THEsummer approaches and the urge to holiday it is not held at bay. At least for me, although it is still May, I am already starting to organize my summer holidays. Even this time, however, I will make a point in the land that gave me birth, the Calabria, that the scandals, waste and news of 'Ndrangheta and cocaine, is many other things. Sometimes, some so beautiful that you can hardly believe them.
Here is a mini guide, for those who decide to venture into this semi-unknown land.
How to reach us. Unless you want to embark on an epic journey on that bogey that is the Salerno-Reggio Calabria, the easiest way is to get to the airport of Lamezia Terme, this being the best served in the region (otherwise there is also the airport of Reggio Calabria). By train, there are connections (ramshackle) from all over Italy. The main transit stations are those of Lamezia Terme and Reggio Calabria (Catanzaro is located on a summit, Cosenza is more easily accessible by car and Crotone .. is far away).
To see. Between sea and mountains, you are spoiled for choice. Maybe I rediscovered the love for the beauty of my land, but every time I find something new and surprising to discover.
Advice. Rent a car, public transport is practically non-existent. Although recommended for those who want to take a holiday in a "survivors" style. Or go by bike, but remember that it is a predominantly mountainous region.
Here are my highlights that cover (more or less) the part of the region that I know best.
For those who, the sea.
Il Paradise of the Sub (Zambrone, province of Vibo Valentia, Costa degli dei) This beach is a spectacle and the ideal would be to be able to visit it outside the traditional tourist season (July / August), when the sea is practically perfect and there are very few people (the last time I was at the end of September there were only 4 umbrellas apart from ours). White sand, turquoise sea. That very salty and cold Mediterranean that restores the body and the spirit. From Lamezia, you can get to the diver's paradise as follows: Take the fearsome Salerno-Reggio Calabria, direction Reggio, Pizzo Calabro exit. Then take the SS 522 southbound (at the motorway junction towards Tropea) until you see the sign indicating Zambrone. Stop shortly after, before entering the village, where you will see the mini train station.
The only one free parking what remains is the one on the main road, above the station, between a dumpster and the (always closed) tourist information booth.
From there, take everything you need: water, food, sunscreen, umbrella, buckets, shovels and so on and so forth. There is nothing on the beach and I'm sure you won't want to go back and buy something.
You have to enter the station and cross the platforms. Follow your right and after a few meters you will find a small, slightly steep path that you have to follow until you reach a staircase that will take you to the beach. The walk under the sun is not very pleasant, but when you get to the staircase you will be rewarded with a wonderful view.
For those who, the Borghi.
Scilla (Reggio Calabria, Costa Viola) Although Tropea it is beautiful and I always come back, Scilla has an ancient charm and is much less touristy than its more famous cousin. It also has everything you can ask for in a seaside village: the narrow streets, the perched houses, the wind blowing in the alleys, the people watching from the windows, a beautiful sea and Sicily that can be glimpsed and seems almost to be touched. .
If you are in Reggio Calabria, consider that Scilla is only 15 km away and that it is certainly easier to get there without taking the highway. If, on the other hand, you are in Lamezia, for example, the only route available is the Salerno-Reggio Calabria or a beautiful panoramic road passing through Tropea which is also very long and full of hairpin bends.
The village overlooks the sea and there is also a beautiful city beach from which it seems to touch the tip of Sicily and which will give you splendid sunsets.
For those that adventure.
The Canyon Valli Cupe (Sersale, Catanzaro)
Prepare your backpack, your legs and especially if you go in the summer, tolerance in the heat. Because although you are already in Sila, the descent to discover the canyon includes many steps to do under the scorching sun. But it is absolutely worth it. In fact, the canyon, unique in Italy for its geo-morphological characteristics, is rich in plant species of rare beauty. There are always few people (unless you have the misfortune to stumble upon some school trip), once you arrive the temperature is magnificent and you can admire carved walls, hidden ravines and vegetation in all their wild splendor. On my last visit there was no ticketing or guide service. The ideal is therefore call the cooperative who manages the services to find out if there is any planned activity.
The Canyon of the dark valleys, is located 65 kilometers from Catanzaro and can be reached with the SS 106 towards Crotone (at the junction for Cropani-Sersale, turn left and continue towards Sersale).
