Italian News Headlines 02-10-2025: Claudia Cardinale, legend of Italian cinema, has died at the age of 87 | The Italian women's volleyball team has won the World Championships, their 36th consecutive victory | Legendary Italian fashion designer, Giorgio Armani, has died at the age of 91 | Italian authorities are expecting over 12 million vehicles on the roads over the 'Ferragosto' weekend | 45 people were injured in Rome when a petrol station exploded, following a smaller explosion caused by a truck hitting a gas pipe | Twenty Italian seaside resorts have been awarded Cinque Vele status by the Legambiente and Touring Club Italiano, of which six are in Sardinia. The beach at Domus de Maria, in southern Sardinia, has received the highest ranking in 2025 | The world's most famous Tik Toker, Italian, Kharby Lame, was arrested and then expelled from the United States for remaining in the country after his visa expired | The Italian navy training ship, Amerigo Vespucci, arrived in Cagliari to be welcomed by Luna Rossa, the winner of the 37th America's Cup youth and women's tournament | Italy will host the 38th edition of the America's Cup in Naples in 2027 | Robert Francis Prevost from the USA has been chosen as the new pope, taking the name, Pope Leo XIV

Scilla

Scilla

Located at the northern tip of the Calabrian coast in the province of Reggio Calabria, Scilla is one of Italy’s most picturesque and legendary seaside towns.

Perched dramatically above the Strait of Messina, this town offers a rare blend of natural beauty, ancient mythology, traditional fishing culture and coastal serenity.

Its name is forever tied to Homer’s epic tales, where Scylla, the sea monster, threatened Odysseus from her rocky lair opposite Charybdis in Sicily.

Today, Scilla charms visitors with its sun-drenched beaches, medieval castles and pastel-colored houses that cascade down the cliffs to the water’s edge.

A town shaped by myth and the sea

Scilla’s legendary origins make it one of the most fascinating towns in southern Italy, deeply rooted in both mythology and maritime history.

In Greek mythology, Scylla was a beautiful nymph turned sea monster who haunted the narrow strait that separates Calabria from Sicily, devouring passing sailors.

This association with myth continues to influence local identity and tourism, blending storytelling with striking visuals of rugged coastline and deep blue sea.

Beyond legend, Scilla developed as a strategic coastal settlement, with a history of shipbuilding, fishing and defense that dates back to the earliest civilizations in Magna Graecia.

Chianalea: the Venice of the South

One of Scilla’s most enchanting districts is Chianalea, a historic fishing village known for its narrow stone alleys, waterfront houses and timeless ambiance.

Here, buildings rise directly from the sea, with foundations washed by the tides and fishing boats moored at front doors, creating a scene of serene authenticity.

Chianalea is often called the Venice of the South, not because of canals, but due to the seamless relationship between architecture and water.

Walking through its winding passages, visitors encounter small restaurants, artisan workshops and the peaceful rhythm of a community still tied to the sea.

Ruffo Castle and panoramic views

Dominating the headland of Scilla is Castello Ruffo, a fortress that has watched over the Strait of Messina for centuries and remains one of Calabria’s most iconic landmarks.

The castle has a layered history, originally built by the Romans, expanded by the Normans and later transformed by the noble Ruffo family into a military residence.

Its strategic position offered control over maritime traffic and defense against pirates, invaders and rival fleets from across the strait.

Today, visitors can explore its battlements, courtyards and terraces, enjoying panoramic views over Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and the crystalline waters below.

Beaches and the lure of the Tyrrhenian Sea

Scilla is blessed with some of the most inviting beaches in Calabria, where golden sands and transparent waters draw sunseekers, swimmers and families alike.

Marina Grande is the main beach, stretching below the castle and framed by gentle waves, modern amenities and dramatic cliffs that rise from the sea.

The area is ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding and diving, with the clarity of the water revealing underwater rock formations and marine life.

Sunset here is particularly magical, with the silhouette of the Ruffo Castle and the fiery Calabrian sky turning the coast into a painting of southern Italian beauty.

Traditional fishing and swordfish culture

Scilla’s soul is tied to the sea not only through its geography but also through its long-standing tradition of swordfish fishing, a practice dating back millennia.

Locals have used feluccas, distinctive wooden boats with tall masts and forward platforms, to hunt swordfish in the strait’s turbulent currents with harpoons.

This ancient technique requires precision, teamwork and deep knowledge of the sea, passed down from generation to generation among Scilla’s fishermen.

Each summer, the swordfish season is celebrated with festivals, fresh seafood markets and waterfront feasts that reflect the region’s maritime heritage.

Local cuisine and southern flavors

Scilla’s culinary traditions are rooted in its access to both the sea and fertile Calabrian hills, offering a cuisine rich in flavor, freshness and cultural fusion.

Signature dishes include swordfish prepared alla ghiotta with capers, olives and tomatoes, as well as grilled octopus, anchovies and sun-dried peppers.

The region’s wines, including robust reds and crisp whites from nearby hills, pair beautifully with seafood and pasta made from locally milled flour.

Dining in Scilla is often a seafront affair, with family-run trattorias offering unforgettable meals accompanied by ocean breezes and views of the glowing horizon.

Religious life and cultural identity

Faith plays an important role in Scilla’s identity, reflected in its churches, chapels and religious processions that connect past and present communities.

The Church of San Rocco, patron saint of the town, sits on a hilltop above Marina Grande and is a place of pilgrimage and devotion for locals and visitors alike.

Each August, Scilla honors San Rocco with a festival that includes processions, music and fireworks, creating a vibrant celebration of faith and culture.

Throughout the year, the town also hosts smaller religious events that blend sacred tradition with a strong sense of communal pride and history.

How to get to Scilla and when to visit

Scilla is well connected to major cities in southern Italy, with frequent trains from Reggio Calabria and connections to other parts of Calabria and Sicily.

Visitors arriving by car will find scenic coastal drives that wind through cliffs, beaches and olive groves, offering postcard views at every turn.

The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn, when the weather is warm, the beaches are uncrowded and the town reveals its quiet charm.

Summer is also wonderful for cultural events and sea activities, though it draws larger crowds, especially during local festivals and the swordfish season.

Why Scilla deserves a place on your Italian itinerary

Scilla is not just a seaside resort, it is a place where mythology, architecture and daily life coexist in a harmony rarely found in modern travel destinations.

Its beauty lies in the details, from fishing nets drying in the sun to castle walls glowing at dusk and the echo of ancient tales on sea breezes.

In the province of Reggio Calabria, Scilla offers a window into the past while providing modern comforts, coastal pleasures and genuine southern hospitality.

For travelers in search of both legend and landscape, Scilla is a timeless destination where the soul of Calabria meets the heart of the Mediterranean.

The Best Italian Handmade Gifts
Direct From Italy

Mare - set of 3 plates - Handmade, traditional ceramic plates from Sicily

More Details

sail to italy
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
Weather in Calabria
Abruzzo weather
CALABRIA WEATHER
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.
I agree to receive occasional emails and have read the Privacy Policy.

up arrow