Calabria Holidays

The curtain has only just come up on Calabria. This region of southern Italy, which reaches from Sicily to Campania, has always been relatively unknown. But recently, holidaymakers are starting to want to get in on its act.

The main reason for Calabria’s growing popularity is its beaches. The region’s home to some of the best stretches on the Italian mainland. On the west coast, Capo Vaticano is the beach area of the hour, with white sand backed by dramatic, granite cliffs. It’s the same story in Tropea, where the sands are watched by a hilltop church. And, despite the Caribbean-quality beaches, there’s still seclusion to be found in places like Zambrone and Parghelia.

Beaches aren’t Calabria’s only forte – the towns out-shine the rest, too. Lots of them are rooted on top of cliffs, meaning spectacular views are the norm. There’s plenty to explore, as well. Tropea’s old town is home to a Norman cathedral and a Benedictine monastery. Meanwhile, Pizzo’s historic heart is a maze of narrow lanes, winding down to a 15th-century castle.

Calabria’s all about good old-fashioned Italian food, just as mama used to make. And it just so happens that the region’s sunny climate guarantees top-of-the-range, fresh produce. Cipolla di rossa – sweet red onions – are a speciality in Tropea. You’ll see them hung from shop doorways all over town. Plus, they’re thrown into bowls of zuppa di cipolle, onion soup with Italian brandy.