Places: Tropea, Scilla (Shee-la), Capo Vaticano, Pizzo Calabro, Aspromonte & Sila National Park, Cosenza, Santa Severina, Badolato, Ciro Marina, Rossano
The entire region is hilly, a spine of rugged mountains tumbling into turquoise coves, and the towns clinging to cliffs as if they grew there naturally. The crown jewel, Tropea, perches dramatically above the Tyrrhenian coast. From nearly every window, the sea looks close enough to touch.
The Calabrian Marina
Its old town square might be the smallest you’ll ever see, but that tiny space packs the most exquisite local restaurants, with the freshest, sweetest sea bass, the loveliest Muranera Rosso (local red wine) and Tartufo, a hazelnut & chocolate ice cream cold dessert, native to the region!
Tropea’s signature red onion (Cipolla Rossa di Tropea), citrus bergamot, and their mild sweet red chillies travel the world. But the region thrives on the zero kilometer concept, which means they eat only what is locally produced around the region!
A short drive away, Scilla is the home of Medusa, and is quite revered in the region! However the only creature ruling its narrow lanes are cats lounging like local royalty. Fishermen mending their nets, playing cards or playing music is the most common sight and boutiques, cafes, bars and ice cream parlors are pinned into the carved out hill.
Scilla
Further inland, Gerace is a quiet medieval village of stone alleys, Byzantine churches, and views that stretch endlessly over the Ionian coast. Reggio Calabria stands in contrast, home to the famous Riace Bronzes with a bustling promenade, a stone throw away from Sicily.
The Aspromonte National Park calls to hikers and solitude-seekers, its mountain trails dotted with chestnut trees, waterfalls, and ghost towns abandoned centuries ago. Down by the coast, beach lovers visit Capo Vaticano, agriturismos lined along the sea!
But the best part of exploring this region? This entire road trip can be done by train, without the need of a car, just like we did.
The roads!
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