South Italy-My holiday in Calabria, Tropea
Trip Start
Unknown
1
Trip End
Ongoing
Tropea,
Italy
Thursday, September 24, 2009
My first vacation in Calabria took me to the West Coast, at the Tyrrhenian Sea, known for its romantic landscape, the almost Caribbean-like sandy beaches and the crystal blue sea.
This magical region of southern Italy has much to offer and the international airport of Lamezia Terme in the center of Calabria is the starting point for my holidays, where I took my car and started my journey to the famous coastal town of Tropea, only a1 hour drive in southern direction.
Tropea stands on an imposing sandstone cliff, in a charming position. It is an exclusive seaside resort with a modern tourist and fishing harbor and is one of the prettiest and best preserved historical town centers in Calabria
Calabria beach
.This lively small coast town also called "Saint Tropez" of the south, has a magnificent medieval town centre with impressive old aristocracy town houses and numerous churches. Its beautiful lanes and squares with many street cafes and restaurants invite for taking a stroll. Tropea offers everything that makes up a perfect vacation for me.
After a few days relaxing at the sea I decided to discover the region and realized that the places of interest in Calabria are as numerous as the beautiful beaches on the Tyrrhenian and Ionian sea. Since the distance from the sea to the mountains is rarely larger than 40 km, it is ideal to combine a seaside holiday with long hikes through the almost untouched nature.
People who like the nature as well as those who are interested in culture or want to enjoy a lively beach resort, will get their money's worth.
From North to South melodic names describe the beauty of the coastal landscapes:
Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) from Pizzo to Nicotera offers a perfect harmony of nature and sea with almost Caribbean-like beaches, secluded coves and a beautiful hinterland
Tropea in Calabria
. Here are the most popular holiday resorts like Tropea and Capo Vaticano and one finds everything that for most of us makes up a perfect holiday: enchanting coastline, white sandy beaches, isolated coves and unspoiled nature all around.Costa dei Cedri (cedar coast) from Praia a Mare to Cetraro named after the cedar fruit tree which grows there. This is an area for beach holiday combined with hiking, climbing and rafting in the Pollino Mountains. If you want to practice river rafting, there are two well-known sports companies that organize trips: the Centro Lao Action raft rafting Aventure Lao, both in Scalea.
Costa Viola (named after the purple glimmering water of the sea) from Nicotera up to the southernmost town of Reggio Calabria, renowned for colorful sunsets, the legendary fishing village of Scilla and of course Reggio di Calabria, the beautiful "secret capital" of Calabria. Shortly before Reggio di Calabria you can take the ferry to Sicily, a worthwhile day trip.
Costa dei Gelsomini (Jasmin Coast) at the southern tip of the Ionian coast from Brancaleone to Stilo, named for the fragrant jasmine plant growing there and is also known for the cultivation of the bergamot
Tropea old town
. In contrast to the Tyrrhenian coast, the coastal landscape of the ionion coast is rather flat. Mountain villages with Greek and Byzantine traces can be found in Locri, Gerace and Stilo.In the north of Calabria rises the Pollino Mountain, a high mountain range with characteristic river valleys, ideal for an active holiday. In the center of the toe of Calabria lies the Sila, a beautiful mountainous region with beautiful forests and lakes, a popular destination for hikers. It is close to the Serre, a forested hinterland particularly known for its delicious mushrooms, and in the far north to the rugged mountain range of the Aspromonte with a wild and untouched nature, which is also a popular destination for hikers.
Getting to know Calabria, however, does not only mean bathing in the sea, exploring cities and landscapes and visiting artworks. It also means learning to understand and love the country and the people. I was impressed by the infinite hospitality of the Calabrian people.
Anyone who visit the country and its people, will take home many wonderful experiences and memories. I will definitely return to Calabria, because the country has fascinated me from the first moment and captured my heart.
Interesting information about land and people as well as charming holiday accommodations can be found on www.calabriamagica.com.
