Sightseeing in Calabria - what to see. Complete travel guide

Calabria is the largest region of the peninsula; travelers come here attracted by its mild climate, beautiful wide beaches, delicious cuisine, as well as a rich historical and cultural heritage of cities. The coast of the province borders with two seas, Ionian and Tyrrhenian, so tourists have a unique opportunity to appreciate the diversity of local beaches. The coastline is about 800 km; the Calabrian coast is the longest in Italy.

It’s worth to say a few words about the unique nature of these places that has attracted poets and painters for many centuries. You can see rich forests and groves a few steps away from the coast; even large cities have picturesque parks, bright flower beds and alleys. Fans of ecotourism can go for a walk in the mountains; those fond of water activities can relax at any beach. In addition to natural beauty, travelers are attracted with relatively low prices for accommodation and service. Most local hotels are of mid-market level, but the quality of their service remains on top.

There is a huge number of provincial towns and villages along the coast, each of which has something to surprise their guests. Travelling around towns allows visiting the most interesting historical sites of these places, as well as olive and mandarin groves, verdant meadows and azure coasts. The most famous town of the province is Tropea; the resort is located on the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Walking through the historic center you can see beautiful palaces, old squares and churches, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding area rising to one of the rocks. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another attractive resort - Pizzo – is located near the Gulf of Saint Euphemia. In addition to beautiful beaches, vacationers note local restaurants and cafes. There you can try a special ice cream with truffles. Among architectural landmarks, Pedigrotta Church is notable. More than three centuries ago, sailors had found its ruins. They have restored church, and local artists decorated it with exquisite paintings. Every day spent at resorts of Calabria gives unforgettable impressions.

Every city of the region has its own interesting symbols. The old city of Cosenza is very popular with fans of excursions. On its territory, there are a lot of preserved constructions built in different periods. There is the Norman Castle, near which you can see the ruins of antique constructions and the fragments of the old road built in the times of the Roman Empire. Most of the constructions in the historical city were destroyed in the period of the Second World War. Some of the historical monuments have been restored. The most unusual cultural venue here is MAAV (Museo de Arte Audio Visual) that is dedicated to different spheres of art. The main feature of the museum is that all its valuable exhibits are stored in the open air.

Crotone attracts the fans of beach recreation. Its beaches have long become special recreation centers where you can enjoy entertainments literally 24 hours a day. There is the beautiful embankment stretching along the coastline. There are a lot of restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, shopping centers, and gift shops. In the city surroundings, there is the famous wine region of Ciro where you can walk along vast vineyards and visit historical wineries.

In Catanzaro, there is a very beautiful beach and embankment that stretches along over 2 000 m. The guests of beach recreation can combine the exploration of old religious constructions and the visiting of local museums. In the city surroundings, there is the unique botanical garden Biodiversita Mediterranea, on which territory you can see over 20 000 plants.

The city of Vibo Valentia offers its visitors excellent conditions for recreation. There is a wonderful beach that has long become very popular with fans of water sports. The coast is distinguished by a variety of peaceful coves. There are excellent water sports. The main historical symbol of the city is old Saint Leoluca Cathedral that was built in 1783. The first basilica at its site was built in the 9th century. Today, a lot of unique religious artifacts and pieces of art are stored in the cathedral. Besides the beautiful church, there are a lot of preserved palaces and residences.