait. This region is bordered by the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas and boasts more than 800 kilometers of coastline.
This region is known for its central Apennine ridge with mountainous slopes of heavy forest. The landscape in this area slopes to the sea and is wild and very beautiful.
This region has a long history and is rich with heritage. The days when the Roman empire was in full blossom and control of anything near and far. The region is famous for some of the Bronzes that were recovered from the sea in the early part of the 1980’s. They are the Bronzes of Riace.
This southwestern region of Italy is surrounded by the Tyrrhenian and the Lonian Seas. This region is basically a mountainous region, with a high ridge, that cuts across it lengthwise. The mountain landscape is overgrown with heavy trees and woods.
Reggio Di Calabria, Italy – Travel and Tourism
Reggio Di Calabria was founded in the second half of the 8th century BC by the Greeks of Eubea and became one of their strategic centers for trade, politics and their military base in the region. The view is great from the promenade, called Lungomare Matteotti, which rings the city. A great place to visit on your vacation to Italy.
Cosenza, Italy – Travel and Tourism
The town of Cosenza is located on a hilly location. The town has an old section or quarter that clings to the Colle Pancrazio, and a more modern section or quarter, in the plains lower. In the old quarter of the town, you can visit the Cathedral, where Isabel of Aragon are buried, with the historical churches of S. Domenico and S. Francesco.
Crotone, Italy – Travel and Tourism
Crotone, Italy is known as the home of Pythagoras. On the old town’s main Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the Duomo’s chief draw is an icon of the Black Madonna. The new Museum of Archeologico National contains one of the finest collections of artifacts from Magna Graecia on the Ionian coast. You will find examples of Greek and Roman coins, information about and fragments from the excavations at Crotone and its various colonies.
Vibo Valentia, Italy – Travel and Tourism
Vibo Valentia also has a rich history and past. The Byzantine temple of S. Ruba, the ruins of old Roman baths and the remains of a 6th-century Greek acropolis are located in this area or region of Italy.
Sila, contains some of the heavily wooded and treed areas of Italy. The famous Bosco di Fallistro is a place where you can respect the tall trees which are over 600 years old. This is a great place for hiking and winter sports such as snow skiing.
Tropea, this is the granite headland of Monte Poro that pushes out into the Tyrrhenian. The town, with delightful architectural views, commands from above the sea, floating on a sheer circular cliff, commanding four kilometers of beaches that are divided by rocky outcroppings. This is a stunning seaside resort with sandy beaches and crystal clear water. A great place to visit on your Italy vacation.
Locri, You will find here a small town on the Ionian sea that contains some remains of an ancient Greek city.
Stignano, Try and visit the Villa Caristo, a well-preserved traditional Calabrian Baroque home with frescoes, stuccos, a private chapel and a wonderful garden containing fountains.
Pizzo, Find a very little charming and typical Calabrian town that has an interesting castle, built by Ferdinand I of Aragon.
Gerace, This is a medieval town with a 12th-century castle, a unique 11th-century Romanesque cathedral with special Treasury, and 3 Byzantine churches, they are the S.Giovannello, Santa Maria del Maestro and Santa Maria del Monserrato.
Serra San Bruno, Try and visit this town with its Carthusian Monastery, founded in 1081 by Saint Bruno. When you visit the monastery you may think highly of the frescoes and the museum. Have a stroll to the church of S. Maria del Bosco, the Grotto of S. Bruno and the Lake of Miracles.
Altomonte, This is a very nice little town on a hill with a wonderful 14th-century church, S.Maria della Consolazione. This is a good area to explore and discover.
Stilo, You will find this hill town on Mount Consolino. Try and take the time to visit the Cathedral, the churches of S.Francesco, S.Giovanni, and S.Domenico. The main attraction in this area is the Cattolica, a small Byzantine church out of town, with five domes, dating back to the 7th century. A wonderful trip if you can find the time to explore and discover.
Castrovillari, When you find time to visit this town you may want to visit the Aragonese Castle, the 16th-century church of S. Giuliano, the Jewish synagogue, the 11th-century sanctuary of S. Maria del Castello, the medieval church of the Trinity, and other historical old palazzi in the old part of town.
Capo Vaticano, Is located between the gulfs of Gioia Tauro and Sant’Eufemia. You will find a breathtaking view on the Aeolian islands, looking at the Stromboli volcano.
Corigliano, visit the pretty Aragonese castle.
Rossano Calabro, Try and visit the unique 11th-century Byzantine church of S. Marco, S. Anna and the Parish Museum that hosts a 6th-century manuscript, the famous, Codex purpureus.
The very deep south of Italy is popular with the vacation crowd in Italy so plan on visiting when crowds may be thinner. Try the shoulder seasons and off seasons to avoid the heavy crowd of vacationers.
Calabria is a beautiful part of Italy and if you have the time, take some time to explore this wonderful part of Italy. The area is surrounded by water on three sides and you will find plenty of sun and water fun in this Region.