Glimpses of southern Italy’s spectacular Calabrian region…
To share a few snippets of incredible countries, the glimpses series started with Chile in South America and then continued with Burmese glimpses, Italian Glimpses, English Glimpses, and Bolivian Glimpses.
These short, sharp travel posts are designed to provide a morsel, a small taste of a country you may not have visited. Although I’m digressing to destinations now and not only sharing countries. Have you been to any of the countries that I’m sharing? Let me know and share your comment below.
1. Altilia
Turning off the highway from Cosenza to Lamezia International airport, the winding narrow road climbs steeply higher in the hills until finally reaching the small quaint village of Altilia. Strangely enough, it’s like a ghost town.
At over 590 metres above sea level, this ancient tiny village offers sweeping stunning views across the Savuto Valley. The village’s roots date back to the tenth century, which is evident in the gorgeous stone architecture dotted throughout the village.
2. Pizzo Calabro
Evocative Pizzo Calabro offers more than the delectable Calabrese ice-cream truffle – the sublime Tartufo.
This small medieval town started its beginnings as a fort, fishing village, and community of Basilian monks back in 1300. Dating back to the 15th century and built by Ferdinand I of Aragon, ironically the castle is named after Napoleon’s brother-in-law Joachim Murat – also King of Naples for seven years.
Calming vistas are breathtaking along the 8-kilometre-long sparkling coastline, with tiny piazzas and balconies overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
3. Corigliano Calabro
Nestled in almost the arch of the boot, in the province of Cosenza, beautiful and hilly Corigliano Calabro is one of Calabria’s hidden gems that don’t disappoint.
Corigliano Calabro’s origins are ancient and can be traced back to the Arab incursion of 977, which forced people to move to higher places – run for the hills.
Rich in art and history, you definitely need more than a day to explore this fabulous town and one of the reasons that I’ve returned several times.
4. Lorica
The lovely hamlet of Lorica in Calabria’s Sila Grande is probably a destination in Italy that’s not on a traveller’s bucket list, but more of a reason why you must visit. Ski resorts offer 24 kilometres of pristine ski slopes, which are served by 5 fully equipped ski lifts, so this is a popular winter escape with locals.
One of the largest lakes in the Sila National Park, man-made Lake Arvo was built between 1927 and 1931 to generate hydroelectricity, as part of three lakes in this wild area of the Sila.
With a perimeter of 24 kilometres, the lake lends itself to many rowing competitions, perfect picnic spots, and lovely long walks or treks in the warmer months.
Where in Calabria?
Want to see more photos of Calabria or read more about this fantastic region in Italy? Check out posts on Calabria.
Is this enough detail about each destination? Are there enough photos? Enjoyed this post?
What country or destination would you like to visit with me next? If I’ve been there, I’ll publish a post just for you, so leave me a comment.
Visit Nilla’s Photography for more global images. More posts at Image Earth Travel.
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