Madrelingua Italiana

Calabria overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, the Ionian Sea to the east and south. To the north, marked by the Pollino massif, it borders with Basilicata. On the south side, separated from the Strait of Messina (3 km long), it borders with Sicily. The Calabria region includes seven provinces: Catanzaro (regional capital), Cosenza, Crotone, Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia. As for the physical characteristics, the region is rich in mountains and hills. Between all the mountains of Calabria, Monte Pollino (2,267 m / 7,438 ft) vaunts the highest peak. The two most important massifs are the Sila (1,928 m / 6,326 ft) and the Aspromonte (1,955 m / 6,414 ft), located respectively on the eastern and southern side of the Calabrian peninsula. Between the mountain massifs and the coasts there is an uninterrupted and irregular series of hills made up of limestone rocks. The coasts are much developed (780 km), while the region extends for about 250 km. Near the Ionian coast, among the protected areas, there is the natural reserve on the river Neto. This natural reserve preserves the typical plants and birds of the area. Whereas, among the internal mountain areas there is (shared with the Basilicata) a natural park - for the protection of the Pollino massif - and since 1968, the National Park of Calabria, which includes most of the Sila. Among the most interesting species of animals are deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes, wild cats, wolves and, among birds, numerous raptors, including some specimens of golden eagles. Both seaside and mountain tourism, is promising. The most requested seaside resorts are those located on the Tyrrhenian Sea: Praia a Mare, Diamante, Amantea. The most popular mountain destinations for tourists are: Tropea, near the Capo Vaticano; Gambriate, in the Aspromonte and Camigliatello Silano, on the Sila. Calabria is also a land of great archaeological interest. In this region the presence of human beings has been documented since the Paleolithic era. Regarding food, Calabria offers a rich variety of genuine products from the beautiful coast of its sea to the peaks of Aspromonte. Calabria’s products conserve an exceptional flavor, which remain linked to antiquity. Even the types of bread are many and made with jealously preserved recipes; among them we remember the Buccellato, the Cuddura, the Filone, the Frese and chestnut bread.