Expat Excursions … Day Trips from Catanzaro
It is a well-known fact that many people back home covet the expat life because, more often than not, that life is filled with exotic-sounding day trips and easy weekend excursions.
I know, I know … life is hard.
But here in Calabria you can’t hop on a train in the morning and be dining in the Piazza Navona by lunch. It just ain’t happenin’. In fact, there are few places you can get to easily and quickly and cheaply that your stateside friends have even seen on a map.
So what do we do here in Calabria when we are looking for an exciting expat excursion?
Well, like my childhood role model once said, “We don’t go farther than our own backyard.” So, click your heels together three times and come with me, through some of the best Calabrian expat excursions this side of the rainbow.
Photo: Chiesetta di Piedigrotta
1.Chiesetta di Piedigrotta (Pizzo)
Just 30 minutes from my adopted hometown, the Church of Piedigrotta is where a shipwrecked group of 15th century sailors vowed to construct a monument to the Madonna of Piedigrotta if she saved them from the imminent death they faced in a storm.
Today, the church is one of Calabria’s most visited tourist attractions and is the perfect place to visit after a tartufo-break in Pizzo’s piazza.
Photo: Diamond Residence
2. Diamante (Province of Cosenza)
While it is true that most of the Calabrian beach buzz goes to trendy Tropea, nothing compares to a day out in Diamante. This lively fishing village takes its name from the diamond-sparkles that reflect off the water, and a quick bounce around town reveals hand-painted murals, ancient stucco houses and Diamante’s passion … the chili pepper!
3. Aeolian Islands (Sicily)
Ok, so the Isoli Eolie aren’t located *in* Calabria, but they are still in our backyard … you know, if the Tyrrhenian Ocean counts as a backyard.
As I just learned last week, the Aeolian Islands are just a few hours from Vibo Marina-pretty close to Pizzo, actually-and are accessible through a one-day mini-cruise from Vibo to Stromboli and Lipari. But unlike the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta and Diamante, the mini-cruise is seasonal … which means, I better hurry. The last cruise sets sail September 15 each year.
So there you have it! Three must-see places on my list of expat excursions. But what about you? What places top your list?
* This post is written on behalf of AffordableCallingCards.net. Click here to read similiar posts written by other expats in the ACC expat community.
Well, there’s Puglia, the sea in le Marche and then there’s Puglia.
What I’m hearing is that you like Puglia?
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What about Scilla? Is that easily accessible from there? I always recommend the Messina straits crossing as well. Great views for only 1e!! You could take teh train down to Villa San Giovanni then hop on a ferry, stay on it if you don’t want to get off on the other side and have 2 x 40min scenic boat ride.
PS the aeolian islands might be avail as a 1 day mini cruise but i’d highly recommend spending at least overnight there! We are prob off this weekend and next – hard decision to choose between Stromboli or Lipari/ Vulcano!
Yep, Scilla is less than 2 hours from here and really is magical! I love your Messina strait suggestion. That is a fun ferry ride. (And yes, I’d LOVE to go overnight to Stromboli or Lipari!!!)
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I have never heard of the cappella in Pizzo yet – but now it’s on my list! Thank you for the heads up.
Don’t forget the absolutely wonderful province of Crotone, though… The city is a hidden gem, Ciro has the best wine in Calabria and “Le Castelle” is a wonderful afternoon trip as well.
Then Scilla… another client favorite! You have to love Ocean Garages that people “park” their boats under and climb up to their house. lol
Scilla rocks, as does Le Castella! Ciro is HIGH on my list of places to go … in fact, I am hoping to get there next month when I some friends visiting. Thanks for sharing these other great places. Calabria *is* full of them!
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All those places look lovely. Hopefully someday I will make it to that part of Italy.
Yes, NYC Ragazza! Come visit us here!
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Don’t know about Calabria, but Puglia is full of fun and interesting day trips!
I don’t near enough about our neighbors over in Puglia … yet!
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