Vibo Valentia and Costa degli Dei: what to do and see

From Tropea to Capo Vaticano, passing through Pizzo and Serra San Bruno: what to do and see in Vibo Valentia, along the Costa degli Dei and the interior.

The Calabriait is a region that presents itself to tourists as a winning mix of World Heritage sites, warm welcomes, ancient traditions, colours, scents, but also mountains to which to add a breathtaking coast with an enchanting sea. There are many places to discover throughout the Calabrian territory and every glimpse has its own bewitching look.

In this article, however, I want to talk to you about the beauties of Vibo Valentia and that stretch of Tyrrhenian coast that extends between Nicotera and Pizzo Calabro passing through the picturesqueTropea. Called not by chance "Costa degli Dei", this area is a pearl of rare beauty where cliffs, bays, coves, white beaches and crystal clear waters reign supreme where it is possible to practice water sports.

What to do and see between Vibo Valentia and the Costa degli Dei

I had the opportunity to explore the beauties of Vibo Valentia and the Costa degli Dei thanks to the project "Vibo Vibes: Amazing Calabria" and now I leave you all the information on what to see, what to do, where to sleep, together with some advice on where to eat and shopping.

Tropea

The small and picturesque Tropea develops on a promontory that stands out directly in the enchanting waters of the gulfs of Gioia Tauro and S.Eufemia, with many beaches awarded the Blue Flag and the panoramic rock withsanctuary of Santa Maria. Tropea owes its international fame to the breathtaking scenery of the beaches and the coves surrounded by cliffs.

The lively historic center is characterized by narrow streets, restaurants and shops but also noble palaces from the 18th and 19th centuries as well as the cathedral ofHoly Mary of Romaniawith the effigy of the patroness. Walking along the lanes of Tropea, among red onion stands (specialties of the area!) and souvenirs of all sorts, gives the wonderful feeling of finally being on holiday.

If you are looking for a place to eat in Tropea, know that alWaku Wakuyou will find real and authentic Japanese sushi, also with take-away service. Daniele, the owner, has lived for years in the land of Sol Lavante learning the art of sushi and importing it to Calabria. Waku Waku's philosophy is focused on professionalism and quality and nothing – not even soy sauce! – is left to chance. I recommend the nigiri (bluefin tuna is their specialty), the onigirazu, the Chirashi zushi (for poke lovers)… all accompanied by sake and typical beers specially imported from Japan.

Head of the Vatican

Among the things to see in Vibo Valentia and along the Costa degli Dei, Capo Vaticano deserves a place of honor, both just for the beautiful panoramic views andspectacular sunsetswhich can be enjoyed from its promontory. The rugged coast and small bays with white sand beaches are perfect for those who love the sea while the seabed is ideal for diving and snorkelling. I recommend a boat trip to appreciate the numerous caves on the coast and the natural arches including theGrotticelle beach, del Tono and Praia i Focu, reachable only by sea.

Vibo Valentia

What to see in Vibo Valentia? The historic center of this province, which developed on a hill, is characterized by narrow streets, small squares, historic buildings, as well as the dominant Norman-Swabian Castle which houses the archaeological museum and the panoramic Parco delle Rimembranze where you can admire the coast. The main religious places are theCathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Leoluca and the Renaissance church of San Michele Arcangelo, absolutely worth seeing. In the nearby hamlet of Vibo Marina, however, it is possible to live the "beach life". With water sports and boat excursions, for example to the Aeolian Islands (Messina).

Among the things to do in Vibo Valentia, a bit of healthy shopping certainly cannot be missing. Walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele III, in the center, you come across three of the five shopsGiannini: the main store, one dedicated solely to women's fashion and the vintage one. The historic Giannini company was founded in 1969 and, since then, has offered clothing, footwear, bags and accessories in all styles, from classic to modern, tailored and trendy, but with a single common thread: quality. Inside the store points it is possible to find garments for every need and, for those who do not have the possibility of physically being in Vibo, Giannini has also activated a well-stockedonline shopwith worldwide shipping and fast delivery.

Lace

Perched on a promontory along a rugged coast, Pizzo is a village that features a picturesque historic center and a magnificent sandy beach coastline. Famous for histruffle, a delight that must absolutely be tasted, Pizzo has various attractions and particular places that are worth a visit. Among these stands out thecastlewhere Gioacchino Murat, Napoleon's brother-in-law, was imprisoned, which rises above the sea and stands next to a panoramic viewpoint. Don't miss the tuff sculptures of thelittle church of Piedigrotta, also entirely dug into the rock in front of the beach.

To end on a high note, a walk in the historic center among small squares, churches, shops, historic buildings and narrow streets, such as Vicolo dei Baci with a steep staircase.

Serra San Bruno

Not everyone knows that, in the heart of Calabria, there is oneCharterhouse, that is, a Carthusian monastery. Serra San Bruno stands on a hill, about 40 kilometers from the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The town is famous for its woods, trekking paths and the Certosa, the first rigorous Carthusian convent in Italy. Inside there is the Museum with various rooms that tell the story of monastic life as well as valuable works of art.

Curiosity! Just one kilometer away, following the Frascati path on foot, you reach theSanctuary of Santa Maria del Boscowhere there is the lake in which the Saint immersed himself to offer his penance to God.

Zungri

Among the other things to do and see in Vibo Valentia, Zungri, a hilly town where the rock caves are located, a large 3000 m2 environment also known as the City of Stone, and the Museum of Rock Civilization and Peasant woman with a collection of local traditional objects from the 19th to the 20th century.

What to eat in Vibo Valentia

A trip can only be considered complete if you experience the local specialties and typical products. Here is a list of things absolutely to eat in Vibo Valentia, Calabria:

• Fileja: elongated macaroni, also called strozzapreti;
• Pecorino di Monte Poro: goat's cheese often grated on pasta, or with vegetables, grilled in slices, on bread or combined with sausages;
• Tropea onion: sweet and red in colour, used raw or cooked in sandwiches, salads, pasta and pizza;
• Nduja di Spilinga: soft pork sausage with local chilli pepper;
• Truffle di Pizzo: spherical ice cream with a melted dark chocolate centre, covered in bitter cocoa with sugar;
• Ciciriati: biscuits with a mixture of chickpeas, coffee, walnuts and cocoa;
• Pittapie: elongated biscuits filled with grape must.

Where to sleep in Vibo Valentia

Given its highly tourist vocation, there are so many facilities to sleep in Vibo Valentia and for all needs. If you want to organize an itinerary among the beauties of the Costa degli Dei, however, the advice is to choose an excellent location as a base and then travel by car.

The Rainbow Resortin the heart of Capo Vaticano, a stone's throw from Tropea, it is certainly ideal if you are looking for a quiet place, equipped with all comforts, with small apartments with terrace and kitchen and... a spectacular view of the sea. The resort is located a few minutes from the Capo Vaticano lighthouse and offers a free shuttle to the Grotticelle beach (finding a parking space is really complicated).

The thirty apartments with balcony, kitchenette and free wi-fi are surrounded by greenery where one stands outswimming pool with hydromassageand a barbecue area. Inside the Arcobaleno Resort there is also a bar, a play area, a laundry room, a free parking space and a small terrace from which it is possible to enjoy an aperitif while watching the sun set on theAeolian.

How to get to Vibo Valentia

The best way to get to Vibo Valentia is by car. The location can be reached via the A3 Salerno –Reggio Calabria, with exit at San Onofrio – Vibo Valentia, or the SP522, which connects much of the coastal road in the province of Vibo Valentia.

The closest airport is atLamezia Terme (CZ), a circa 40 chilometri. Alternativa è poi il treno con fermate a Lamezia Terme, Vibo Valentia-Pizzo o Tropea.