Scalea is an historical old town set on the Tyrrhenian coastline in the region of Calabria , Southern Italy, a beautiful location surrounded by a clear blue sea and the lush high mountains of Pollino National Park .

The old town (Centro Storico) is placed high in the town and still the remains of the ancient wall are clear to see. A very popular holiday destination for the Italian people for decades, yet little known outside of Italy . Because of this you really get a holiday in ‘real Italy', the local people are friendly and helpful, there is not much English spoken here, a good phrase book will help, there are translated menu's in the restaurants and café's.

The climate is one the best in the Mediterranean, with very warm temperatures in the summer months, a soft sea breeze and short mild winters. You can ski on the heights of the Sila Mountains just over an hour away in the morning during the winter months and sunbathe in the afternoon in the Mediterranean sun. Outside of the summer months the town still stays relatively busy and most of the shops and restaurants stay open, a great place for a relaxing holiday most of the year round.

There is plenty to do during the summer with beach parties, numerous lido's, disco's, markets, local festivals. The beach has well equipped bathing areas and maybe after lazing on the beach take a short walk into the town, where there are plenty of shops to have a browse around and big local supermarket.

You will spoilt for choice of restaurants, cafes and bars, the Italian food is second to none and it is common to be eating the food grown in the region at very reasonable prices. There are many types of fruit and vegetables grown here including the Cedro fruit which is only grown in the region of Calabria .

Scalea is steeped in history, culture 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". There are many other areas of interest in the region for you to explore if you are interested in historical culture.

Lamezia Airport to the south of the region provides low cost airlines direct from the UK, allowing for easy access to Scalea, you can also fly into Naples airport to the north or perhaps fly into Rome and spend a night there before getting a train to directly to Scalea.

Scalea is the 'Real' Italy with great food, great weather, traditional culture and warm friendly people, offering a relaxing & enjoyable holiday in the Italian sunshine.