10 Fairy-Tale Villages in Calabria

Like many villages in Calabria, Gerace, in the Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte (Aspromonte National Park), is a village rich in history and legends. Its name derives from the Greek for sparrow hawk, protagonist of the village’s founding myth. Perched on a rocky crag, this place of significant religious and cultural interest is nicknamed the Gerusalemme dello Ionio (Jerusalem of the Ionian Sea) as it was once home to 100 churches (only 26 have survived).

We recommend visiting Basilica Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption), featuring austere Norman architectural features, and Piazza del Tocco, bordered by noble palaces. For a breathtaking view that reaches the Ionian Sea, head to Le Bombarde belvedere.

Stilo is a fascinating village in the Province of Reggio Calabria where history and culture take centre stage. Greek, Norman, Arab and Byzantine influences mix together, making a truly unique historic heritage. Within the Medieval walls, the historic centre is a maze of alleys and stone shacks that are home to precious treasures.

Take the Castello Normanno (Norman Castle), from whose towers you can admire a sweeping view of the Vallata dello Stilaro (Stilaro Valley). Or Chiesa Matrice (Matrice Church), a 16th-century reconstruction of a 14th-century building. Then there's the atmospheric Cattolica di Stilo, with its unmistakeable Byszantine style. Nearby you can also visit the Lauree, the ancient hermit cells.

Fiumefreddo Bruzio is a small town that seems lost in time on the Costa Tirrena (Tyrrhenian Coast). First stop: Castello della Valle, the haunting ruins of an imposing Norman residence that rise up into the blue Cosenza sky.

Next, follow the town's alleyways and admire aristocratic palaces, precious Baroque paintings stored in Chiesa Madre di Santa Maria ad Adnexis and the bronze door of Chiesa di San Rocco (Church of San Rocco). Little panoramic squares in the town provide views of Vesuvio (Vesuvius), Stromboli and Etna. Epic, right? Before leaving, treat yourself to a filiciata, a local cheese served on a bed of ferns.

Morano Calabro is a small gem of a town in the Parco Nazionale del Pollino (Pollino National Park). Its distinctive appearance has earned it the nickname borgo-presepe (nativity town). The view from afar is jaw-dropping: little stone houses rub shoulders on the slopes of the hill, overshadowed by the ruins of Castello Normanno-Svevo (Norman-Swabian Castle).

The historic centre’s a world of its own, with ancient churches and neighbourhoods like Rione San Nicola, where a set of wooden plaques recall the names and professions of bygone inhabitants. There's no shortage of delicious delicacies, with the area being known for its thriving production of extra virgin olive oil. One must-try speciality is stoccu e patati, stockfish with potatoes, onions and peeled tomatoes.

Aieta, a village in Cosenza, has two personalities: despite being near the sea, the blood of the Massiccio del Pollino (Pollino Massif) pulses through its veins. Classic mountain traditions feature in the local cuisine, especially the famous Prosciutto di Aieta. The enchanting historic centre features endless ups and downs of little squares and cobbled alleys.

Be sure to visit Palazzo Rinascimentale Martirano-Spinelli (Martirano-Spinelli Renaissance Palace), home to Museo Virtuale d'Ajeta (Virtual Museum of Ajeta); Chiesa di Santa Maria della Visitazione (Church of St. Mary of the Visitation) and the remains of Convento Francescano (Franciscan Monastery). For a day out amongst nature and industrial archaeology, visit the nearby Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills), containing remains of ancient water structures.

Santa Severina is an enchanting town hemmed in by impregnable walls. The gorgeous Piazza Campo, in the heart of the historic centre, is home to Concattedrale di Sant'Anastasia (Co-cathedral of St. Anastasia) and the Battistero Bizantino (Byzantine Baptistery), decorated with 10th–12th-century frescoes.

At the far end of the Piazza is Castello di Santa Severina, or Castello Carafa (Carafa Castle), a priceless Norman fortress that's been beautifully preserved. Inside are works from MACSS, the Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Santa Severina (Museum of Contemporary Art of Santa Severina). Hungry? Order pasta china. This generous helping of au gratin pasta in sauce, baked with meatballs, boiled eggs, salami and cheeses, will take centre stage during your holiday.

Bova is a pretty village with stone houses that seem to spring from the rock and blend with the colours of the landscape. Located in the Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte (Aspromonte National Park), it’s a maze of little alleys and streets ascending to the ruins of the Castello Normanno (Norman Castle).

There are dozens of churches in the historic centre, like Chiesa di San Leo (Church of San Leo), home to the saint’s relics and a statue of Bernini. The village’s three museums include the outdoor Sentiero della Civiltà Contadina (Path to Rural Life). If visiting on Palm Sunday, watch the Festa delle Pupazze (Puppets Festival): female figures made of olive branches are carried through the village streets in a procession.

Altomonte offers a fairy-tale setting for saying “I do”. Countless couples choose to spend the most important day of their life in this picturesque village in the Parco Nazionale del Pollino (Pollino National Park). The perfectly restored Norman Castello di Altomonte (Castle of Altomonte) lends itself to lavish receptions, while the streets in the centre provide a romantic backdrop for wedding photos.

Tourists should visit the Gothic-Angevin style Chiesa di Santa Maria della Consolazione (Church of Saint Mary of Consolation), and Museo Civico di Altomonte (Civic Museum of Altomonte), exhibiting ancient artwork. The town's also famous for its liquor: head to the Museo Aziendale Liquore Moliterno (Moliterno Liquor Company Museum) to sip this sweet nectar and discover its history.

Rocca Imperiale is a timeless village in the Parco Nazionale del Pollino (Pollino National Park). It's home to many unique attractions, such as a museum that amazes visitors with its unusual collections, housed in the former Monastero dei Frati Minori Francescani (Monastery of Franciscan Friars Minor). There are countless exhibitions, including mummies, fossils and even a waxwork museum featuring life-like reproductions of famous people.

Another must-see spot is Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle), a massive structure commissioned by Emperor Frederick II (to whom the town owes its name) in the 13th century. From the top of the eight crenelated towers, look towards the inhabited Rocca Imperiale Marina and see as far as the Ionian Sea.

Oriolo is a fortified village in Cosenza that's home to a variety of attractions. It's recommended to follow the itineraries provided by MUDAM, the Museo Diffuso delle Arti e dei Mestieri (Widespread Museum of Arts and Crafts). As the name suggests, it's a new museum concept which emphasises the peculiarities of the land and isn't confined to one space.

Starting from the Castello di Oriolo (Castle of Oriolo), with its distinctive clock tower, the route covers historic palaces, age-old artisan shops and local points of interest. There's a fantastic range of food and wine, including traditional Calabrian flavours like firzuoli con la mollica (homemade pasta and breadcrumbs) and rascatelli con ricotta e peperoni (homemade rolled pasta with ricotta and peppers).