Scalea-Santa Domenica Talao station is 2 km from the building.
Shingle and dark volcanic sand, with small stones underfoot, so beach shoes are useful. The water is completely clear, and between the rocks you can swim from one small beach round to the next.
On the spot. The umbrella and the mat are in the cupboard in the apartment.
A medieval village up the hill: narrow stairways, arches, stone houses and an 11th-century Norman castle. From the top you see the whole coast and the mountains behind it.
On the spot. Go towards evening: the stairs are hot at midday, and the view is best at sunset.
A round 16th-century watchtower. It once stood on an islet; the lagoon was filled in, and the tower ended up on dry land in the middle of town.
On the spot. Just a landmark on the way to the beach — there is nothing to go inside for.
Trains along the coast run often; buy tickets at the station or in the Trenitalia app. Timetables change by season — check before you set off.
A small bay behind a natural stone arch — the most recognisable spot on this coast. You get down by a path from Marinella beach, with steps leading to the bottom.
On the spot. Entry is paid and by opening hours; since 2026 the site is run by the Pro Loco of San Nicola Arcella. In summer it is open daily roughly 8:00–20:00, in spring only at weekends. Check before you go.
Opposite the town lies the island of Dino with its sea caves: the Blue Grotto, the Lion, the Monk. In the Blue Grotto the water glows turquoise — that is the light, not a filter.
On the spot. Boats to the caves go from Praia a Mare and from Scalea harbour. The sea has to be calm, otherwise trips are cancelled.
Already Basilicata, not Calabria. On top of Monte San Biagio stands a white statue of Christ facing the mountains rather than the sea. Below is a beautiful old centre with dozens of churches.
On the spot. It is a long way up from the station: in summer there is a bus, otherwise a taxi. Walking up is not worth it.
More than three hundred wall paintings right in the residential lanes — they started in 1981 and have not stopped since. Plus a long seafront and a blue flag for clean water.
On the spot. The station is in the centre, and the sea is a short walk from it. In September the town holds its chilli festival.
An abandoned upper village, destroyed in the early 19th century, and an island just off the shore. A quiet alternative to a crowded Diamante.
On the spot. The ruins stand on a hill with no shade — take water and do not go at midday.
Boats run along the coast to Arcomagno and the island of Dino and go into caves you cannot reach from land. Usually half a day, often with a swimming stop.
On the spot. Trips depend on the weather. Tickets are bought at the harbour the same morning, or booked ahead by phone.
Parking at the building is free. Mountain roads are narrow and winding: allow more time than the map suggests.
One of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe: a bull carved into the rock more than twelve thousand years ago. There is a small museum at the entrance.
On the spot. Entry € 6, reduced € 4. Guided visits only. Opening hours change — call the Papasidero town hall, +39 0981 83078, before you set off.
The best-known river in southern Italy for rafting. The 11 km descent takes about three hours and is of moderate difficulty — beginners and families with teenagers are taken too.
On the spot. Season April to October, from € 40 per person. Book ahead; equipment is provided on site.
A village of Albanian origin where Arbëresh is still spoken. From the viewpoint you look down into the Raganello gorge, one of the most striking in the southern Apennines.
On the spot. The viewpoint is open to everyone. Going down into the gorge itself requires a mountain guide — not on your own.
Houses climb the hill in rings towards the church at the top — from a distance it looks like an anthill. It is on the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
On the spot. The streets are steep and cobbled. Leave the car at the bottom and walk up.
Mountains, beech forests and the relict loricate pines that grow nowhere else. In summer it is ten degrees cooler up there than on the coast.
On the spot. Routes of every difficulty. On hot days this is the best way to escape the heat.
The very citron the whole coast is named after. It grows on these slopes, goes into candied peel and liqueur, and is sold at local markets.
On the spot. There is a citron museum in Santa Maria del Cedro. Citron liqueur is an easy present to take home.