Legend says the residents of this fine Magna Graecia city amused themselves by teaching their horses to dance. Their hated arch-rivals in Kroton (modern-day Crotone), used this to their favor and sent a pipe band into town as they attacked. Rather than riding the Sybarites off to war, the horses began dancing and thus, the victory went to Kroton.

To finish them off, the warriors from Kroton diverted the river and drowned the city.

Many residents fled and created a new village called Thurium, which later became an important colony under Roman rule.

Although they were envied for their indulgent lifestyle, they Sybarites were a smart bunch. They were accredited with creating the world’s first traffic-lighting system, minting their own coins and recognizing intellectual property.

Today the ruins at ancient Sybaris and Roman Thurium comprise the world’s largest excavation site, measuring almost 2,500 acres. To put it in perspective for Italophiles who have visited Sibari’s much more famous archaeological cousin, Pompeii , the site there is 124 acres. However, to date, little has been uncovered from Sybaris other than Greek streets, Roman baths and a mosaic-clad villa. Nearby, the National Museum of Sybaritic Archeology houses finds from the excavation site and many people consider that a more useful glimpse into the indulgent and oh so bella vita of ancient Sibari.

***

This article was recently published in Calabria Close-Up, a snippet highlighting Calabria destinations that is part of the My Bella Vita Newsletter bundle. If you would like to read more about the cities, towns and villages of Calabria or want to read about new recipes, tidbits and interesting facts on southern Italy, then subscribe to the newsletters today.

Are you heading to Calabria? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

Photo: Ruins at ancient Sybaris by marinajonica

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I met the group at the airport, along with our handsome guide/interpreter Andrea (who all the ladies tried to squeeze into their luggage for the trip back home) and our sweet but far-from-bilingual driver, Francesco. Somewhat quiet and timid on the ride to the Pollino, the group quickly meshed and by the end of the first night were already holding hands as they hiked to a hidden monastery and were singing, hopping and most-of-all laughing with each other as we danced the Tarantella.

The next few days were filled with a combination of long lunches, free-flowing wine, ruined castles, deep gorges, high peaks, pasta-rolling, cheese and wine-tasting and everywhere we turned, musicians, singers and would-be guides emerged to tell us more about “their” Calabria.

After four nights, we bid a sad farewell to our hosts-with the promise of a quick return-and headed south to Tropea. We stopped enroute so the group could have an upscale lunch of Calabrian seafood and chocolate tartufo and a secret behind-the-scenes visit to a local factory.

From Tropea, we ventured out to a nearby farm and learned the art of baking Calabrian bread and homemade pasta before feasting with the family on homemade *everything* – including, but not limited to, sopressata, ‘nduja, ragù, eggplant, peppers and pies.

We wrapped up our week at the luxurious private villa of one of southern Calabria’s most renowned chefs where we made crespelle (a specialty from my part of the boot) and enjoyed what was likely the most exquisite seafood meal I’ve ever had.

So many times throughout the week I forgot I was working … the group was tremendous and after a few days it didn’t just “feel” like I was with friends-I truly was. I left the tour Sunday with the renewed energy I believe vacations were intended to instill. Tour members kept thanking me, but their comments-such as, “after four trips, this is the first time I’ve seen the ‘real’ Italy, “this is the best vacation I’ve ever had” and the heartfelt “you pulled it off, kid!” are words of thanks I’ll never forget.

Tania and I are incredibly proud of the tour and are thankful to our guests for coming along on the first annual Calabrian Table Tour. We have already had dozens of requests for 2012 and will have our new dates published in the coming weeks. But until then, I’m going to have to find me a treadmill and a new pair of sneakers. Table tourin’ isn’t without its drawbacks. Or should I say, drawstrings. Which are the kind of pants I’ll be wearing if we keep this up.

Until next time … cin cin!

Are you heading to Calabria? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

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Here are five Calabrian travel tips that will help you make the most of your trip to southern Italy.

1. Properly Pack your Day Bag
Most people use some sort of day pack when they are traveling and having one in Calabria is definitely a good idea. However, as opposed to major cities where you can easily pick up something you forgot, you’ll need to pack everything you need, while keeping you bag as light as possible. A few things I always have in my bag are Tylenol or other medications, tissues, chap stick, water, light snacks, my camera, an ID, wallet and coins. If you are carrying a guide book, tear out (or make copies) of the pages you need and leave the heavy books at home.

2. Carry Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
Speaking of what to put in a day bag, you should also be armed with sunscreen and mosquito repellant. The skeeters are fierce around here-as is the sun. So make like a boyscout and be prepared!

3. Wear good socks and comfortable shoes
Unless you plan to get to a beach and stay there, you’ll likely do a fair amount of walking during your Calabria vacation. Many of the villages have uneven brick streets and the lungomares are unfriendly to tired feet. Wear good socks and comfortable shoes to avoid getting blisters.

4. Pack your own beach towel
If you are staying in a hotel or B&B that is *on* the beach they might have towels available for you to use. Or they might not. Pack your own beach towel or plan to buy one-a nice souvenir of your trip perhaps?-from one of the strolling salesmen on the beach.

5. Don’t Over-plan your Itinerary
It is true that Calabria is less touristy than other parts of the bel paese, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be crowded. In the summer, the beaches fill up with northern Italians, Calabrians who have “come home” for the summer and the locals who wait all year to hit the beach. If you over-plan your itinerary, you’ll likely get stressed by slow-moving traffic or transportation delays and you’ll feel rushed and frustrated throughout your trip. If you aren’t sure if you’ve planned the best itinerary, then the Trip Doctor itinerary review service - just $100 when you are spending thousands on a vacation – can give you peace of mind and ensure you are making the best possible decisions for your southern Italy trip.

Are you heading to Calabria? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

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Those of you who remember when the girls started the show, might recall that little ‘ole me was their first guest and guess what … ?

I’m baaaaaack!
(listen in here)

This week I’m sharing some summer travel tips with the girls, talking about our B&B’s new ancestry tours and getting Jessica hungry with details on the Calabrian Table Tour.

Now that summer is here, you can download the podcasts and take them with you on your afternoon strolls … that’s what we do. You can either subscribe to the podcasts (for free!) through iTunes or listen to the current episode and browse previous shows from their site.

Happy Listening!

Are you heading to Calabria or southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

But challenge, smallenge. I’m up for it.

Today I’m presenting to you three bustling beach towns on Calabria’s Ionian Coast.

Soverato

Soverato is just 15 minutes-in off season-from our bed and breakfast in Catanzaro and is one of the trendiest beach resorts on the Ionian. Besides the dramatic views and turquoise seas, people from the all of the province head to Soverato for the nightlife. The lungomare is one of the nicest on the coast and you can easily spend the day shopping along the main street, lunching at a local trattoria, relaxing on the beaches or partying with the natives in one of the local clubs.

Le Castella

If you are a regular reader of this blog or have a good knowledge of Calabrian castles, then you already know that Le Castella tops my list of towns to visit in Calabria. That’s right … towns.

In addition to being an Argonese hideaway, Le Castella is also the name of a village that sits on the Isola di Capo Rizzuto in the province of Crotone. Besides its namesake castle and sapphire blue waters, Le Castella has a plethora of good seafood restaurants, shops and gelaterias.

Cariati

Cariati, a tiny seaside village on the northern Ionian coast, is set to become one of Calabria’s next big beach resort towns. Over the last six months I’ve heard more and more about this Cosentino village and the locals there tell me they boast not only an award-winning gelateria, but also the best pizzeria in the bel paese.

Are you heading to Calabria? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

Photos: My Bella Vita, My Bella Vita, Paolo via Panoramio

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We hit on this a bit last month when Anne from New Jersey wanted me to compare car rentals vs private car services, but sometimes personal preferences or budget restraints prevent either.

Today’s question addresses what you can see in Calabria if you can’t get a car.

Cherrye-

Can you suggest a tour of the best villages/towns accessible by train or bus for a one or two day trip?

Lee

Thanks, Lee. While it is true that I would never recommend someone visit Calabria without a car, I can appreciate the fact that renting a car isn’t always a viable option.

For the purposes of this question, Lee, I’m going to assume you are heading south (ie, from the Naples area, rather than from Sicily or Puglia) via train. If that’s the case, you’ll want to minimize your train time-and maximize your beach time-by visiting a village in northern Calabria.

I just wrote about Scalea, a charming seaside town on the Tyrrhenian coast. In addition to having that fortified fortress and sandy beaches, the train station is located within easy walking distance to all of the best sights and there is plenty to keep you busy there for a few days.

If you’d like to venture a tad farther south, then consider Diamante. One of my favorite guides-and restauranteurs-is based there and we can arrange a one or two-day escorted tour where he can help you explore the ruins at Cirella, guide you through the murals in Diamante, introduce you to local wines and share some Calabrian cuisine secrets with private cooking lessons and/or lunch.

I hope that helps, Lee.

Do you have a southern Italy-related travel question you want answered? If so, let me know and your question could be featured here at My Bella Vita. If you’d like help planning your trip, then consider a custom itinerary or travel consult to ensure you have the trip of your lifetime!

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With more than 500 miles of coastline, Calabria-bound travelers have plenty of options. Most of Calabria’s beaches are set with a mountainous backdrop of rugged cliffs or tree-lined slopes, but for the purpose of today’s feature, I’m going to stick to the west coast. Here are three of my favorite coastal towns on the Tyrrhenian Coast, so chosen not only for their sandy beaches, but for the energy, excitement and all-around zesty Calabrian spirit they offer visitors.

Scalea

It’s been a long time since I’ve waxed poetic about Scalea, a fun little seaside town that is located in the province of Cosenza near the Calabria/Basilicata border. This town has everything you could want in a beach town … historic castles … intriguing views … hidden mosaics. They even have award-winning Sicilian granita and one of the best homemade liquor stores in the region.

Falerna

Falerna is located in the province of Catanzaro between Lamezia Terme and Cosenza and was one of the first seaside towns I fell in love with. It lacks the glamor of Scalea and the popularity of Pizzo (see below) but the lungomare is one of the nicest on the coast, the people are some of the friendliest and most generous in the region and the sunsets rival anything you’ll see in the country.

Pizzo

Oh yes, loyal readers, you’ve heard of Pizzo and some of you might remember that I’m not the only one in love with this coastal town. While it’s true that boys can become men in a place like Pizzo, I love it because it has a nice tourist infrastructure in place, without trying too hard. Its Murat Castle, Chiesetta di Piedigrotta and world-famous gelato don’t hurt, either.

Are you heading to southern Italy or Calabria? If so, click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to any of these villages or you can see Pizzo with us in October during the Calabrian Table Tour.

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In fact, we’ve been working on the itinerary, scouting locations, hotels, agriturismi , restaurants, chefs and guides since last fall.

Oh and it was hard!

Seriously. Traveling around this rugged and diverse region … trying new ethnic dishes and home-cooked meals … having professional chefs cook for us … that is work, people!

Well, it *was* work.

Narrowing it down, at least.

But somehow we did and we ended up with an appropriately-packed, while-still-allowing-for-breathing-time eight-day itinerary that is complete with four hands-on cooking classes, pasta and bread-making demonstrations, visits to local farms, factories and markets, wine-tasting, cultural visits, tarantella parties … and more.

I’ve been wanting to elaborate a bit on the tour for a while now, but between independent clients, the B&B’s new ancestry tours and the new capo I hadn’t yet collected these thoughts to put on paper. Uhm, computer screen … you know what I mean. … until now.

And then something happened this week that made me realize I better act. While scootin’ around Google, Tania noticed that the Calabrian Table Tour had been renamed the “Calabrian Culinary Tour,” was scheduled for the same dates, quoted our copy and was published on a website neither of us had seen before.

I’m not going to link to them here and give them my good Google Juice but let’s just say if you search for Busy Walkers dot com you will find a website that advertises business tours. 920 business tours to be exact. Or, well, 919 now.

A few days of creatively digging around, a half dozen unanswered phone calls and a Russian Skype message later we discovered that the company was communicating with would-be guests on our behalf and we asked them to remove our tour.

We still aren’t sure if they were going to tell us about any potential bookings, demand commission or worst of all … accept payments from Calabria-lovin’ foodies wanting to visit the deep south, but we are glad we found them before future travelers did.

If you are reading this post and want to join us in October, then you will probably contact us directly-or work with one of our fellow Italy travel consultants who has first hand knowledge of the tour. And that’s great. But feel free to warn others about companies like Busy Walkers who might not be on the up and up.

The last few days scared the naiveté out of me (out of maaay, you know to make that rhyme) but nothing’s going to distract from the energy, passion and Calabrian creativity we’ve poured into this tour. October can’t get here quickly enough for us and we hope you’ll come along for the Calabrian Table Tour and join us at we travel throughout the region, sharing our Calabria with you … one table at a time.

Are you heading to southern Italy or Calabria and can’t make the tour in October? If so, click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

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Think a southern Italian summer is all about bathing suits and beach towels? Well … in a way, it is. Beaches are the number one attraction for many southern Italy-bound travelers and even if beach-bumming is not your thing, you will likely want to pack a swim suit … should you change your mind. Additionally, here are five other things to wear so you can fit in with the locals and be comfortable throughout your trip.

1. Sleeveless Tops with Layers
Sleeveless tops and tank tops are perfectly acceptable for southern Italian summers, but you will often see Italians layer a short-sleeved sweater or jacket over their top … just to be cute. Men can wear short-sleeved t-shirts (solid colors work best) or polo-style shirts.

2. Sandals or lightweight Tennis Shoes
Finally … a season where southern Italians will wear open-toed shoes, so feel free to pack your sandals or even a lightweight pair of tennis shoes for your trip.

3. Lightweight Pants and Skirts
Although there is still a breeze in many areas of southern Italy, packing lightweight cotton pants and skirts will help you keep cool. As with other seasons, Italians are very well put together and over-sized pants or bulky skirts aren’t really the norm.

4. Shorts (with care)
A couple of years ago I’d have said to leave your shorts at home, however they are gaining in popularity here in southern Italy and you regularly see locals out and about in shorts. However … and there is a big however, they wear dressy shorts and/or typically tuck their shirts in and use a belt. Even in shorts, southern Italians are stylish.

5. Sunglasses
Yes, southern Italians wear sunglasses year-round, but if you are visiting in the summer months, you’ll definitely want to pack a pair of your favorite sunglasses-or pick up a pair at a local market-to help you fit in. Not only will they help protect your eyes from the gllaring Mezzogiorno sun, but you will also look stylish when you are at the beach, touring villages or engaging in my favorite summer pastime … eating gelato!

What else would you suggest travelers wear if they visit southern Italy in the summertime?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: Two Wheels Blog

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This post originally appeared in 2008 but it sums up exactly what I love so much about the Easter celebrations in Calabria.

***

How many of you have ever been to church on Good Friday…you know, the Stations of the Cross service? How many of you have ever seen the Stations of the Cross – live?

Well, now I have.

Last Friday, yes…Good Friday to be exact was A’ Naca in downtown Catanzaro. Held every year, this processional reenacts the Stations of the Cross, stopping momentarily in front of several important churches throughout the city, while circling the downtown area.

We arrived just in time for the beginning – at exactly 4:26 PM. The church was already crowded, and there were several miniature Mary’s dressed for the occasion. There were four 10-foot crosses propped on their sides, and a confessional-full of other props and decorations just waiting to be needed

We waited.

We waited.

We waited.

Finally, we overheard…

“6:00? 6:00? It is going to start at 6:00? How will we keep the children occupied for that long?”

“Children?” I thought.

“How will I keep my husband occupied that long?”

And, so, in typical southern Italian style, we watched with interest the disorganization and scurrying around us. At 6:00, they opened the church doors and I saw this.

Hundreds, if not more, Calabrese anxiously awaiting – despite the cold wind and sub-Easter temps for the processional to begin.

My shock was momentarily distracted by the arrival of the star, who appropriately bent his head in solemn preparation for his big role as he pushed past the spectators to the front of the church.

After another half hour, they were ready to begin.

Musicians, clad in matching black and gold robes, heralded the commencement of A’Naca, as droves of clergymen and members from the various churches throughout Catanzaro began the processional. They strode out in groups, dressed in pastel colors of blue, pink or beige, representing their different churches.

Just before the final Stations, the Bishop appeared and along with other church officials, read a declaration.

Jesus is raised from the dead, and in undoubtedly the most dramatic point of the event, Catanzaro’s firemen heave the alter above their heads, as the crowd of onlookers gasp in amazement. Everyone cheers and a few women, standing bundled on the blistery street, dab at their eyes.

The processional ends with Mary, who while rejoicing in the salvation of her son, is carried throughout the streets of Catanzaro …

as dozens of young girls, dressed in like-clothing accompany her for the journey.

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So, I was happy when Anne in New Jersey wrote me asking my opinion on rental cars vs. car service.

Here’s her question.

Cherrye-

We plan to use a car service from Lamezia Terme rail station to Bottricello (near Catanzaro). I have been in contact with one of our Calabrese family members and I hope he will drive us to Sellia one day so we can see the town our family was from. I plan to use a car service for all other excursions.

Does that sound reasonable? I wanted to try to avoid driving if possible.

Thank you for your question, Anne. I certainly understand your concern about driving in southern Italy and am happy to offer my opinion on rental cars vs. car service.

If you are wondering whether it is possible to use a car service for rail / airport transfers and a few day trips, the short answer is “Yes. It is.”

But is it reasonable? Hmmm …. I’m not so sure.

In your case, Anne, you are traveling to a non-touristy village where you hope to interact with your Calabrese family. If they are like most Calabrians-and why wouldn’t they be?-they’ll be more than happy to drive you to Sellia and they’ll likely want to show you around their part of Calabria.

However, you don’t *really* know them and chances are, you might want to see other parts of the region-parts you aren’t comfortable asking them to drive to. Also, in a non-touristy place like Sellia or Bottricello, you might be surprised at the lack of shopping or dining options.

Yes, a car service can take you on day trips … rates I’ve seen range from €150-€200 per day for an English-speaking driver and you are limited to nine hours, which means if you leave in the morning, you’d be dropped off before dinner, preventing you from trying some of the best restaurants in the region or slowing down on day trips and excursions that are more time-consuming.

To sum it up … if you have an unlimited budget, then a combination car service and cabs might work for you. Otherwise, I stand firm on my belief that a rental car is the only way to go.

Thanks again, Anne.

Do you have a southern Italy-related travel question you want answered? If so, let me know and your question could be featured here at My Bella Vita. If you’d like help planning your trip, then consider a custom itinerary or travel consult to ensure you have the trip of your lifetime!

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With all of those excess pages a thing of the past, I now have time for the relevant stumbles my friends send and thus, had time to read “Top Ten Reasons that Top 10 Lists Suck,” referred by by chum Mike at Fevered Mutterings.

The article … a clever Top 9 list of reasons to hate Top 10 lists says they are lazy, insulting and overdone. And well, i have to say, the article is smack on … some of the time. However, as a traveler I kinda like them, especially when the writer has been there and-more importantly-knows what she’s talking about.

Case in point? Jessica’s Top 10 lists over at Why Go Italy. They are more than a bullet list of guidebook-worthy attractions and, as with most of her writing, they make you want to visit. And so, it is with that inspiration and to prove GoSeeWrite.com wrong that I present to you ….

10. Walk around a Waterfall

Although Calabria is most known for its 500 miles of coast, the region is actually more mountainous, which makes it perfect for hiking, trekking and yes, waterfall-watching.

There are three national parks to choose from, all of which have various villages or hideaways with their own little waterfalls, but if you are over here near me-and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be?-I’d like to show off ours.

Just 45 minutes from our bed and breakfast in Catanzaro, you’ll find a hidden jewel of a village (and yes, I realize that is cliche and I kinda hate myself for typing that right now, but, it’s true. I didn’t even know it existed until a year ago and my husband, who grew up in this area, had never heard of it!)

9. Check out the Artwork in Catanzaro’s Parco Agraria

A little closer to home, the Parco della Biodiversità, or Parco Agraria as we call it, is a 150-acre park that features more than 20,000 plants, two lakes, numerous ponds, a labyrinth, a rare animal section and a grotto for San Francesco di Paola.

They also have an impressive collection of interesting artwork, statues and exhibitions and an evergreen “Tunnel of Love” that is the perfect place for a secret hideout. I particularly like to go in the spring, when the weather is getting warmer, but before it is miserably hot and have a picnic, visit the museum or watch the kids play in the special kids section.

8. Shop along Cosenza’s Corso Mazzini

Cosenza, with its ancient historical center and modern new town, is one of my favorite cities in Calabria.

I love visiting the antique Duomo and strolling along the cobble-stone streets of the old town … stopping for gelato in my favorite little gelateria there, then heading across the river to the new side. Corso Mazzini is Cosenza’s main street, and in addition to housing the Festa del Cioccolato in the fall, it is lined with a variety of shops and boutique stores that fit every style and budget.

If you need a break, then stop by one of the bars for a quick coffee or aperitivo, but be sure to stay until dark. That’s when the energy really picks up, as the locals congregate on the street to see and be seen.

7. Learn How to Make Homemade Pasta

With Calabrian cuisine gaining popularity throughout Italy and abroad, it was only a matter of time before visitors started demanding lessons.

Throughout the region, you will find agriturismi, restaurants and independent entrepreneurs offering up their best recipes.

If you are interested in learning more about cooking classes in Calabria, let me know and we can add them into your custom itinerary.

If you’d like a truly, authentic Calabrian cooking experience, then join my friend Tania and me on our first annual Calabrian Table Tour this October.

6. Cool off with Gelato on Reggio Calabria’s Lungomare

A year or so ago I conducted my very own taste-test of Reggio’s gelato and although Reggio’s Sottozero, was nothing to spit out, old-time favorite, Cesare stole my, uhm tastebuds.

If you are in southern Calabria and find yourself near the famous Straits of Messina, then head to Reggio’s lungomare, or as Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio called it, “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy,” and cool off with your own sampling of gelato from these two well-known eateries.

5. Chill Out with an Aperitivo in Tropea

Tropea is one of Calabria’s most well-known beach resorts … and with good reason. In addition to its Easter egg-green colored waters and bold cliffs, it has a charming historical center that will surprise you with dramatic views when you least expect them.

Chilling out with an aperitivo-or a cool Italian beer a la my friends on the right is the perfect way to spend a short beach break or a nice way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

4. Swim in the Ionian Sea

The Ionian Sea is just a few miles from our B&B and lucky for us, is filled with long stretches of beaches that range from pale pebbles to tan sand to big rocks.

The Ionian side is much less developed than its Tyrrhenian counterpart, but what it lacks in infrastructure, it makes up for in quiet, peaceful solitude.

My nephew, Cole, is pictured here on the right in the middle of the summer, rushing into the water in Roccelletta, near Catanzaro Lido.

3.Then Snorkel in the Tyrrhenian

The Tyrrhenian Sea is just 30 miles from Catanzaro and is a quick drive across the narrowest strip of land in the country. This makes it easy for locals and travelers alike to swim in the Ionian in the morning and snorkel in the Tyrrhenian in the afternoon.

My favorite beaches heading north include Amantea, Scalea and Praia a Mare, while southern-bound travelers might like the beaches at Pizzo, (pictured here) Parghelia or Tropea.

2. Picnic in the Shadows of a Castle

While some people might feel stressed by the absence of rules regarding some of Calabria’s most beloved attractions, that lax attitude also makes it easy for travelers to enjoy unique dining experiences-like picnicking in the shadows of a castle.

There are no shortage of good restaurants near Le Castella (shown on the right) and yes, I’ve had great seafood in an exclusive restaurant that overlooks the castle. However, my favorite place to eat at Le Castella is down near the water, on the rocky ledge that skirts the ocean, just beneath the towering ruins of this Argonese castle.

1. Have a Long, Leisurely Calabrese Lunch

Speaking of eating … topping this Calabria Top 10 list at #1 is having a long, leisurely Calabrese lunch. And yes, I’ve written about this before, but if you have one day in Calabria and don’t have time for anything else, promise me that you’ll eat.

Now, see there? That wasn’t dull, boring or overdone was it? If you are heading to Calabria, click here to see how I can help you plan your itinerary to include one-or all-of these Top 10.

If you’ve been to Calabria, what would make your personal Top 10 list?

Photos: ValliCupe, My Bella Vita, CalabriainTour, all other photos, My Bella Vita

It is a common myth that southern Italy boasts year-round warmness and even in the springtime, temps drop and it gets downright chilly. If you are planning to visit southern Italy this spring, here are four things you can wear so that you will fit in with the locals, look stylish and still be comfortable.

1. Layers
Spring is one of the most unpredictable seasons in southern Italy, so plan on layering your tops with cotton shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts and sweaters and you’ll be ready for any occasion. You might also want to throw in a spring scarf to add to the mix.

2. Comfy, Closed-toed Shoes
Although in Texas, we wear flip flops or open-toed sandals most of the year, southern Italians wear closed-toed shoes until they are ready to go to the beach. I’ve actually lost count of how many of my Italians friends have commented on my open-toed shoes, even on warm spring days in April or May.

3. Sweaters
Depending on where you are going in southern Italy, the nights will likely get pretty cool, so pack a sweater or light jacket you can use for your nightly passeggiata with the locals.

4. Pants
Even if you are lucky enough to have some mild-weather days during your trip, you won’t see many-if any-Italians in shorts. Although they are gaining in popularity here in southern Italy, most Italians only wear them in the summer. Skirts are also acceptable, as are dark-colored jeans.

What else would you suggest travelers wear if they visit southern Italy in the spring?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: The Epoch Times

Related posts:

1. Southern Italy Snapshots: Puglia Our Southern Italy Snapshots series is into full...

Today’s question comes from Michele in Chicago, a lovely young woman with a Calabrese mother-in-law who I’ve corresponded with before (thus, her email has been edited to include only the pertinent questions.)

Question:

Hello Cherrye,

How are you? Hope all is well. We have booked our tickets and will be visiting family in Nusco / Avellino in March, but would like to travel south for a few days. We are thinking about Matera, Maratea, Tropea and Bari. Do you have any thoughts between Maratea and Tropea?

Both look beautiful in pictures. Maratea is conveniently located within a loop of our relations but I’m not sure it is “open for business” during our stay which is the last week of March.

Thank you for any help you can offer. Any thoughts are welcome.

Cherrye’s Thoughts:

Auguri on your upcoming trip, Michele. Matera, Maratea, Tropea and Bari are all beautiful, interesting places to visit. I’m sure you and your family will have a great time there.

To answer your question, there are a ton of places between Maratea and Tropea that would make a good stopping point for your trip. Scalea is south of Maratea and while it isn’t even close to halfway between the two-it is much closer to Maratea than Tropea-it is one of my favorite seaside villages in Calabria.

If you want to head inland, you could consider visiting one of the villages in either the Pollino or Sila National Parks. Civita, with its Albanian influence and natural beauty, is a particularly interesting place.

If you’d like to get farther south before you stop, then Amantea and Falerna both have pretty beaches and of course, Pizzo Calabro is just 30-45 minutes north of Tropea and is a popular resort town with an interesting history-and fabulous gelato!

Thank you so much for your question, Michele and as odd as this sounds … thank you for thanking me for my response. Your courtesy sure was appreciated!

Do you have a southern Italy-related travel question you want answered? If so, let me know and your question could be featured here at My Bella Vita. If you’d like help planning your trip, then consider a custom itinerary or travel consult to ensure you have the trip of your lifetime!

If you need a little help narrowing it down, you might want a custom itinerary or some in-depth travel consulting, but if finances don’t allow or you’re one of those travelers who wants to research her own trip, then keep on reading.

As you can imagine, narrowing down my favorite mountain villages to just three was not an easy task. Still, these three made the cut for their authentic feel, cleanliness and friendly locals, so without delay, here are three of my all-time favorite mountain villages in bella Calabria.

Civita (CS)

Civita (pronounced cee-VEE-ta) houses the largest Albanian community in the region. Travelers flock to this pint-sized town for a glimpse of Albanian culture, where locals still speak-and teach to their children through the local school system-their native language and where indigenous costumes and traditions are carried on through festivals and celebrations. In addition to the unique heritage of Civita, the town is also home to the Ragnanello Gorge, the deepest gorge in Europe and the Devil’s Bridge, which is easily seen from the Belvedere lookout point on the edge of town.

Cortale (CS)

Cortale (pronounced CORE tall ee) is a little closer to my adopted hometown of Catanzaro and was one of the first mountain villages I fell in love with when I started visiting the area in the early 2000s.

Home to about 2,000 people, Cortale is large enough to have an active main street and busy piazza, but still offers that small, tight-knit community you’d expect in a Calabrese village.

Several of our B&B guests have had origins in Cortale and like me, they enjoy strolling through the town, breathing the clean, fresh mountain air and visiting the Calabria water source just north of town in nearby Monte Covello.

The village also has some amazing views of the mountains and valleys below …

… and who doesn’t love a good view now and then?
 
San Fili (CS)

I’ve written before about San Fili, (pronounced Sayn FEE Lee) my mother-in-law’s pint-sized village that is located near Cosenza in northern Calabria. In fact, we have a small house there (see “For Sale: San Fili” below), one that sadly is badly in need of repair and thus, limits the time we can spend there.

Still, this village, like Civita and Cortale features that fresh, clean mountain air and offers travelers a glimpse into the traditional Calabrese lifestyle. In addition to the Chiesa Madre church, visitors should plan time to stroll through the main street, have coffee in the main piazza and relax on any of the broad, open terraces that surround the village.

Are you heading to Calabria or southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your itinerary.

Photo: My Bella Vita, My Bella Vita, Panoramio, My Bella Vita

Loyal readers might remember my What to Pack for a Calabrian Winter post from last year or maybe a guest post from Laura at Ciao Amalfi! that featured five words to keep you warm this winter. I’m going to merge those posts today and include five tips on what to wear in Italy during the winter.

1. Scarves, Hats and Gloves
Italians love accessories, so add some chic to your wardrobe by purchasing a selection of scarves, hats and gloves once you are in Italy. Not only will they help you stay warm, they’ll also help you blend in with the locals, will be easy to pack and will make a great souvenir from your trip.

2. Dark Pants / Jeans
Although black pants and dark jeans are good staples for any trip, they are essential for a winter trip to Italy. In general, you will see Italians wearing dark jeans or darkly-colored pants. They are slimming, after all, and can usually be worn a few days before needing to be washed.

3. Dark Shoes
Keeping with the dark theme, you’d never see Italians wearing dark pants and white tennis shoes, so invest in a good pair of darkly-colored walking shoes and you’ll be in step with what the Italians are wearing this winter.

4. Boots
There is nothing like a good high-heeled stiletto boot to help you fit in with the Italians, but if you are on vacation and plan to do any amount of walking, go with a low heel. I see a lot of tall boots, usually worn over pants or jeans. I’m a shorty, so that look doesn’t do well on me, but if you’ve got the legs to pull it off, by all means, pull those boots on.

5. Fitted Coats / Jackets
Italians are very “put together,” which means you won’t find them in over-sized coats or jackets. Everything is tailored, so wear a coat or jacket that fits well and you won’t feel like the frumpy foreigner amidst a sea of leggy locals.

What else would you suggest travelers wear if they visit southern Italy in the winter?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: Moda Webwoman

Let’s kick our Southern Italy Snapshots series off today with my home region … bella Calabria, with one beautiful photo representing each of Calabria’s five provinces, Catanzaro, Cosenza, Reggio Calabria, Crotone and Vibo Valentia.

Are you heading to Calabria? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip with visits to some-or all-of these picturesque places.

Photos: Thumbnail, Borgia Web; other photos Massimo Bottelli, loloieg, Al Lanni, mikuzz and Zurgo all via Flickr

I made note of their experiences and compiled them into a Calabria travel tips eguide that I’ve been selling here on My Bella Vita for the last year. Still, I notice there are about five mistakes that keep popping up.

Here are five of the biggest mistakes travelers make when visiting southern Italy.

1. They get uptight
I’ve written about how your attitude can make or break your trip and I am a firm believer that attitude is everything when you are visiting southern Italy. Southern Italy isn’t like its northern counterparts that might cater a bit more to tourists. Keep that in mind when you are visiting the south and try to appreciate and all of her charm.

2. They tip
I’d run out of room if I listed every expat here who has tried to teach the traveling tourist about tipping, yet I think it bears repeating. You don’t tip in southern Italy. You don’t tip in southern Italy. Seriously … you don’t tip in southern Italy. No one is going to look at you funny or think you are cheap. In fact, they’ll think you unsavvy if you insist.

3. They think they can eat whenever they want
I know it is hard to visit a new place and not make certain assumptions based on your life “back home.” That being said, southern Italy isn’t like America. The culture, customs and habits of the locals are different and so, dear southern Italy traveler, so are their mealtimes. If you arrive in the mid-afternoon, don’t expect to find a restaurant open for a late lunch … and you can forget about an early dinner.

4. They assume that because Rick Steves hasn’t written about it … it’s not worth seeing
A lot of independent travelers will tell you they want to get “off of the beaten path” and explore real Italy. However, when you ask them about their preferences and recommend obscure villages, restaurants or hotels … they aren’t always on board. I know it is hard to know where to go in southern Italy … that’s where a local travel consultant can make the difference.

5. They aren’t prepared
Ok. I’m gonna admit to having a not-so little pet peeve when it comes to travelers I’ve met in southern Italy. Time and time again, I’ve heard them say, “We know there is nothing to do here (in Calabria), we just wanted to see the village where my so-in-so was born.” Or, sometimes, “We have seen everything there is to see here, so we are going to head back (up to Rome),” … to which I want to respond, “I’ve lived here four years and haven’t seen EVERYTHING … there’s no way you saw it in three days.”

But I don’t.

What I did, however, was create a Catanzaro and surrounding areas e-book to give away (for free) to every English-speaking guest who books a room at our B&B. My hope is that it will help them prepare a bit more for their central Calabria vacation and that they’ll know there is a lot to do and see here … even if Mr. Steves hasn’t made it down.

For more tourist mistakes, see what Sara had to say over at Ms. Adventures in Italy.

What other mistakes do you see tourists making in southern Italy?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

With presepe overflowing from corner angles and lights glistening across the piazza, Christmas is the perfect time to visit Calabria. If you are lucky enough to be in the region during the holidays, consider stopping by one of these three churches. Can’t make it for Christmas? Don’t worry … they are just as stunning in the summer … or fall … or springtime. I promise.

Duomo, Reggio Calabria

The Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo, or for those of us not into tongue-twisters, “Reggio’s Duomo,” is the largest religious building in Calabria with origins dating back to the Norman invasion of 1061. It’s in the Piazza Duomo … you can’t miss it.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, Civita

Not all of Calabria’s magnificent churches are cathedrals. In fact, smaller churches, like the Albanian Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta in Civita have a certain charm that is hard to find elsewhere. The town was populated in the 1400s by Albanian-Greeks and this church is filled with Byzantine icons, mosaics and paintings.

Chiesa della Madonna, Capo Colonna

The Chiesa della Madonna stands just outside the Capo Colonna ruins in the province of Crotone and is the smallest of the three churches on this list. It’s two small aisles line a mosaic floor and murals that depict the story of a famous battle.

Are you heading to Calabria or southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you with your itinerary.

Photos: All by Cherrye Moore, My Bella Vita except Reggio Calabria Doumo pic, courtesy of FotografieItalia

What is an Aperitivo?
Technically, an aperitivo is a beverage Italians drink before a meal. It can either be alcoholic (alcolici) or non-alcoholic (analcolici) and can range from a variety of bottled beverages to wine or Prosecco to house specialties. However, regardless of the drink, the best thing about going out for aperitivi, besides the chance to hang out with friends and people-watch, is the assortment of food that is served with your drink.

What Drinks are Available During Aperitivo?
The list of available aperitivo drinks exceeds both the space I have in this post and my experiences, but here’s a quick list.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks:
Crodino
San Bittèr
Fruit juice

Alcoholic Drinks:
Aperol Spritz
Campari
Negroni (Campari, Vermouth and gin)
Wine
Prosecco
Spumante
Assorted cocktails (I’ve ordered cocktails that range from Cosmos to Mojitos in bars in southern Italy, so depending on where you are, you might be able to get your favorite cocktail. That being said, they usually aren’t what you’d get in a bar in the US, so feel free to experiment or stick to something the bar knows well.)

I usually order a “frutta della casa” (fruit of the house) drink that is made either with alcohol or without and find them to be the sweetest-and prettiest-drinks in the bar.

What Should you Expect When You Order an Aperitivo?

In most (not all) bars in southern Italy, the barista will deliver an assortment of finger foods, such as small sandwiches, olives, chips, pizzas, bruschetta, arancini and/or potato croquettes directly to your table. As Tina from Tina Tangos pointed out last week in the comments, this is different from bars in northern Italy, where the aperitivo food is set out on a buffet table and customers serve themselves.

If no tables are available when you arrive for your aperitivo, then prepare to stand at the bar and have your drink and food served there.

When and Where Can You Order an Aperitivo?
In southern Italy, aperitivo is typically served before lunch, starting around 11:30 or 12:00, then again in the evening around 7:00.

Most bars will have some kind of aperitvo, but all aperitivi experiences are not created equally. Some of them are down-right disappointing, with stale pretzels and peanuts while others are so fresh and filling you’ll want to skip dinner.

More on Italian Aperitivi
For more on the Italian aperitivo experience throughout Italy, check out some of these posts written by my Italophile friends in the bel paese.

At Home in Tuscany: I Love Aperitivo

Italy in SF: The Aperitivo Tradition

Ms. Adventures in Italy: Guide to Italian Aperitivo and Drinks

Why Go Italy: How to Eat for Free (Kind of)

Where to Have Aperitivo in Italy
Two of my favorite places to have aperitivo in Catanzaro are Caffè Letteraria in the historical center and Baraonda in Catanzaro Lido. But now I need your help.

Where is your favorite aperitivo spot in Italy? Please share in the comments!

Photos: schoeband and Cinzia A. Rizzo via flickr

Traveling to southern Italy? See how I can help you create a custom itinerary just for your family or small group.