Hermes Itinerary
Itinerary features
- 3 Days
- Provinces of Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria
- Italian / English
- For included meals please refer to the itinerary description
- Easy
The overview
This proposed itinerary takes us to the south of Calabria, to get to know a part of this territory, rich in charm, history and legends, moving between breathtaking views and ancient myths. A three-day journey with a unique flavour.
Full Itinerary
After arriving in the morning at Lamezia Terme Airport, the first day includes a transfer to Tropea. Despite being one of the smallest municipalities in Italy, Tropea has a considerable number of sights to see, starting with the three kilometres of white sandy beach, washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the marvellous panorama of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola and in the background the island of Stromboli,where there is an active volcano.
Tropea’s historical centre dates back to the Angevin-Aragonese period, with its alleyways winding through the town and a succession of noble palaces, majestic portals, and numerous belvederes overlooking the crystal-clear sea. The Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania was built around the 12th century by the Normans. Next to the austere Norman cathedral stands the ancient bishop’s palace of Tropea. On the ground floor, a Swabian portico embellished with marble statues leads to the Diocesan Museum.
With a pleasant walk down the huge stairs from the old town centre, you can go directly down to the white beaches and from there visit the small church/ sanctuary built by the Benedictines, which stands on a beautiful little island, considered the symbol of Tropea by the world.
During the course of the day, there is a moment when it is compulsory to stop: at sunset to admire the sunset over the sea and the Aeolian Islands, a spectacle that is repeated every evening, and which can also be contemplated in a special way from the various panoramic overlooks in the old town.
In the evening move to Scilla.
Scilla is one of the best known and most evocative tourist resorts in Calabria, linked to the myth of the story of Scylla and Charybdis. Scylla, a nymph of overwhelming beauty, is transformed by the sorceress Circe into a hideous monster that haunts the waters of the Strait together with Charybdis, a devastating sea creature created by Zeus, capable of swallowing and expelling the water of the sea causing deadly whirlpools.
Scilla is one of the most interesting seaside villages in Italy, offering visitors ‘picture-postcard’ views and panoramas. The gateway to the Strait of Messina, it is the pearl of the ‘Costa Viola’, which Plato described as follows: ‘Everything is tinged with the different shades of the colour violet, giving life each evening, with its spectacular reflections, to an ever new vision’.
Strolling through the narrow streets of its historic centre, it is possible to get to know the most authentic part of Scilla. The walk between the Marina Grande and Chianalea quarters is evocative; Chianalea, in particular, is what remains of the oldest village from which the city originated, defined by many as the ‘Venice of the South’ for its splendid alley-like streets. The small fishermen’s houses, built overlooking the sea, are amazingly beautiful.
In Marina Grande you can dine in a typical restaurant overlooking the sea.
In the morning, we move to the city of Reggio Calabria.
A visit to the City of the Straits starts with the symbol of Calabria: the Riace Bronzes, housed in the National Archaeological Museum, also known as the National Museum of Magna Graecia, the most important museum in Calabria, which exhibits one of the most remarkable collections of artefacts from Magna Graecia.
Before leaving the city, one must take a walk along its splendid ‘Falcomatà waterfront’. Known to the people of Reggio Calabria as Via Marina, which stretches for about 1.7 km. Gabriele D’Annunzio called it ‘the most beautiful kilometre in Italy’, made unique by the incredible panorama with Sicily as a backdrop.
If the day is hot, but even if it is not, tradition has it that on the Reggio seafront, in one of the many bars in the area, you can enjoy an almond granita, accompanied by excellent brioches.
Transfer to Airport of the Strait and departure.
