Calabria, the toe of the boot, is almost completely surrounded by coastline and has some of the cleanest beaches in Italy. Even when it's not beach season, Calabria's pretty seaside towns and fishing villages are worth a visit. In contrast, Calabria's interior has four mountain ranges with some of the highest peaks in Italy with several good places to ski in winter. Parts of the mountains are national parks, great places for hiking, climbing, horseback riding, or mountain biking. Inside the Polino National Park are several unique villages with Albanian heritage. This part of southern Italy was once part of Magna Grecia so there are good Greek ruins as well as Saracen and Roman remains.
Visiting Calabria:
- Map and Travel Information
- Beaches and Seaside Towns
- Mountains and National Parks
- Northern Calabria Photos
Calabria mountain village photo © by Martha Bakerjian, licensed to About.com
Yes Calabria is a great example of the beautiful but varied landscape in Southern Italy, from pretty coastal dwellings to rolling mountains and hills for the more adventurous. One thing is for sure, if you are planning a trip to the South of Italy you will get the best of the weather, delicious local foods and warm hospitality.