Other Must-See Spots
There is a good bit of Greek history in the Calabria region, especially in the towns of Sybaris and Scilla. Also worth a visit before you leave Calabria are the town of Crotone, for its archaeological museum, and a couple of wintertime snow-skiing resorts where you can rest your brain cells and work your thigh muscles a bit.
Sybaris
What remains today of the wealthy Magna Grecia city of Sybaris sits in ruins near the modern-day town of Sibari. It is believed that Sybaris was the first of the Greek colonies in this part of Italy, and perhaps the first to develop a system of streetlights — as early as the fifth century B.C. The people of Sybaris, like their counterparts in Milan today, knew a thing or two about fashion. They are said to have dressed in fine wools, which they purchased using coins minted in town.
Their decadence and luxurious lifestyle was eventually their undoing, but their legacy continues today: the word sybaritic is derived from the city's name and refers to something or someone that is defined by its opulence.
Fact
It is said that the Sybarites went so far as to try to plan a competing version of the Olympic Games, offering fineries and financing to top athletes of the day if they would go to Sybaris to compete instead of taking part in the primary Olympic festivities.
Despite attempts at excavation, the Italian people have never been able to unearth very many remains from Sybaris.
Scilla
If you are a fan of Greek mythology, then you know the phrase “between Scylla and Charybdis” — which is the equivalent of today's saying “between a rock and a hard place.” The phrase refers to the sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis, which were said to have lived on either side of a channel of water, ready to destroy any sailor who strayed too far from the channel's center. A lot of historians say this channel is in fact the Strait of Messina, which separates Calabria from Sicily. It's a waterway that can develop a ripping current so strong it could easily pound sailboats into the rocks or shore on either side. In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus loses six of his shipmates to Scylla — who devours them alive.
Essential
One of the great things about places like Scilla is small-town charm, as compared with the highly developed resort areas along other coastlines in Italy. If you truly want to feel like one of the locals, then consider a bed-and-breakfast instead of a room in hotel. In Scilla, bed-and-breakfast spots with air conditioning can be found for as little as 40 per night.
The modern-day Calabria town of Scilla takes its name from this creature, which is unfortunate, really, because Scilla is a charming summertime getaway with cliffs that offer fantastic views of Sicily. There is also good swimming to be enjoyed on the beaches here, and no known dangers from sea monsters of any kind.
Museo Archeologico Statale
In the 60,000-strong port town of Crotone, you can visit the Museo Archeologico Statale, which houses artifacts from around the region of Calabria. The collections include coins, ceramics, vases, bronze miniatures, and other artifacts that literally trace the development of human civilization from its origins in this part of the world.
That includes the history of the people of Crotone itself, a city that has evolved from the ancient town of Croton, which was founded in 710 B.C., and then the town of Cotrone, which is how the area was known until 1928. The people who lived here were renowned for their physical strength and sober lifestyle, and athletes often made it to the competitions of the Olympics.
Snow-Skiing Retreats
Of course, the region of Calabria is not nearly as well known for wintertime activity as other Italian cities that have access to pristine white powder from the Alps. But if you are visiting during the winter months and want to enjoy a bit of downhill or cross-country fun, there are a few small resort areas that would be delighted to host you.
Aspromonte
The name Aspromonte means “rough mountains,” a moniker given to this region's peaks by farmers who had a difficult time plowing and planting along the steep, rocky mountainsides. They didn't complain about the view, though, which includes the Strait of Messina below — giving today's snow skiers the rare chance to fly downhill while enjoying a look at the sea.
Gambarie d'Aspromonte is the resort area of choice, offering the highest peaks in the area. There aren't a lot of advanced or expert runs here, but beginner- and intermediate-level snow skiers will have plenty of trails to enjoy. The longest run is just over a half mile, and there are about a half-dozen lifts available. More information is available at
La Sila
The La Sila mountain plateau crosses through the geographic boundaries of Crotone, Cosenza, and Cantazaro. It is the home of Parco Nazionale della Silla, which offers “easy tracks” for cross-country and downhill skiers between December and February.
If your visit doesn't coincide with snowfall, you can enjoy the park's horse trails, walking trails, mountain biking trails, sailboat rentals, and more. Full details about recreational opportunities are available in English at the park's official website,
Question
What is canyoning?
It's a recreational activity offered at Parco Nazionale della Silla. Essentially, it means that you go hiking through canyons, combining easy-to moderate-level rock climbing with walks along riverbeds and into the whirlpools of waterfalls. The park's website colorfully describes the experience as “gymnastic living in contact with nature.”
Lorica
Lorica is about equidistant from the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, making it about an hour's drive from some of the beach towns on either coast. Its ski slopes include Valle dell'Inferno — the Hell Valley — that are used for national skiing competitions in Italy. No need to fear if you're not in prime downhill condition; there are easier slopes, too, along with a good number of cross-country trails. And the trails typically aren't that crowded. There are only two lifts and most vacationers choose more developed areas. You can find up-to-date information about Lorica ski conditions and offerings, as well as visitor-posted reviews, at
