About Scalea and the Cedro Riviera
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Scalea is a picturesque town situated in Calabria in southern Italy, on the sunny Tyrrhenian coast. Surrounded by sea and mountains. |
The old town is placed on the heights and preserves the remains of an ancient wall, while towards the beach, the Scalea Marina centre has recently been developed, with modern, comfortable hotels splendid villas and numerous, fully-equipped bathing areas on the beach. These enchanting beaches look out onto a sea of incomparable beauty.
Scalea is synonymous with seaside and holidays. Indeed, it is one of the most visited resorts in Italy. But the name of Scalea is also synonymous of culture, history and folklore. During the Swabian, Angevin, Aragonese and Spanish era, Scalea became an important fief and a centre of study, which was gradually enriched with monuments and works of art, most of which can still be admired today. The 13th century Palazzo of the Spinelli Princes (XIII century), which belongs to the Town Council, is the most important building of the lower part of the old Town Centre. In the old hamlet the main "street" is an attractive stairway that begins in piazza De Palma: it is a natural amphitheatre. Well worth a visit are the Norman Castle, the Palazzo Palamolla, of Renaissance inspiration and the Torre Cimalonga, Aragonese style building, now the seat of the "Antiquarium"
Scalea is on the Cedro Riviera , which is in the Cosenza Provence in the Calabria region of Italy
Scalea, up until now, has been untouched by foreign visitors. Italians have been having great holidays here for decades, but it has remained unknown to the rest of the world. Because of this property here is very cheap. Yet this town has everything going for it. The people here are very helpful and down to earth, the population in Scalea grows tenfold in the summer months as the Italian holiday season begins, so between July and the start of September it is very busy here, with parties, disco's, markets, local festivals etc.. Outside of these months the town still stays relatively busy and most of the shops and restaurants stay open, which allows for some relaxing holidays as well. The climate here is amongst the best in the Mediterranean with long hot summers and very short mild winters. Which means that for 9 months of the year Scalea stays well over 20 degrees C.
If you are interested in the 'Real' Italy, then this region is for you because you will see real culture and Italian life, Live Eat Sleep like the Italians!!. But also please remember that no-one here speaks English and you will need a good phrasebook!. But if you are open-minded enough and make a little effort you will gain so much from being here.
Calabria is a magical land with bright blue warm sea and lush high mountains. Around every corner is a new panoramic view. It has something to offer everyone, from beach holidays to skiing in the Sila mountains.
