Calabria - reviews of tourists. Calabria - sightseeing

Calabria fascinates tourists at first sight with its unbridled and original. It's no wonder that the great poet compared the region with the sweet whim of the Almighty, who, tired of the creation of the world, gathered all the best in this part of Italy.

History

The first settlements in Calabria appeared in ancient times. In the 8th century BC, the ancient Greeks settled here, who built cities such as Ipponio, Medma, Metauro, Lockri, Crotone and Sibaris. In the 3rd century BC there were colonies of Romans who made an invaluable contribution to the development of the region, having built cities and trade routes here. However, the Romans needed forests to build ships - this caused great damage to local nature.

In the 5-15 centuries the region was attacked by various conquerors. Here the Byzantines and Goths, Normans, Lombards and Saracens ruled. In the territory of Calabria, remains of architectural structures, related to different epochs, are still preserved. In the middle of the 19th century the region became part of the united Italy, the capital of the city was Catanzaro.

Climate

In Calabria, there is a mild climate characteristic of the Mediterranean. The weather is mostly warm and sunny, rains are very rare. Even in winter, the air temperature seldom drops below + 10 ° C, with the sea temperature remaining at + 16 ° C. In summer it is warm and comfortable, +26 ° С ... + 29 ° С. Calabria is very hospitable in September, when the real velvet season begins here.

Location:

The mountains, the Calabrian Apennines, occupy about 42% of the territory, and the landscape of the rest of the region is predominantly hilly. Not more than 8% of the territory falls on the plains. Due to the fact that the entire peninsula is crossed by ridges, the local rivers are rather short, but there are many artificial lakes.

The area is washed by two seas: Ionian and Tyrrhenian. If you are interested in a more accurate location, then Calabria on the map of Italy is the narrowest place of the peninsula-boot, the southernmost of its territory.

How to get there?

To visit Calabria, you can book a flight to Naples or Rome. Further options are possible: traveling by train or flight, which will allow you to reach the final destination called Calabria. The airport is located in Lamezia Terme. The railway runs along the sea coast, which will allow you to enjoy the view of the picturesque landscapes. Air travel will save time, and directions are formed in the most diverse resort towns of the region.

Features of the holiday

The whole charm of visiting this corner of Italy is that it combines beach holidays on the shore and picturesque mountains, a unique untouched nature and a holiday season that, as it may seem, does not end. In the spring (early March) is still functioning ski resort, and on the seaside you can meet holidaymakers who are basking in the rays of the gentle sun. Residents of northern countries are happy to come here in the fall.

Ecology and conservation of nature is given special attention. Sea water is incredibly clean, and local fish and seafood are very useful. The construction of multi-storey buildings in the region is prohibited, and everything has a wonderful rest. The absence of large industrial plants has led to the fact that the area is ideal for housing resort complexes.

Where to stay?

In Calabria, along with traditional hotels, a very popular option for a settlement is considered to be villas and apartments, arranged in estates or on farms where olives, grapes and citrus are grown, wine is produced and honey is collected. This version of the settlement is called "agriturismo".

Often equip hotels-estates. The owners are hereditary aristocrats, who managed to preserve the unusual ancient situation. Holidaymakers will get real pleasure, admiring the exquisite furniture, frescoes, original works of art. Here, tourists can order sausages and cheeses locally produced a couple of days before departure, if they want to take something with them.

A variety of options for the settlement offers Calabria. Hotels Are oriented to vacationers of different levels. You can comfortably relax in a 3 * hotel, where the accommodation is provided in spacious and functional rooms, there are good conditions for family rest, there is a restaurant, bars and an indoor pool. Recommended for hotels 4 * hotels, where they will offer an expanded range of services. In hotels 5 * everything is thought out as much as possible for a comfortable rest, animators are working, there are discos and lots of entertainment.

Seaside holidays

The area stretches along the sea coast. Not surprisingly, the beaches of Calabria are so popular with holidaymakers. For a long time the local resorts were visited only by the inhabitants of big cities of Italy, such as Rome, Turin and Milan, oriented to the highest standard of living. But soon the popular resorts of Reggio di Calabria, Soverato, Tropea, Scalea and many others became known far beyond the borders of the country, and Calabria became one of the most popular destinations. Reviews of tourists, Who had a wonderful vacation here, played their part.

Resort Reggio di Calabria

The city is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations in Calabria. The years of the founding of Reggio di Calabria are not known for sure, but there is an opinion that as early as 750 BC the first Greek colonies appeared here. Historically, since the beginning of the century, special attention was paid to the development of art and science, and the own school of philosophy was founded. The city was constantly in the center of attention of the conquerors, as it was at the intersection of important sea and trade routes. At the end of the 18th century, Reggio di Calabria suffered severe destruction due to an earthquake.

Walking along the promenade, getting to know the Cathedral, old churches and mansions - this is the whole hospitable Calabria. Reviews of tourists will be another proof of the fact that the direction for recreation is chosen correctly. Among the local attractions, special attention should be paid to visiting the botanical garden and monuments of antiquity (Roman baths and ancient walls of the city).

Soverato Resort

On the coast of the Ionian Sea lies the cozy town of Soverato, which is ideal for beach holidays. This is one of the most favorite resorts that offers Calabria. On the map of Italy It can be seen that the city is located on the shore of the Gulf of Squalace, near the Catanzaro, the capital of the local province.

The main type of recreation - visiting the beaches, stretching along the coast for many kilometers. Among the sights, the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary, the Marincoll Palace and the Santicello Botanical Garden deserve special attention.

Resort Tropea

One of the most beautiful resorts, where architecture is distinguished by rigor and sophistication. The city is built on a rock formed from volcanic tuff. The coastline is washed by the waters of the Gioia and Sant'Eufemia bays, in the purest water are the reefs of San Leonardo, Isola Bella, La Pizcuta and Formicoli.

Local sandy beaches are recognized as the best. They are covered by soft white sand. Occasionally along the coast you can see bays and grottoes that look majestic. A picturesque view of the coast is complemented by hills, where magnificent fruit trees grow.

Scalea Resort

Surrounded by mountains and sea, there is a magnificent place to relax. This city is chosen by those tourists who value comfort. It is here that modern hotels and villas are built, and the beaches are equipped with everything necessary for the reception of guests. The city has a developed tourist infrastructure, which makes it more attractive for the arrival of holidaymakers.

From the sights you can note the Old Town, located on a hill some distance from the resort. The symbol is the tower of La Torre-Talao, built in the 16th century and performing defensive functions. It is worth to visit the church of San Nicola in Plateis.

Ski holidays

Despite the fact that the coastal zone of Calabria is very hot, the climate of the mountainous part is quite severe. Thanks to the peculiarities of the landscape of Calabria, the tourists' impressions are impressive, ideal for mountain skiing. Even more amazing seem to landscapes, if from the snow-capped peaks look at the azure, turquoise, purple and emerald waters of the washed seas and bays.

A popular resort is Camillatello, where trails for beginners and experts in skating are built, there are trails located in the mountains and on the plains. You can ride snowmobiles, ATVs.

Tourists are advised to visit Palumbo. Trails of this resort center are located on the Hill of Carillion. Small visitors to the resorts of Lorica and Cyril take visitors.

Kitchen features

Those who prefer seafood dishes, like fish (traditional and exotic varieties), rest in Calabria Will seem paradise. The main components of the dishes are mussels, shrimps, lobsters, tuna, swordfish and hammerfish. Here, in a special way, they prepare pasta and cheese, pizza. Fans of refined drinks will be able to appreciate the unique taste of local Calabrian wines, which are considered one of the best on the peninsula. From a peel of a lemon prepare liqueurs "Cedro" and "Limoncello" which drink before meal, considering, that they stimulate job of a digestive path.

Local people themselves produce olive oil, raw materials for which are obtained here. Grow grapes, figs, potatoes, wheat and citrus.

As for macaroni, or "pasta", the local housewives love to pamper their relatives and guests with products of their own preparation, and from semi-prepared foods are extremely rare. Sauces for pasta are made from tomato, fish or meat. In some areas, you can enjoy delicious sausages, which also belong to the national cuisine.

Excursions (Calabria)

A trip to the Aeolian Islands involves a visit to the active volcano Stromboli, consisting of basaltic and andesite lavas. Then tourists are taken to the island of Panarea, where the unique village of the Bronze Age epoch, consisting of oval huts, is still preserved. A peculiar center of the excursion is a visit to the island of Lipari, where there is a museum with unique exhibits of 4-1 millennium BC. The coastline is dotted with rocks with caves. The last visit the island of Vulcano, a unique landscape which was formed as a result of volcanic activity.

Excursions to Pizzo Calabro are combined with a visit to the city of Tropea. In Pizzo, you should take time to walk around the old town with squares and narrow streets. Not far from the sea there is an amazing cave inside which the church of Piedigrotta hid. Picturesque Calabria, sights Which are mainly represented by ancient buildings, offers to explore the ancient town of Tropea. The most interesting places are the Norman cathedral and the church of St. Mary, which is on a small island. Tropea was practically not affected by the earthquake in the early 20th century, and therefore the local ancient buildings are of real historical value.

While making excursions to the town of Scilla, or Scylla, it is worth to listen to an interesting legend about its origin. Noteworthy is the Church of the Holy Spirit and the medieval castle of Ruffo, where one of Marshals Napoleon was executed.

A trip to the city of Sera San Bruno is unthinkable without visiting the local churches, built in the Baroque style, as well as the museum of Chertoz, founded in the 12th century. Extremely rich in monuments of architecture and history of Calabria. sights There is almost every village. Tourists are invited to visit Sicily or book a night excursion to Stromboli volcano, stay in Dzungri, where they are tasting salami, cheese, vegetables and wine.

Calabria: reviews of tourists

In addition to well-known and popular resorts, tourists are advised to visit Diamante, admire the work of local artists who decorate the walls of houses. Or stroll through the grocery market, which is open on Saturdays: buy amazing home-made cheeses and all sorts of sea fish.

A lot of impressions from the trip will be given to those who are fond of diving. In addition to the colorful underwater world, tourists will be lucky enough to see the remains of ancient ships sunken off the coast.

Be sure to visit Vibo-Valentia, from here you have an excellent view of the bay of Saint Eufemia. There are excellent opportunities for recreation: equipped beaches and historical monuments, such as the Svevo-Norman Castle and the Cathedral of San Leoluca.

Not far from Tropea there is a cozy town of Capo Vaticano. Those tourists who are hungry for new experiences should definitely come here. From the local beach you can see the Aeolian Islands and the volcano Etna, towering from the sea depths. Everything around is imbued with the mysterious spirit of antiquity.

The most ancient cities of the province are Crotone and Sibari-Marina, on the territory of which archaeological excavations are constantly conducted , and local archaeological museums are full of exhibits of different epochs of ancient history.

What to bring from Calabria?

In some provinces of the region, special alcoholic beverages are produced, such as "grappa" or lemon liquors, and wines. You can order cheese or honey, which is prepared on farms. And from here they bring alcoholic drinks based on bergamot and reproductions of bronze statues. There are no special restrictions for the export of goods and souvenirs from Italy . It is forbidden to export works of art and archaeological values.