Calabria: The West Coast

With beaches to rival those of the Caribbean, the west coast of Calabria has always been a favourite destinatin of Italian holidaymakers. From Lamezia and Gizzeria north of the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia down to the coast to Tropea and Capo Vaticano, the area encompasses beautiful mountain scenery and lakes around Vibo Valentia, which also boasts a beautiful marina, Greek murals and hot baths, as well as being a short drive to the capital Reggio di Calabria, with its beautiful piazzas shopping and fine dining.

Tropea, also know as the pearl of Calabria, was recently named by the Sunday Times as its top beach holiday destination ahead of more famous locations in Ibiza, France and Sardinia. Described as having superb white sandy beaches by the turqoise Tyrhenian Sea, Tropea pulls off a rare trick by managing to be both un-spoilt and fashionable. The town is a maze of steep narrow streets Renaissance churches and beautiful pastel coloured palazzos and is becoming one of the of the most sought-after places in Calabria.