When one speaks of Calabria, one’s thoughts are immediately directed to the splendid views, miles of jagged coastline and a sea of the most varied colors, bringing back the happiness of carefree days spent on vacation. Yet the tip of the Boot is not only this, but also millenary history told by the many villages that enliven the region and seem to bring back a past rich in splendor.
Legendary villages immersed in the sea, perched on hills or located in the middle of bustling towns.
A land to visit and get to know step by step, which is why below is an itinerary composed of the 5 most fascinating villages in the region, places where you can lose yourself among natural beauty and fascinating traditions.
Gerace: medieval times under the open sky
The first time one visits Gerace is like taking a plunge into the Middle Ages, accomplices being the Aspromonte National Park and the panorama that Locride offers, Gerace remains one of the most fascinating and mysterious places in this land.
Although there is evidence of much older settlements, we know for sure that the first village was formed in the 7th century AD, due to pirate attacks that forced entire villages located on the coasts to take refuge in the safer hills. For this reason, Gerace became over the years a strategic point of control and attack of enemy peoples.
Walking through the village, it is possible to visit numerous monuments including the Co-cathedral, an imposing Romanesque building with some incursions of other styles that was consecrated in 1045. Not to be missed are the Church of St. Francis, recognized as one of the most important in the south, and the Norman Castle.
Chianalea: one of the oldest bays in Italy
If you love small bays, freshly caught fish, and ancient castles with perdi vista views that relax the eye and excite the soul, you should visit Chianalea, Scilla’s oldest village. The houses in this village have been erected on cliffs and are divided by small streets that lead directly to the Tyrrhenian Sea, reminiscent of Venetian canals. A true Italian jewel, declared one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, thanks in part to the famous Palazzo Scategna, made of squared stone and arranged in three floors, each with wonderful views of the bay.
But Chianalea is not only sea, the still active and operating fishing village can be called the beating heart of the town. In these narrow streets it is not difficult to find excellent little places that prepare street food based on swordfish in tasty sandwiches, stuffed with the highest quality local raw material.
Tropea: unforgettable sea
Coasting northward through the region, we reach Tropea, a town best known for its beautiful green sea and famous onions. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in Calabria, it is definitely worth a visit, and not just for the beaches, considering the legends surrounding its founding. Tropea, in fact, is full of monuments to visit, from the sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola to the Sedile dei Nobili to the majestic cathedral dedicated to Mary Most Holy of Romania. But not only that, the village is full of legends worth listening to and reliving in the company of some bruschetta alla nduja and a good glass of local red wine.
Caccuri: the slow pace of the mountain
Reaching Crotone, near Sila National Park, stands the village of Caccuri, with medieval origins and a romantic atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. The entire village is centered around the Castle, where political and social life used to take place in the past; the many narrow streets, in fact, intertwine and branch off to rejoin at the top of this marvelous monument about 650 meters high and its imposing Mastrigli Tower. To visit Caccuri is to get away from the whirlwind of daily life, to take a break from the stress and fast pace of the city and get back in touch with nature.
Camigliatello: for hiking enthusiasts
Not far from Caccuri and within the municipality of Spezzano della Sila is Camigliatello Silano. Perfect for mountain lovers, it is a great place to enjoy some coolness even in summer or to find snow in winter, where you can have fun on the ski slopes. Rich in vegetation, nestled in a dense coniferous forest, it is a charming place to spend a pleasant day at the lake. In fact, Camigliatello is home to Lake Cecita, a fascinating body of water that masterfully complements the beautiful mountain landscape, where a variety of excursions can be arranged among the many trails that wrap around the village.
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