Italian & Overseas Property Specialists

Catanzaro

The Province of Catanzaro has been the capital of the Calabrian region since 1970. Catanzaro has a population of 370,000 and is made up of 80 communes' or municipal areas. It is the narrowest region of Italy and is only 50km from coast to coast which is why in the 9th century, the Byzantines who founded the region used it to control the mountain pass between the Ionian and Tyron Seas.
Today the region is well known for its fine lace and silk. For centuries the Vatican has ordered its lace and linens for their priests as well as many of the royal houses. Catanzaro Town rises on a rock and is split into two parts by a steep valley, the two sections being connected by a huge concrete and steel bridge witch is among the highest in Europe built in 1960. The beach town Catanzaro lido is located 5km south, has a wide promenade and a harbour for small fishing and pleasure boats.
Soverato sits on the Italian Ionian Sea in the Gulf of Squillace. Nearby there is a string of villages along the white beaches of the gulf like Montepaone and the beautiful Isca Marina. Just 40 minutes drive from Lamezia Terme International Airport this very popular Italian resort is vibrant and energetic with numerous bars, cafes and restaurants and a fair on the beach every night throughout the summer. A year round resort and well supported by the local community, it's where the locals from nearby Catanzaro chose to visit to eat out. Nowadays Soverato is made up of three urban settlements, which characterize it: Soverato Marina (Seaside Soverato), Soverato Superiore (Upper Soverato) and Soverato Vecchia (Old Soverato). The town hosts some interesting festivals such as 'Sagra delle sarde e pepperoni fritti' (Sardines and fried peppers Festival) and the 'Sagra delle melanzane' (Aubergines Festival).

Cosenza Province

Cosenza is the largest of Calabria's provinces with deserted beaches set on a backdrop of the Sila Massif mountain range. Cosenza is often nicknamed 'Little Switzerland' its Alpine like climate creates a playground for camping, hiking, walking, fishing and skiing. Climb up Mount Botte Donato through Europe's greatest forest wonderland for epic views of both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas or visit the church of San Domenco in the Sila mountains which has paintings by Calabria's most famous impressionist artist Umberto Bocciono.

The provincial capital is the city of Cosenza, the largest as you head through northern Calabria. Approaching from the south gives you the most romantic view of the city dominated by the Norman Hohenstaufen castle perched high on the hill. Having been conquered and invaded by Normans, Romans, Greeks and the Spanish it's a wonder this historic city still presents some of the most beautiful baroque architecture, as English author George Gissing commented 'to call it picturesque is to use an inadequate word'. Now, Cosenza has become the most important commercial and agricultural centres of Calabria with the seat of the regions newest university on the outskirts of the city.

The picturesque town of Scalea is one of the most visited Italian resorts in Calabria; the name Scalea comes from 'Scala' meaning steps as the town essentially is built on terraces and in order to visit your neighbour you must go up or down the steps! The beach front has been developed with a range of villas and sophisticated hotels however the town still retains its charm and the original town walls. In the old hamlet the main 'street' has a pretty stairway which rises from Piazza De Palma and provides a natural amphitheatre. Scalea's most important building is owned by the town council; Palazzo of the Spinelli Princess dates back to the 13th century. During the Swabian, Angevin, Aragonese and Spanish era Scalea became a centre of study and the area was enriched with artworks and monuments which can still be seen today. The rocky outcrop named Scalea Island just off the shore contains an excavated cavern from which Palaeolithic relics were recovered, suggesting inhabitants date back as far as prehistoric times. More recently Scalea is famous for its relaxed family atmosphere and friendly locals; the 8km of beautiful shoreline is a beach lovers dream. There are three ski resorts within easy reach, Camigliatello Silano 1400m, Lorica 1350-1920m, and Ciricilla 1400-1500m approximately. Plans have been approved to build a marina incorporating Torre Talao and will provide mooring for approximately 320 boats; completion is scheduled for 2010, making Scalea an even more desirable location.

Belmonte - Built in 1270 and still perfectly preserved the beautiful village of Belmonte  is virtually untouched by modern culture yet still managing to offer all the required amenities. Perched high up on the cliff top perusing the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea and surrounded by lush woodland, the panoramic views are breathtaking. Just off the shoreline, Isca rocks are marked as a World Wildlife Federation protected marine area and the sunsets over Stromboli volcano are magical. Surrounding Belmonte are several historical points of interest such as Clarisse Palace once a Monastery now dedicated as an art gallery with over 100 works of art. Just 20 minutes drive is the town Paola which was the sanctuary of Saint and Prophet Francesco da Paola one of the most worshipped saints in all the Catholic faith.  Traditions such as homemade bread and bianchetto (baby anchovy) fishing still prevail; venture into the woods in September to pick chestnuts and mushrooms or to the farmers market at Amantea for fresh, organic local produce. This is idyllic rural Italy at its superlative finest.

Trebisacce - Sophisticated boutiques, international shops and restaurants dot the tree lined the streets of Trebisacce. Recently discovered Bronze Age settlements have been unearthed suggesting that Greek colonists where not the only people to take advantage of this diverse stretch of coastline. Thirty min takes you to the Silla Massif mountain range and the area also benefits from fabulous beaches. On the last Sunday of each month all the streets are closed and huge market takes over the town where local farmers sell their mouth watering produce. The area is renowned for its 'Agrotourism' a phrase which the Italian government coined to represent a gold standard in high quality, local produce and there are several very good restaurants proudly displaying this. At the south end of the beach the Gelateria (Ice-cream shop) sells around two hundred flavours of ice-cream. A medium sized town with an excellent range of facilities, from schools to hospitals yet still managing to retain its rural Italian feel a town where you can buy fish on the beach straight from the fishermen fresh from the sea. Trebisacce is sophisticated yet true to its roots.

Vibo Valentia Province

Established as late as 1992, Vibo Valentia was previously included in the province of Catanzaro. Today, the newly formed province enjoys a wonderful position which includes an extraordinary wealth of archaeological sites and unexploited landscapes with 75km of coastline of small bays and cliffs. On a clear day, the coastline offers astounding views as far as Mount Etna and the Aeolian Isles. The coastline in this province has the finest coves and beaches in the whole of Calabria and is a beach lover's paradise.

Tropea - Was recently voted Europe's most beautiful beach location by the Times and the Telegraph and is famous for its dramatic seaside location, situated on a reef in the Gulf of St. Euphemia. Legend has it that this town was founded by the Roman god Hercules and is easily one of the prettiest towns in Calabria. One of the many highlights is Santa Maria dell' Isola a monastic sanctuary surrounded by beautiful gardens, built on rock, offering amazing views surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters and linked only to the mainland by a strip of beautiful white sandy beach. The town itself displays ancient roots with its exquisite Cathedral in the town centre which holds unexploded US bombs from World War II. Wander through the winding, narrow streets and join the locals for supper in the Piazza. For the adventurous, Tonino's gelateria serves some intriguing ice-cream varieties including Tropeas infamous red onion or even squid ink. With a wealth of historic and cultural attractions and an array of some of the finest beaches Italy has to offer. Tropea is waiting to be discovered.

Pizzo - Is one of Calabria's best known fishing villages, perched high on the steep cliffs as is characteristic of the region and supplying restaurants countrywide with its fabulous bounty; most famously a thriving Tuna supply. Born of the ruins of Napita, destroyed by Saracens in the 4th century AD, rebuilt by inhabitants and further developed into something resembling the village it is today by Basillian monks in the 13th Century. Pizzo has a thriving, traditional boat building industry and is famous for its very rare native 'Zibibbo' grape which produces a robust, peachy dessert wine synonymous with southern Italy. Notoriety comes for having been the place of the capture and shooting of the former king of Naples, Napoleon's brother in-law, Giachino Murat.  His body was said to have been thrown into a pit under the floor of St. George Church, and has never been recovered. For many years the town has been an incredibly popular beach holiday destination for northern Italians and is a lively resort during the summer months. You can stroll through the protected forest to the beautiful, long sandy beach and the local Tartufo gelato is touted as the best ice-cream in Italy!

Vibo Valentia - On a good day from the highest point of Vibo Valentia it is possible to see the Sila Mountains to the north and the summit of Mount Etna on Sicily to the south. Today, it is the provincial capital and full of imposing official buildings, from the Norman castle to numerous renaissance and baroque churches. Its name is a corruption of 'Veip', 'Hipponion' and 'Valentia', all identities given to the area at different times in its history. In the old town which sprawls down the hill you will find Roman ruins and thermal baths. The Norman castle has four towers each built at different times by different rulers. The castle is noted for being the spot where the Archaeological Museum is housed inside. Not just an important historical and cultural centre with boutiques and shops, Vibo Valentia has a substantial pretty marina with berths for yachts and tourist trips to the Aeloian Islands. The harbour is a bursting with vibrant cafes, bars and restaurants offering the fabulous local cuisine.

Originally a Greek colony in 1860 the population rose to support Garibaldi after he landed with his "red shirts" at Melito. As all the Kingdom of Naples, Calabria was then united to the newly established Kingdom of Italy. The decades that followed saw an increase in poverty and emigration, also due to the great disparity between the rich industrial regions of Northern Italy and the agricultural, poorer South.

The Calabrian coast is famed for its beauty and is home to some of Italy's most stunning beaches. "Lidos" are unique to Italy and you will find yourself being offered services such as beach chair and umbrella rental, a bar service, babysitting and play clubs for children and all kinds of beach games as part of the Lido experience in Calabria. Of course, you can just take off and find some hidden, private coves for pure relaxation!

Blessed with thousands of kilometres of stunning coastline, Calabria's water sports facilities are second to none. Windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and deep sea fishing are all popular - as is lazing on a sun drenched beach taking advantage of the beach lido facilities! For diving fans, there are numerous specialist centres where you can learn to dive or for the more experienced, dive to one of the 50 sunken ships, some dating back to the 4th century. Or perhaps you prefer to slide down the rivers in a kayak or canoe, or to float back to earth as you paraglide from high cliffs down to the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean sea.

There is skiing during the winter months in central Calabria's mountainous region and trekking is popular in spring and summer throughout the region's stunning national parks. Birdwatchers will be in their element as they will be able to see, at various times of the year, black woodpeckers, eagles, peregrine falcons, eagle owls, sandpipers, redshanks and wild duck.

Calabria is right next to Sicily and trips via ferry to Messina are cheap and easy. Sicily is an amazing island where you can visit ancient ruins, climb Mount Etna, shop in the glamorous boutiques of Catania and indulge yourself in Sicily's famous gelato (ice cream) bars or eat traditional Sicilian cannoli desserts in cafes. In fact, a day trip to Messina is an absolute must for fans of ancient Roman, Greek and Byzantine history - and is also the perfect starting point for those who want to see Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes.

By Plane

Flights with Ryan Air from London Stansted to Lamezia Terme - Train station and car hire available at the airport.

By Train

There are excellent train links see the following:

• Eurocity - will connect Italian cities to the major European cities, Eurostar - serves the main lines like Rome to Florence with few stops
• Diretto - faster than a locale, with less stops, Expresso - stops just at the main towns
• Locale - slowest of all the trains that stops at all the local stops (avoid this one if you can!)
• Try: www.trenitalia.it for times and ticket reservations (Italian Only)

By Bus

For travel within any of the major cities, Italy provides a pretty good bus network. You can buy a biglietto at any of the local tobacco shops, indicated with a big black "T". The (intra-city) buses use an honour system, which is even a joke to the locals. Inspectors will do routine spot checks of the passengers to make sure that your ticket is validated by a validation machine that must be punched when you enter onto the bus. It's not worth the potential fine or hassle to try and beat the system by not validating your ticket.

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