The up and coming East coast is fabulously unspoiled and blessed by the warm, azure waters of the Ionian Sea, white sandy beaches and picturesque towns and villages.
Cariati Marina
With its red roofs and prime coastal position by the Ionian Sea, Cariati Marina is one of the most interesting new locations we have chosen. Well known throughout Italy as a holiday town, Cariati Marina has plenty of traditional Calabrian charm and you are bound to fall in love with its beautiful beaches, stunning views and laid back lifestyle!
Cariati Marina is on the eastern Calabrian coast, north of Crotone, known as the Costa Jonica. The waters of this area are famed for being tranquil and mild and are fringed with white soft sandy beaches, making it a perfect place for relaxing or indulging in a spot of snorkelling.
The town has a castle, lots of peaceful piazzas and a slow, easy feel. It is also well known for its cultural activities and there are several holidays and feast days celebrated in the town during the summer months.
Being a coastal town, Cariati Marina is famous for its fish and seafood restaurants - and there is nothing more perfect than dining alfresco overlooking the star-lit Ionian Sea and wondering what took you so long to find your own private paradise...
Calabria's Northern Lights
It's been a well kept secret for generations, but now discerning Italian holidaymakers are not the only people who want to spend their free time on the north east coast of Calabria.
From Capo Rizzuto to Crotone and Cariati, north east Calabria is fast becoming the place to visit and a quick glance at the area explains why - with its picturesque hilltop villages overlooking the sapphire waters of the Ionian Sea; dazzling white sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see and buckets of traditional Calabrian charm, the north east is arguably the most sparkling, relaxing and charming part of the region.
For those with an adventurous spirit, or hyperactive kids, north east Calabria is home to Odissea 2000, a fun filled theme park in Rossano Scale, just a few kilometres drive from Cariati http://www.odissea2000.it/
or you can learn to windsurf or kitesurf in Crucoli Torretta http://www.backloop.it/ and for the truly wild at heart, try some white water rafting in Laino Borgo http://www.laocanoa.it/ .
Crotone, the main town of the area, has an excellent shopping centre where you can pick up traditional Calabrian home ware and pottery goods - and as food and shopping go hand in hand, make sure you buy local olive oil, oregano and hot peppers to keep in your pantry or take back home.
North east Calabria is famous for its pasta, fish and seafood restaurants -and there is nothing more perfect than dining alfresco overlooking the star-lit Ionian Sea and wondering what took you so long to find your own private paradise.