Do you know calabria italy?

I have a property in Scalea, Calabria in South Italy and I visit frequently, it is a wonderful place with a great climate, friendly people and a low cost holiday to boot.

I have never been anywhere quite like it, I only went to out there for a 5 day break 4 years ago, booked through a friend of mine. I like most people had never heard of it, but my eyes have been opened.

There many places to stay and to buy along the Calabria coastline, with long beaches of sand and shale, spectacular mountain views and lots to do.

Life in the coastal towns is the same as any main coastal towns and is busy in the summer and quiet in the winter, towns like Scalea have all the amenities you would need for a family holiday, there is a large aqua park nearby, 2 kms from Scalea you can go Scuba Diving on Dino Island, or for the braver amongst you Sky Diving is also available (during the summer months) as well as the usual seaside watersports.

But for something different take the jeep adventure into the mountains in a Land Rover and you end up 10,000 metres above sea level with spectacular views, I saw a Golden Eagle on my last trip, it takes most of the day and as you are in Italy everybody goes to eat afterwards.

Don't get me started on the food, the one thing that stands out in the South of Italy is that the food is always fresh partly because of tradition, but mainly because it is the poorer part of Italy and people literally live off the land even today, so if is not in season you don't get it!

My favourite south Italian food and seasons

Dec/Jan fresh lemons straight off the tree they are full of flavour and a huge compared to the English ones

May/June the strawberries are big ripe and sweet, words can't describe how gorgeous they are, often served with lemon and orange juice, it sounds a little strange but the contrasting flavours really add bite.

August figs, figs and more figs, they are so numerous that alot of figs just drop off the trees and rot in the local area. South Italy is the perfect location for growing figs and once again they are bigger than I have seen anywhere else.

There are annual motorbike shows, lots of summer festivals for the whole family including a festival where religious figures are made from flower petals on the main street in Scalea, which stays closed for 2 days in early. Or the mad home made cart race in Verbicaro, where people throw themselves down a steep hill on wheels and bits of wood stuck together (I kid you not).

There is so much diverse history as the south of Italy has been occupied by various nations throughout it's history. There are many religious artefacts, fabulous churches really giving you the feel of how Italy use to be.

The north is much more cosmpolitan and much more of a modern part of Europe, but for a taste of 'real italy' and a cheap holiday with a low cost airline Calabria would take some beating, one word of warning there is not much English spoken, but gesturing and pointing will probably get you through and some of the restaurants have English menus and English speaking waiters.

You can contact me for advice on where to go and what to see on the South West coast of Italy.

Have you been there what do you think?