Scalea

A Few Words About the History

The area where Scalea is located has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

In ancient times, the Romans treated this area as a recreational retreat, building numerous seaside villas here.

In the Middle Ages, the town was surrounded by defensive walls, and the Franciscan monastery built in the 13th century by Pietro Cathino, a disciple of Saint Francis of Assisi, became one of the most important religious and cultural centers in the region.

In addition to the remains of the Franciscan monastery, the historical center of the town, situated on a hill, also preserves the ruins of a Norman castle, two medieval churches (Chiesa di Santa Maria d'Episcopio from the 12th century, restored in the 17th century, and Chiesa di San Nicola in Plateis from the 8th century, rebuilt in the 12th and 14th centuries and restored in the 18th century), and other buildings. On the coast, there are former defensive towers, including the famous Torre Talao.

Present-Day Scalea

Located closer to the coast and the beach, with a well-developed hotel and dining infrastructure, Scalea is a popular summer holiday destination and is considered the capital of the Cedar Coast.

Scalea proudly boasts the Blue Flag, awarded only to the cleanest beaches with the purest water.

The waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea guarantee a temperature between 27-30°C, and there are over 270 sunny days a year.

The length of the city’s beach is almost 3 km, and the many bars, restaurants, and shops offer excellent opportunities for relaxation.

The charming streets of the old town, unchanged for centuries, provide wonderful coolness from the stone steps even on the hottest days.

There are four large supermarkets and numerous small shops where you can explore local flavors, often prepared in our own kitchen.

The town market, located in the center, is a feast for the eyes with its colorful array of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cold cuts, spices, and seafood.

From May to October, the food truck alley, offering regional specialties, guarantees unforgettable culinary experiences.

For children, there’s an amusement park, playgrounds, and a go-kart track.

Scalea is also an important transport hub, with a large train station providing quick and easy access to many nearby towns and attractions, with the added bonus of enjoying amazing views along the way. For example:

• Pompeii: 1.5 hours

• Naples: 2 hours

• Rome: 4 hours

This region is highly valued by Italians and tourists from all over Europe as a destination for holiday trips, especially popular during the summer season.

If you enjoy such places, this is definitely the spot for you!

Nearby Attractions

Scalea, surrounded by mountains with buildings almost glued to them and stretching into the sea, also boasts many interesting and attractive nearby spots.

Isola di Dino and the caves with the hidden Arco Magno Beach are just 5 km away. You can reach them by beautiful winding roads and visit Isola di Dino and its caves with the hidden beach.

Arcomagno Beach, also known as the Beach of Aeneas, is named after the Trojan hero who passed through this area after the fall of Troy.

You can reach the beach in several ways: by sea, you can kayak or take a boat directly under the Great Arch, or via two land paths that lead along the cliffs. These routes are not too demanding but offer unforgettable views.

The clear waters make it perfect for diving and experiencing unforgettable moments.

Praia a Mare

The beaches of San Nicola connect with the beaches of the charming town of Praia a Mare. The view of umbrellas and sunbeds stretching along the beautiful promenade for several kilometers is sure to impress.

Orsomarso

Located 8 km from Scalea, Orsomarso is a small town nestled in the mountains, known for its beautiful medieval church, fantastic restaurants, the Madonna of Lourdes cave, and its annual pasta festival, said to offer the best pasta in the area.

For thrill-seekers, rafting or quad rentals are available near the town.

Hikers can embark on a 6.6 km trail to the Ficara Waterfall in the Argentino River Nature Reserve or a longer 13 km route through the Pollino National Park.

Diamante – The Town of Murals

The Calabrian town of Diamante is famous for its murals and peperoncino (chili). There are over 200 murals in the historical center of Diamante and nearby Cirelli, created by world-renowned artists since 1981.

Diamante is now at the top of the “Città dipinte” (Painted Cities) list.

The Accademia Italiana del Peperoncino in Diamante also offers a wealth of information on chili peppers.

Cirella

When arriving in Cirella, your eyes are immediately drawn to the small Isola di Cirella, which can even be reached by paddleboat. At the top of the island stands the Torre dell'Isola di Cirella, a military fort built in 1562 to prevent attacks from Turkish pirates.

Cirella is also home to the Ruderi di Cirella, known as the Ghost Museum, ruins of a town that was destroyed by invaders three times.

A few centuries before our era, this city was a wealthy trading port, mediating between Greater Greece and Rome.

Today, the ruins sit on a hill 172 meters above sea level, thanks to the gradual retreat of the sea over the centuries.

Maratea

Located 20 km to the north, the picturesque town of Maratea is a beautiful harbor town with a long history, dating back to prehistoric times. During the Roman era, it was a center for maritime trade and transport.

Today, Maratea has a lovely harbor for sailboats and motorboats, surrounded by seafood restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy fresh seafood and delicious coffee.

A notable landmark is the Statua del Cristo Redentore, a massive statue of Christ the Redeemer situated on a hill overlooking the town.

While it’s impossible to capture all the beauty and charm of Scalea and its surroundings, we are always on hand to offer help and information.

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The most convenient way to reach Scalea is by car. The town is accessible via the highway and several national roads. One option is the SP1 route, which runs along the Tyrrhenian Sea coast from the north. It winds through the mountains, while the SP3 route comes from the east, and the SS18 leads to Scalea from the direction of Sicily. Due to its excellent connectivity, Scalea is particularly recommended for tourists with cars, whether their own or rented (which is easy to do in Italy).