Calabria is a splendid land of sea and mountains containing five ancient provinces: Catanzaro, Cosenza, Crotone, Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia.
The region is mainly mountainous. The Apennines cross it for roughly 90 km, including not only ancient granite massifs, but also a part of the Pollino National Park. A dense extension of coniferous woods and high pastures characterize Sila and Aspromonte. Some Calabrian cities deserve a special mention due to their origins and beauty.
Crotone, Calabria’s only port on the Ionic Sea and also its greatest industrial centre, was a Greek city founded by the Achaeans. While at its peak it was renowned for its richness and famous for Milone, the athlete of ancient sport who was acclaimed at Olympia, and for its philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras.
Also famous for its ancient tradition of food and wine, today Crotone offers the world Cirò: a wine of ancient origins that used to be offered to the winning athletes at Olympia, and S. Anna from Isola Capo Rizzuto. Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria still keep alive traces of the events during the invasions of the: pre-Hellenics, Graeco-Romans and Saracens who left their indelible mark on these places. Under the fortification of Sila, facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the plain of Sibari, emerges Cosenza, a city rich in history and culture. This city is a faithful custodian of an antique tradition of humanistic literature handed down by Parraasio and Telesio.
Health enthusiasts must take note of the thermal spas: Acquappesa Lamezia Terme and Cassano allo Jonio. For beach lovers Calabria offers breathtaking beaches and crystal clear sea. The most renowned spots are: Cirò Marina, Gioia Tauro, Isola capo Rizzato, Locri, Marina di Gioiosa, Pizzo, Tropea, Praia a Mare, Scalea and Noverato.
Calabria welcomes thousands of tourists every year and offers a wide and varied range of accomodation choices. Hotels, guest houses, rooms-to-let and self catering apartments are available in the city. Youth hostels and camp sites are also an option for young people. Calabria’s welcoming Bed and Breakfasts offer a nice cheap alternative. The B&Bs in Calabria are rooms, bedrooms or small apartments that offer an overnight stay and breakfast in a welcoming family environment at good prices. Calabria’s Bed & Breakfasts cover a widespread area from the outskirts to the old town centre of many cities. There are hundreds of Calabrian Bed&Breakfasts which are renowned for their attention to detail and hospitality.
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