Calabria "coast to coast"

On his return from Spain, the mythical hero Hercules stopped off in Calabria on the stretch of Tyrrhenian coast now referred to as the Costa degli Dei (the Coast of Gods). The story goes that Hercules even founded a city here: Tropea. With this tale in mind, we set off on a journey along the Calabrian coast, a land of myths and legends.

Whilst not all will believe in this somewhat fanciful version of the origins of Tropea, they will have no doubts about the incredible natural beauty of the place. Tropea is famous throughout the world for its beaches lapped by a crystal clear sea, a sea which seems to take on a different tone of blue according to the part of the coastline it washes. The most popular beaches are Linguata, Cava, Bacino and Cantini. The town's historic center is definitely worth visiting; to see the ancient patrician town houses in the piazza dedicated to Hercules, and the Norman cathedral, built here in the distant 12th century. An important pilgrim destination (it contains a much worshipped statue of the Madonna and Child), and a symbol of Tropea is the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Isola which stands on a rocky promontory directly below the city. Whilst in Tropea visitors should be sure to purchase a string of the city's famous red onions, when in the town of Spilinga, just a few kilometers inland, it is the incredibly hot "nduja" sausage, which more than deserves a (cautious!) tasting.

Back on the coast, the next step of our journey brings us to Capo Vaticano, an immense spur of rock at the foot of which there are many paradisiacal beaches. One of these is the Spiaggia Occhiali or glasses beach the name of which is derived from the two holes in the nearby rock. The equally beautiful Volo du Corvaru beach is located beneath cliffs where crows habitually nest. Legend has it that at Passo Gabbaturcu the crafty fishermen of Tropea lured two Turkish boats onto the rocks. One of the beaches particularly popular with divers is the Baia di Formicoli, the seabed of which is home to an incredible variety of marine fauna.

A little further South, we find the main characters in another legend. Scilla and Cariddi were two mythological monsters, situated facing each other, on opposite sides of the strait which separates Calabria from Sicily, and ready to devour the sailors who dared to attempt the crossing. Despite these ominous legends, Scilla is actually a gorgeous little seaside town where you can bathe in the warm waters of the Costa Viola (named after the purple hue the sea assumes at sunset), before heading into the mountains. It is here that the mountains of Aspromonte almost meet the sea.

The last part of this journey takes us to Gambarie, the Aspromonte National Park's best known ski resort. Here, in winter, the slopes are covered in snow, whilst in the summer the mountainside provides the ideal terrain for trekkers and mountain bikers. A number of fascinating trails lead visitors through the Mediterranean marquis and into the mountains, which reach a height of some 2000 meters above sea level. Those keen to observe the spectacular view of the Calabrian coastline, the sea, and the island Sicily which is visible from the mountain tops, without having to make the climb, will be pleased to discover that there is a chair lift all the way to the summits of Monte Scirocco and Monte Nardello.