Italian News Headlines 05-12-2024: A museum dedicated to Lord Byron is set to open in a house in Ravenna, where the English poet conducted a love affair with the aristocratic owner's wife --- Via Montenapoleone, in Milan, has overtaken New York's Fifth Avenue, to become the most expensive retail destination in 2024, according to a report be real estate group, Cushman & Wakefield --- Matilde Lorenzi, 19 year old Italian junior ski champion, has died following a crash while training in northern Italy --- Italian doctors in Turin have saved the sight of a baby in a surgical procedure that used 3D technology in a world first --- Italian yacht, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, loses to Ineos Brittania in the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Series in Barcelona --- Salvatore (Totò) Schillaci, FIFA World Cup winner in 1990, has died at the age of 59. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 --- Charles Leclerc wins at Monza for Ferrari in Italian F1 Grand Prix --- 7 dead as luxury, Italian-built superyacht sinks off the north coast of Sicily --- Controversy as tennis no.1, Jannik Sinner, is cleared of doping charges

Region of Calabria

Calabria

Calabria is located at the 'toe' of the Italian peninsula. It is bounded to the north by Basilicata, to the south-west by Sicily, to the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea, and to the east by the Ionian Sea. The region covers 15,081 square kilometres and has a population of 2.9 million. The capital of Calabria is Catanzaro, although Reggio di Calabria is by far the most populated, with 2.5 times more residents than the capital. The provinces are: Catanzaro, Cosenza, Crotone, Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia. Calabria stretches from north to south for 248 kilometres, with a maximum width of 110 kilometres.

It is separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina, where the narrowest point between Capo Peloro in Sicily and Punta Pezzo in Calabria is only 3.2 kilometres.

Find a hotel in Calabria

Description of Calabria

For a long time Calabria was one of the poorer areas in Italy, but more recently the government has stimulated the economy through land reform, the introduction of new crops, and the promotion of tourism. Farming is still the main occupation with olives, plums, grapes, citrus fruit, and wheat being the main crops. Sheep and goats are also raised. Fishing is well developed along the Strait of Messina.

History of Calabria

Calabria boasts a rich and diverse history that spans millennia. It was inhabited by various ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Normans. Each of these civilizations has left a lasting impact on the region's architecture, traditions, and culture.

The name Calabria comes from the Hebrew 'kaleb', meaning ‘land of resin or woods’. Calabria has one of the oldest records of human presence in Italy, which can be dated back to around 700,000 BC. The Ice Age then cleared the area of humans until their return during the Stone Age, where they left behind the 12,000-year-old “Bos Primigenius,” a perfectly-proportioned rock engraving of a bull perched on a cliff. The etching is still there to visit today. The first villages were then developed in 3500 BC, the Neolithic period when humans turned from hunter to farmer.

From 800 BC the Greeks occupied the region, calling the area Magna Grecia, or ‘Great Greece’. They introduced not only politics and laws but an abundance of figs, olives and grapes. Of the latter, the gaglioppo became the base for Cirò wine. Calabria’s flagship wine, it is also one of the oldest named wines in the world.

One of the most iconic historical sites in Calabria is the Riace Bronzes, two ancient Greek statues dating back to the 5th century BC. These remarkable sculptures were discovered off the coast of Riace in 1972 and have since become a symbol of the region's historical significance. They are now housed in the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia in Reggio Calabria, where visitors can admire their exquisite craftsmanship.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, like so many other Italian regions, the area fell into the hands of the Byzantines, then Saracens and Normans. The period of the Byzantines brought great wealth and status. The Saracens introduced exotic vegetables and spices from the Arab lands such as aubergines, nutmeg and cloves.

Calabria came under Spanish rule in the 15th century, falling into disrepair with feuding farmers, disease and heavy taxes. The 18th and 19th century saw the Austrians, Bourbons and French rule the land. However, the citizens were getting tired and yearned for independence. Calabria then became part of the Italian Kingdom in 1861.

Cultural Riches

Calabria's cultural heritage is as diverse as its history. The region is known for its traditional music, dance, and festivals. The tarantella, a lively folk dance, is a beloved part of Calabrian culture and is often performed at weddings and other special occasions. Additionally, Calabria hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from religious traditions to local food and wine.

One of the most famous festivals in Calabria is the Tarantella Power Festival, held annually in August in the town of Caulonia. This event brings together musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts from all over Italy to celebrate the vibrant traditions of the region.

Attractions of Calabria

Calabria's landscape is nothing short of breathtaking. The region boasts stunning coastlines along the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque cliffs. The coastline is dotted with charming fishing villages and seaside towns, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the must-visit destinations in Calabria is the Costa degli Dei, or the "Coast of the Gods." This stretch of coastline is renowned for its stunning views, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. Tropea, a picturesque town perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, is a jewel of the Costa degli Dei and a favorite destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and natural beauty.

Away from the coast, it is mainly a mountainous region. There are three ranges: The Pollino, The Sila and Aspromonte. All three have been designated as National Parks with their own unique flora and fauna. The Pollino Mountains in the north of the region are rugged and form a natural barrier separating Calabria from the rest of Italy.

Inland, Calabria's landscape transitions into lush forests, rolling hills, and rugged mountains. The Pollino National Park, Italy's largest national park, offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the region's pristine wilderness. As you traverse the park, you may encounter rare species of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

National Parks of Calabria

La Sila is a vast mountainous plateau, about 1,200 metres above sea level, stretching for nearly 2,000 square kilometres along the central part of Calabria. Also a national park, the area boasts numerous lakes and dense coniferous forests and is more reminiscent of Switzerland or Canada than most peoples' perceptions of southern Italy.

The most famous part is the Bosco di Fallistro, just outside Camigliatello where you can see the 'Giganti della Sila', trees which are over 500 years old, six feet across and 130 feet tall.

The Aspromonte National Park forms the southernmost tip of the Italian peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides. Its highest point is Montalto Uffugo, at 1,995 metres.

The Pollino National Park (Parco del Pollino) is Italy’s largest national park. It also contains Europe’s oldest tree, which is over 1,200 years old. The park expands into Calabria from over the border in Basilicata and covers almost 2,000 square kilometres. Its highest points are located at Serra Dolcedorme (2,267m) and Monte Pollino (2,248m). La Sila, meanwhile, is known as ‘the great wood of Italy’ and is also known for Europe’s purest air.

Natural Beauty of Calabria

The region is known for being more rustic than other areas of Italy. In fact, 42% of the land is mountainous. Only 9% of the land is flat. As a result, this part of Italy is sparsely populated. As its main national park is also protected, the lack of human dwellings affords visitors a unique opportunity to witness nature in its natural setting, devoid of much man-made activity. Whilst there are small villages and settlements, development in these are restricted to largely pre-twenty-first century.

Nature lovers will rejoice in travelling around Calabria. La Sila and Aspromonte Mountains offer an incredible natural landscape for skiers, with the latter offering 7km of slopes. Calabria also contains some of the most beautiful places in Italy. Highlights are the incredibly charming medieval towns and hamlets of Oriolo, Santa Severina and Fiumefreddo Bruzio. The seaside resort of Tropea is also a must-visit and was named 2021’s ‘most beautiful village in Italy’.

Nature has played a crucial part in the Calabria of today, and not all of it is uplifting. The 1905 Calabrian earthquake was the first major natural disaster of the 20th century. The earthquake destroyed 25 villages and 14,000 homes, with the exact death count unknown.

Off the Beaten Track

While Calabria offers well-known attractions like the Riace Bronzes and Tropea, the region is also home to numerous hidden gems waiting to be explored. The ghost town of Pentedattilo, perched on the side of a mountain, is a hauntingly beautiful place with abandoned buildings that seem to have been sculpted by nature itself.

For a taste of ancient Calabrian history, visit the Archaeological Park of Scolacium, where you can explore the ruins of an ancient Roman city. The park is not as crowded as some of the more famous archaeological sites in Italy, making it an excellent destination for history enthusiasts.

Culinary Deights of Calabria

Calabria’s unofficial regional symbol is the horn-shaped red Calabrian chilli pepper. Whilst only small, they ooze flavour and give tasters a warming heat as opposed to an intense burn. ‘Nduja, another Calabrian speciality, suffered a popularity boom in the UK and US in 2015-16. It’s a spicy, spreadable pork sausage which actually contains roasted Calabrian chillies.

All of these can be used in a typical Calabrian dish, Pasta Con ‘Nduja. Cook spaghetti or pasta al dente (use fileja pasta from the Calabrian province of Vibo Valentia) and mix with a Calabrian sauce consisting of a hot Calabrian pepper paste, tomato passata and ‘nduja. Then top with fresh basil, olive oil and aged Cacioricotta.

The area has a reputation for its morning food markets, which close around noon. Soverato and Catanzaro have thriving Farmers’ markets, selling a huge array of fresh fruit and vegetables local to the area, as well as meats and baked goods.

Other speciality food and drink to try is fresh fish (particularly swordfish), and the outstanding sweet red onions (cipolle rosse). Red onion jams and gelatos are frequently seen around the area. You can finish a seafood dinner with a Calabrian digestivo. Vecchio Amaro del Capo is an incredible local liquor with 29 different Calabrian herbs, which is a lot less sweet than limoncello.

You can buy amazing pizza in Calabria, but restauranteurs will only fire up the wood-fired oven in the evenings. Most of the year, outside of the summer season, you’ll find most areas will not open up for lunch at all. Calabria has their own version of a siesta from 1-4 pm, called riposo.

Tourism in Calabria

Although Calabria’s status throughout Italy is some way behind that of neighbouring regions, there is optimism for its future in exports and tourism.

The peak time for tourism is in August, which sees the region’s roads frequently gridlocked with traffic and ATMs running out of cash. April-June and September-November are the perfect months for tourists to visit.

Calabria is easily accessible by air, with Lamezia Terme International Airport serving as the main gateway to the region. Once in Calabria, you can explore the region by car or public transportation. Public transportation across Calabria is good and reliable, although the trains only stick to the coast. If you wish to venture further inland, you may choose to catch the bus or rent a manual car. The road network is well-developed, making it convenient to travel between cities and towns. However, be prepared for some winding and mountainous roads in the interior. If you do drive, make sure you have the correct papers. Americans will need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Conculsion

Calabria, with its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, is a true hidden gem in Italy. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, Calabria has something to offer everyone. From ancient treasures like the Riace Bronzes to the natural beauty of the Costa degli Dei and the spicy delights of Calabrian cuisine, this region is a destination that will leave a lasting impression. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to discover the enchanting charm of Calabria. You won't be disappointed.

The Best Italian Handmade Gifts
Direct From Italy

Blue Leaves and Lemons Clock - Large ceramic wall clock from Sicily

More Details

Flag of Calabria
Calabria flag
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 15,081 km²
      Population: 1.9m
      Density: 130/km²
      Capital: Catanzaro

      National Parks:
      The Pollino National Park
      The Sila National Park
      Aspromonte National Park
Location of Calabria
Calabria location
Provinces of Calabria
Calabria provinces
  • Comunes of Calabria
    • Catanzaro
      • Albi
        Amaroni
        Amato
        Andali
        Argusto
        Badolato
        Belcastro
        Borgia
        Botricello
        Caraffa di Catanzaro
        Cardinale
        Carlopoli
        Catanzaro
        Cenadi
        Centrache
        Cerva
        Chiaravalle Centrale
        Cicala
        Conflenti
        Cortale
        Cropani
        Curinga
        Davoli
        Decollatura
        Falerna
        Feroleto Antico
        Fossato Serralta
        Gagliato
        Gasperina
        Gimigliano
        Girifalco
        Gizzeria
        Guardavalle
        Isca sullo Ionio
        Jacurso
        Lamezia Terme
        Magisano
        Maida
        Marcedusa
        Marcellinara
        Martirano
        Martirano Lombardo
        Miglierina
        Montauro
        Montepaone
        Motta Santa Lucia
        Nocera Terinese
        Olivadi
        Palermiti
        Pentone
        Petrizzi
        Petronà
        Pianopoli
        Platania
        San Floro
        San Mango d’Aquino
        San Pietro a Maida
        San Pietro Apostolo
        San Sostene
        San Vito sullo Ionio
        Santa Caterina dello Ionio
        Sant’Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio
        Satriano
        Sellia
        Sellia Marina
        Serrastretta
        Sersale
        Settingiano
        Simeri Crichi
        Sorbo San Basile
        Soverato
        Soveria Mannelli
        Soveria Simeri
        Squillace
        Stalettì
        Taverna
        Tiriolo
        Torre di Ruggiero
        Vallefiorita
        Zagarise

    • Cosenza
      • Acquaformosa
        Acquappesa
        Acri
        Aiello Calabro
        Aieta
        Albidona
        Alessandria del Carretto
        Altilia
        Altomonte
        Amantea
        Amendolara
        Aprigliano
        Belmonte Calabro
        Belsito
        Belvedere Marittimo
        Bianchi
        Bisignano
        Bocchigliero
        Bonifati
        Buonvicino
        Calopezzati
        Caloveto
        Campana
        Canna
        Cariati
        Carolei
        Carpanzano
        Casole Bruzio
        Cassano all’Ionio
        Castiglione Cosentino
        Castrolibero
        Castroregio
        Castrovillari
        Celico
        Cellara
        Cerchiara di Calabria
        Cerisano
        Cervicati
        Cerzeto
        Cetraro
        Civita
        Cleto
        Colosimi
        Corigliano Calabro
        Cosenza
        Cropalati
        Crosia
        Diamante
        Dipignano
        Domanico
        Fagnano Castello
        Falconara Albanese
        Figline Vegliaturo
        Firmo
        Fiumefreddo Bruzio
        Francavilla Marittima
        Frascineto
        Fuscaldo
        Grimaldi
        Grisolia
        Guardia Piemontese
        Lago
        Laino Borgo
        Laino Castello
        Lappano
        Lattarico
        Longobardi
        Longobucco
        Lungro
        Luzzi
        Maierà
        Malito
        Malvito
        Mandatoriccio
        Mangone
        Marano Marchesato
        Marano Principato
        Marzi
        Mendicino
        Mongrassano
        Montalto Uffugo
        Montegiordano
        Morano Calabro
        Mormanno
        Mottafollone
        Nocara
        Oriolo
        Orsomarso
        Paludi
        Panettieri
        Paola
        Papasidero
        Parenti
        Paterno Calabro
        Pedace
        Pedivigliano
        Piane Crati
        Pietrafitta
        Pietrapaola
        Plataci
        Praia a Mare
        Rende
        Rocca Imperiale
        Roggiano Gravina
        Rogliano
        Rose
        Roseto Capo Spulico
        Rossano
        Rota Greca
        Rovito
        San Basile
        San Benedetto Ullano
        San Cosmo Albanese
        San Demetrio Corone
        San Donato di Ninea
        San Fili
        San Giorgio Albanese
        San Giovanni in Fiore
        San Lorenzo Bellizzi
        San Lorenzo del Vallo
        San Lucido
        San Marco Argentano
        San Martino di Finita
        San Nicola Arcella
        San Pietro in Amantea
        San Pietro in Guarano
        San Sosti
        San Vincenzo la Costa
        Sangineto
        Santa Caterina Albanese
        Santa Domenica Talao
        Santa Maria del Cedro
        Santa Sofia D’Epiro
        Sant’Agata di Esaro
        Santo Stefano di Rogliano
        Saracena
        Scala Coeli
        Scalea
        Scigliano
        Serra d’Aiello
        Serra Pedace
        Spezzano Albanese
        Spezzano della Sila
        Spezzano Piccolo
        Tarsia
        Terranova da Sibari
        Terravecchia
        Torano Castello
        Tortora
        Trebisacce

    • Crotone
      • Belvedere di Spinello
        Caccuri
        Carfizzi
        Casabona
        Castelsilano
        Cerenzia
        Cirò
        Cirò Marina
        Cotronei
        Crotone
        Crucoli
        Cutro
        Isola di Capo Rizzuto
        Melissa
        Mesoraca
        Pallagorio
        Petilia Policastro
        Rocca di Neto
        Roccabernarda
        San Mauro Marchesato
        San Nicola dell’Alto
        Santa Severina
        Savelli
        Scandale
        Strongoli
        Umbriatico
        Verzino

    • Reggio Calabria
      • Africo
        Agnana Calabra
        Anoia
        Antonimina
        Ardore
        Bagaladi
        Bagnara Calabra
        Benestare
        Bianco
        Bivongi
        Bova
        Bova Marina
        Bovalino
        Brancaleone
        Bruzzano Zeffirio
        Calanna
        Camini
        Campo Calabro
        Candidoni
        Canolo
        Caraffa del Bianco
        Cardeto
        Careri
        Casignana
        Caulonia
        Ciminà
        Cinquefrondi
        Cittanova
        Condofuri
        Cosoleto
        Delianuova
        Feroleto della Chiesa
        Ferruzzano
        Fiumara
        Galatro
        Gerace
        Giffone
        Gioia Tauro
        Gioiosa Ionica
        Grotteria
        Laganadi
        Laureana di Borrello
        Locri
        Mammola
        Marina di Gioiosa Ionica
        Maropati
        Martone
        Melicuccà
        Melicucco
        Melito di Porto Salvo
        Molochio
        Monasterace
        Montebello Ionico
        Motta San Giovanni
        Oppido Mamertina
        Palizzi
        Palmi
        Pazzano
        Placanica
        Platì
        Polistena
        Portigliola
        Reggio Calabria
        Riace
        Rizziconi
        Roccaforte del Greco
        Roccella Ionica
        Roghudi
        Rosarno
        Samo
        San Ferdinando
        San Giorgio Morgeto
        San Giovanni di Gerace
        San Lorenzo
        San Luca
        San Pietro di Caridà
        San Procopio
        San Roberto
        Santa Cristina d’Aspromonte
        Sant’Agata del Bianco
        Sant’Alessio in Aspromonte
        Sant’Eufemia d’Aspromonte
        Sant’Ilario dello Ionio
        Santo Stefano in Aspromonte
        Scido
        Scilla
        Seminara
        Serrata
        Siderno
        Sinopoli
        Staiti
        Stignano
        Stilo
        Taurianova
        Terranova Sappo Minulio
        Varapodio
        Villa San Giovanni

    • Vibo Valentia
      • Acquaro
        Arena
        Briatico
        Brognaturo
        Capistrano
        Cessaniti
        Dasà
        Dinami
        Drapia
        Fabrizia
        Filadelfia
        Filandari
        Filogaso
        Francavilla Angitola
        Francica
        Gerocarne
        Ionadi
        Joppolo
        Limbadi
        Maierato
        Mileto
        Mongiana
        Monterosso Calabro
        Nardodipace
        Nicotera
        Parghelia
        Pizzo
        Pizzoni
        Polia
        Ricadi
        Rombiolo
        San Calogero
        San Costantino Calabro
        San Gregorio d’Ippona
        San Nicola da Crissa
        Sant’Onofrio
        Serra San Bruno
        Simbario
        Sorianello
        Soriano Calabro
        Spadola
        Spilinga
        Stefanaconi
        Tropea
        Vallelonga
        Vazzano
        Vibo Valentia
        Zaccanopoli
        Zambrone
        Zungri
Hotels in Calabria
Calabria hotels
CalabriaWEATHER
Calabria Climate (Catanzaro)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 15 8 4 63
Feb 15 8 4 52
Mar 17 9 5 43
Apr 19 11 6 31
May 24 15 7 17
Jun 28 18 9 9
Jul 31 22 10 6
Aug 31 22 9 9
Sep 28 19 7 29
Oct 24 16 6 53
Nov 20 12 4 63
Dec 17 10 4 59
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
Other pages you might like
Newsletter
Enter your email address below to receive our free newsletter, 'I Love Italy'. It provides a captivating glimpse into the allure of 'The Bel Paese', containing extracts from our most recent articles, a window on Italian news, fashion, music and culture, useful information for visiting and living in Italy as well as our latest, delicious Italian recipes.

Subscribers are also entitled to a 10% discount on purchases from our sister-site, Italy Gifts Direct.

We will not use your email address for any other purpose or pass it on to any other organisation and you can unsubscribe from this service at any time.