Territory: Situated in the extreme south western region of Italy, the beautiful coastline is washed by both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas.

Principal Cities: The regional capital is Catanzaro. Reggio Calabria is the seat of the Regional Council and Cosenza, Crotone and Vibo Valentia are the major cities.

About: The most southern part of the Italian Peninsula; the area known as "The toe in Italy's boot" between the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea and Gulf of Taranto to the east, to the south-west is the region of Sicily. The regional capital is the city of Catanzaro . The other main urban areas are, Cosenza , Reggio Calabria and Lamezia Terme.

The mountain ranges are the Pollino in the North, the Sila forested plateau in the centre and the Aspromonte and Serre chains in the South.

The Pollino Mountains (National Park) in the north of the region are rugged and form a natural barrier separating Calabria from the rest of Italy, there are Jeep Adventure tours available please ask for further details, it really is quite an experience.

La Sila is a very mountainous plateau, approximately 1,200 metres above sea level, and stretches for nearly 2,000 sq. km. along the central part of Calabria with lakes and coniferous forests.

The Aspromonte Mountains are in the southernmost tip of the Italian peninsula bordered with the sea on three sides. This unique mountain range is full of wide, man-made terraces that lead down towards the sea.

The Calabria region has been known for it's agricultural for centuries, vineyards and citrus fruit orchards in the lower regions, with chestnut and olives trees in the higher regions there are forests of oak, beech and pine trees, including a rare bosnian pine. One of the warmest regions in the Meditteranean with many unsploit areas and a wealth of history and culture just waiting to be explored.

History: Calabria is ancient - the Romans were relatively late arrivals. Bruttians are the oldest known inhabitants who lived in Calabria around 1000BC. Greek invaders arrived around 800BC - the mathematician Pythagoras was a native of Crotone. After the sacking of Rome, the Visigoths arrived in the 5th century and King Alaric plus his vast treasure, is believed to be buried in the river near Cosenza.

The Visigoths were followed by the Goths, Byzantines, Saracens and Normans - some of the invaders settled in the area, others simply raided and moved on. In the early middle ages, Calabria became part of Sicily. The mix of nations was further complicated by the arrival of Albanians around the year 1400 and 1500 brought a wave of people from Piedmonte who were fleeing the Inquisition.

Today Albanian and Franco-Provencal dialects are still spoken in some of the more remote villages.

Art: The region has a rich heritage of remains dating back to the Roman and Byzantium ages. Recent archaeological excavations have brought to light ancient settlements in Sibari, Crotone, Locri and Crotone.

Scalea is one of the most beautiful towns in Calabria. The old town is situated high above the present town and the remains of the ancient town wall and tower are well preserved. Scalea takes its name from its terrace-like layout on the hillside at the bottom of the Capo Scalea promontory. The sea front is well served with modern hotels, restaurants and shops and the beaches have well equipped bathing areas looking out onto a sea of incomparable beauty. The surrounding area has ancient olive groves, roadside fountains dispensing natural mineral water and endless rows of orange and lemon trees.

But Scalea is so much more than a holiday town - the area has been inhabited since pre historic times - paleolithic remains have been found near Torre Talao. This tower dates to the 16th century and was part of a system of 337 coastal towers built to deter pirate attacks. The Aragonese and Spanish eras brought a wealth of culture and learning to Scalea and many of the ancient monuments and works of art can still be seen today. The 13th century Palazzo of the Spinelli Princes (XIII century), which belongs to the Town Council, is the most important building of the lower part of the old Town Centre.

San Nicola Arcella - Caves, picturesque seaside village

Maratea - this lovely old town has real old world charm with a marina and peaceful secluded beaches.

Diamante- "City of Murals" this is a "must see" when in Calabria! The scenic town with its stunning beach and promenade is famous for its wall murals and peppers - not many towns can claim such diverse attractions! The murals can be seen on most walls throughout the old town - it is thought this practice started in the 1900's - artists who couldn’t afford canvas began painting on the walls and soon artists from all over Europe arrived and filled almost every wall with stunning works of art.

Diamante is also known as the home of the famous red chilli pepper - this is what gives Calabrese food it's particular kick. During the summer, strings of peppers are hung out to dry in the sun - every balcony has strings of peppers drying happily alongside the weekly washing.
These hot peppers are so popular that a special festival is held in September each year to in honour of this gastronomic delight.

Cosenza - set on a hill, Cozensa has an ancient quarter, and a modern, vibrant new town below the old city. The old town is the setting for the famous Cathedral, where Isabel of Aragon is buried, and the medieval churches of S.Domenico and S.Francesco.

Under Emperor Augustus, Cosenza became an important stopover on the Roman via Popilia which connected Calabria to Sicily. During the Roman empire, although a colony, the town benefited from municipal privileges. Thanks to its cultural past, Cosenza was once known as the Athens of Calabria. To this day, the city remains an important cultural centre with museums, theatres, libraries, and the University of Calabria.