Flight from Nice to Lamezia Terme

When you arrive in Lamezia Terme, you'll discover a discreet, authentic and even secret, Italy. Indeed, while this corner of the Boot (its toe, in fact), has everything to please holidaymakers, it has only recently opened up to tourism. Your discovery of this part of the Mezzogiorno will therefore be all the more beautiful and your interactions with its inhabitants all the more genuine.

You'll be able to share with them all the things that make their daily lives so happy: their love of wild, unspoilt nature, perfect for long walks in the forests, days spent relaxing on beaches with crystal-clear waters, the old villages bathed in sunshine, their cultural heritage inherited from Greek merchants and Norman knights, and their food, which showcases the flavours and variety of their region so well. A carefree experience for as a couple or with the whole family, because as you'll soon realise, far from being the 'Wild West' that some people imagine, Calabria is a destination that is both peaceful and truly welcoming.

• Climb up to the Norman-Swabian castle that crowns Nicastro, one of the three districts of Lamezia Terme. A thousand years after it was built, all that remains of this medieval fortress are the ramparts and its ruined towers. But the building is still imposing. You will enjoy the visit and the impressive panoramic views.
• Take advantage of Lamezia Terme's hot springs at the Caronte Spa, the town's wellness centre. Heir to a long tradition that stretches back to the first Roman baths, this wellness centre treats rheumatism and stress with mud wraps, sulphur water baths and massages. For a more authentic and simple experience, feel free to take a dip in the pool next to the spa. This is where the locals hang out.
• Hike along the paths of the Sila National Park, crossing lakes, rivers, meadows and forests. This force of nature, recognised as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna. Look up and admire Bonelli's eagles and Egyptian vultures flying above your heads. Listen to the bellowing of a deer or the howls of an Apennine wolf.
• Drive along the Tyrrhenian coastline to discover... the Caribbean made in Italia! You're in Tropea, one of the most beautiful villages in Calabria. Built on high cliffs overlooking the sea, it is said to have been home to Hercules. After a day swimming in the turquoise waters of La Rotonda, climb up to admire the sunset over the sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola.
• Set sail for the most famous of the Aeolian Islands, just an hour and a half by boat from Tropea: Stromboli. People come here for its volcano, almost a thousand metres high, which is constantly spewing lava and fumaroles. At night, the spectacle is even more stunning with the glowing lava flows that flow into the Sciara del Fuoco basin.
• Take the bus or car to the village of Scilla. Dominated by its old castle, clinging to high cliffs, the village winds its way down narrow streets to the sea. According to Homer, it was there, under a rock, that the famous Scylla hid, a sea creature as fearsome as Charybdis!
• Cross over to the other side of Calabria, on the coast of the Ionian Sea (the boot’s sole), to discover Stilo, a magnificent mountain village. A stroll through its narrow streets is a pure moment of sweetness, and a visit to the Cattolica di Stilo, its Byzantine church, is a marvel.
• Descend the steep cliffs of Capo Vaticano to explore one of the hundred most beautiful coves in the world. Don't forget your snorkelling gear: the sea is teaming with life.
• Pass through the fortified gate of Castello Murat (Napoleon's Marshal and short-lived King of Naples was imprisoned and executed here) to discover the charming narrow streets of Pizzo. At the end of your walk, sit down on the sunny terrace of an ice cream parlour to enjoy a tartufo. This local speciality, which has become one of Italy's favourite desserts, is hazelnut ice cream sprinkled with bitter chocolate.
• Taste the many local delicacies from Calabria's region: the red chilli that colours Nduja, a pork sausage that can be spread on bread, red onions from Tropea, Belmonte tomatoes, Calabrian liquorice, bergamot, and IGP Calabrian clementines