Calabria is a magical land where culture, tradition and myth combine, enveloped in somewhat wild and often unspoilt coastal and backcountry landscapes. These gems have made it a prime spot for nature and sports tourism in southern Italy, and that's not all; its stunning landscapes and views between land and sea are matched by its vibrant food and wine tradition, and over the millennia it has inspired myths and stories which continue to give it that je ne sais quoi.

Fancy losing yourself in the unparalleled atmosphere of this land between two seas? Come and discover 10 unique experiences you can only have in Calabria.

  • 1

    Go skiing with a sea view over the Aspromonte

    Winter snow sports with a view of the Eolie

    Go skiing with a sea view over the Aspromonte
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    Gambarie d'Aspromonte in Calabria is known for sun and sea and home to snowy peaks, so you can enjoy the beach and a ski holiday. In Gambarie d'Aspromonte, on the very tip of the boot's toe, you can launch yourself down the slopes of one of the southernmost winter sports centres in Italy.

    The skiing area, located 1800 metres above sea level, crosses the nature reserve and boasts a breathtaking view of the ultra-blue Mediterranean waters. And that's not all. On clear days you can admire the Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) as well as Sicily and Etna further away.

    ที่ตั้ง: 89030 Careri RC, Italy

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  • 2

    Rafting in the Pollino National Park

    An adventure through the thrilling waters of the Lao river

    Rafting in the Pollino National Park
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    In the Parco Naturale del Pollino (Pollino National Park), rafting takes centre stage. It's only natural; with its landscape of contrasts and unspoiled nature reserves, Calabria is a favourite for lovers of beauty and outdoor sports. Raft through the thrilling river bends of the Lao, a natural water course crossing the Park. The river's name comes from the city of Lao (Laüs) which once stood here as an ancient colony of Magna Grecia.

    But it's not only its name that's legendary: the river winding through thousand-year-old canyons is as fascinating as it is challenging. Amidst natural pools, gorges and small waterfalls, if you're lucky you can find examples of local wildlife that have found the perfect habitat here.

    ที่ตั้ง: 87020 Papasidero, Italy

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  • 3

    Visiting the Giants of the Sila

    A stroll through the nature reserve in the shade of the ancient larch pines

    Visiting the Giants of the Sila
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    • ถ่ายรูป

    The legendary Giganti della Sila (Giants of the Sila), a Calabrian forest of ancient trees, are an unmissable sight in the provence of Cosenza. The remaining survivors of this forest in the Sila region, the Giants of the Sila are larch pines and sycamores that have been growing on this plateau since the 17th century.

    Thanks to their size, the 58 trees are often compared to the giant sequoias in the US for their grandeur. There are lots of activities you can do in the shadow of their foliage, such as birdwatching and orienteering, as well as more traditional walks and mountain bike excursions.

    ที่ตั้ง: Località, 87058 Croce di Magara, Italy

    เปิด: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 5.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6.30 pm

    โทร: +39 366 615 2986

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  • 4

    Discovering the Citron Riviera

    Explore the wild coast among rocks and hidden beaches

    Discovering the Citron Riviera
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    Riviera dei Cedri (Citron Riviera) is an unforgettable stretch of coastline towards the north of Cosenza province, between the border with Basilicata and the town of Bonifati. This coast, named after the citrus fruits that grow there, also shares its name with the area's natural marine park. It's one of the most beautiful sections of Calabria's coastline, where the undulations of the land, sea, coves and long sandy beaches alternate with sheer cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

    Besides the stunning views and numerous viewpoints that serve as the perfect backdrop for photo souvenirs, there is also the delicate flavour of the citrons, found in a number of products, to make sure that your taste buds aren't neglected during your stay.

    ที่ตั้ง: 87029 Scalea, Italy

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  • 5

    The unique charm of the Church of Piedigrotta

    The ex-voto chapel born out of legend

    The unique charm of the Church of Piedigrotta
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    Chiesetta di Piedigrotta (Church of Piedigrotta), a small wonder carved into the rock on the coast, around 1 kilometre from the town of Pizzo. Legend has it that in the early 17th century, a sailing ship found itself in great difficulty and its sailors promised the Virgin of Piedigrotta they would build a votive chapel wherever they landed if their lives were spared.

    Miraculously, the ship managed to land next to a small cave, which was then turned into a place of worship. Today you can visit the chapel, which has been embellished with sculptures carved into the stone that make it one of its kind in the world.

    ที่ตั้ง: Località, Via della Madonnella, 89812 Pizzo, Italy

    เปิด: Daily from 9 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm

    โทร: +39 0963 532523

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  • 6

    Live and breathe mythology in Scilla

    Visit the town whose sea inspired Greek myths

    Live and breathe mythology in Scilla
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    • ประวัติศาสตร์

    Scilla, a town on the Strait of Messina, seems to have little to do with the myth of Scylla and Charybdis. However, it takes its name from one of these two sea monsters in Greek mythology who threatened the lives of the unlucky sailors who had to cross the strait.

    Strolling through this lovely town, it's hard to believe that this area was the source of so much anguish in the past: nestled beautifully into the rock, it descends gently down to the crystal clear sea. It's another example of the typical contrasts of Calabria, this time juxtaposing the myth with the reality.

    ที่ตั้ง: 89058 Scilla, Italy

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  • 7

    Face to face with the Riace Bronzes

    Meet two bronze celebrities at the Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria

    Face to face with the Riace Bronzes
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    • ประวัติศาสตร์

    The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria (National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria) is an incredible museum that boasts archaeological artefacts. Here, you'll find yourself in the presence of two of the leading figures in ancient art.

    The Riace Bronzes or Riace Warriors, housed in one of Italy's main archaeological museums, are among the most famous and historically and artistically important pieces discovered. The two large bronze statues are around 2 metres high and in incredibly good condition. The museum is a must-visit for adults and children alike.

    ที่ตั้ง: Piazza Giuseppe De Nava, 26, 89123 Reggio Calabria, Italy

    เปิด: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm

    โทร: +39 0965 898272

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    ภาพโดย Sailko (CC BY 3.0) เวอร์ชั่นแก้ไข

  • 8

    Enjoy the sunset from Arcomagno Beach

    Watch the sun go down through a natural stone arch

    Enjoy the sunset from Arcomagno Beach
    • ประหยัด
    • คู่รัก
    • ครอบครัว

    Spiaggia dell'Argomagno (Arcomagno Beach), in the province of Cosenza, offers a relaxing beach day. The unique feature of this spot is the rock that frames its crystalline waters, forming a stunning natural scene.

    At certain times of the year, the sun peers out of the nearly perfect stone arch, before disappearing on the horizon. If you're lucky enough to witness this phenomenon, you'll take a warm colourful farewell with you as a souvenir of a day spent in the enchanting region of Calabria.

    ที่ตั้ง: SP1, 87020 San Nicola Arcella, Italy

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  • 9

    Winery tour in Cirò Marina

    Taste typical Calabrian wines in the region's biggest production area

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    Cirò is a must-visit foodie destination in Calabria. If you're a fan of good wine in particular, then you have to try Cirò. This local wine, produced from either white Greco Bianco or red Gaglioppo grapes in the Ionian region of the province of Crotone, has delicate aromas on both the nose and palate that also show the wild edge that's typical of this region.

    The best way to try it is to choose from one of the many winery tours: a journey through the traditional winemaking process from grape to glass alongside the producers, to get an up-close look at all the nuances of this important wine.

    ที่ตั้ง: 88811 Cirò Marina, Italy

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  • 10

    Relax at the Caronte Baths

    Dive into wellness in the sulphur waters of an ancient bathing complex

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    Terme Caronte (Caronte Baths) offer restorative thermal waters for a relaxing holiday. To treat yourself to a day of wellness here, head to Lamezia Terme.

    These baths offer sulphur waters and muds renowned since ancient times for their effectiveness and benefits, making this spa centre a place of local history and culture, too. The waters from the main spring that gives the complex its name are naturally 39°C, the optimal temperature for treating your body's ailments and nourishing your soul.

    ที่ตั้ง: 88046 Caronte, Italy

    เปิด: Monday–Saturday from 8 am to 12.30 pm

    โทร: +39 0968 437180

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