The territory that hosts us
Calabria occupies the southern part of the Italian peninsula. Most of the region is bathed by the sea (the coast stretches for 780km): the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east, and west and south by the Ionian Sea. At north it borders with Basilicata and in the south is overlooking the Strait of Messina. There are five provinces: Catanzaro, capital of the region, Cosenza, Crotone, Vibo Valentia, Reggio Calabria. Other centres of major interest, both historical-cultural an tourist, are: Lamezia Terme, Soverato, Taverna, Tropea, Locri, Palmi, Villa San Giovanni, Acri, Castrovillari, Rossano.
The Calabrian territory is made 49% of hills, mountains for 42% and only 9% of the land is flat. The highest peak is Mount Pollino (2267m), while in Sila (photo at right) and in Aspromonte, reliefs have over 2000m. Calabria is crossed by mostly torrential rivers (Amato, Crati, Neto, Savuto) with riverbeds which are called “fiumare”.
The major lakes (there are numerous reservoirs): Arvo, Ampollini, Cecita. The vegetation is rich, despite the substantial deforestation operated in the past. Along the coast the climate is mostly temperate, but the hills inland temperatures can reach very low levels in winter.
Calabria is a land rich in tradition, with a pristine sea, lush (and in some parts wild) nature, architectural and artistic masterpieces and an excellent Mediterranean
cuisine. In addition to the famous statues of the Bronze Riace, witnesses of the glorious past of this region that was part of Magna Graecia, there are numerous attractions in this land. Spectacular and scenic is the coast of Tropea.
Calabria is a region characterized by the dual attraction sea/mountain. It has a huge extension of coasts, but, even if it haas incomparable beaches, from stretches jagged and crystalline waters, 90% of its territory consists of hills and mountains. Just think that is the only Italian region that hosts three national parks (Pollino, Aspromonte and Sila).
But Calabria is not only a collection of natural beauty: it boasts more than 3000 years of history. The true essence of the region is to be found in the immense wealth of historyand traditions, many of which still exist. Calabrese have preserved many relics of the life of one time, in the uses, customs, gastronomy, music, legends, theater, in processions and ceremonies. Agricultural production are mainly intended for Calabrian food (milk and cheese, pork and sausages, vegetables, used to produce delicious preserves, olive oil, citrus, etc.). Many crafts resist to modernity. Among them the art of hand weaving done with old looms, woodworking, lathe or hand carved, processing of pottery and ceramics, wrought iron and fine embroidery and lace.
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