Italians have perfected the art of summer days spent basking in the glorious sun on a pristine beach, so it's not surprising that when Italians go on summer vacation to enjoy the 'dolce vita' they head for the very best: the spectacular beaches of southern Italy's Calabria.
Italians have perfected the art of summer days spent basking in the glorious sun on a pristine beach, so it's not surprising that when Italians go on summer vacation to enjoy the 'dolce vita' they head for the very best: the spectacular beaches of southern Italy's Calabria.
The region of Calabria sits as the toe of the Italian peninsula just north of Sicily, often referred to as the Caribbean of Europe, Calabria's warm climate and hundreds of miles of stunning coastline that wrap around seaside villages and steep cliffs on bothe the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas make it a favourite summer destination, and rightly so!
Tropea
The most famous of the Calabrian beaches is Tropea, home to one of Italy's mpst spectacular white sand, turquoise-blue water, and a stunning coastline to rival that of Italy's famed Amalfi Coast. Perfectly situated between Gioia Tauro Gulf and Sant'Eufemia Gulf, Tropea is swathed by a warm Mediterranean breeze on a 40-kilometer coastline names "Coast of the Gods". What an incredible experience it is to see the dramatic rocky cliffs rise up against the sunlit sea of blue below, and if you're fortunate, on a clear day you can see the volcanic Aeolian island of Stromboli.
Praia a Mare
on the Tyrrhenian coast lie the pebbled shores of the Superior Paleolithic age. Its main attraction, Dino Iskand, is a World Heritage site famous for its six magnificent sea caves that shoot underwater lights that magically illuminate the iridescent blue waters. The town's museum houses over 200 works of modern art. The Sanctuary of the Madonna dela Grotto, a church built inside a cave is visited by both tourists and pilgrims. Praia a Mare also boasts one of the largest aqua parks in the whole of Southern Italy.
Scilla
Located on the Tyrrhenian Sea just 22kms north of Reggio Calabria, this picturesque fishing village immortalised in Greek mythology is traditionally the home of the six-headed sea monster Scylla Messina and was featured in Homer's Odyssey. The beach front is arguably the most popular attraction with its warm violet/azure waters and sandy beaches overlooked by the 11th century Ruffo Castle (said to date back to the time of Ulysses). The castle sits atop a steep cliff where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the coast of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.
Caminia
If you want to experience beach life like a local then a visit to the less-touristy town of Caminia is in roder. Located on a little curve of fairly undeveloped stretch of sand on the Ionian coast, Caminia is the ideal location for relaxing and taking things at a slower pace. What it lacks in bars it makes up for with its panoramic views, landscape and crystal waters.