More than any other region in the south of Italy Calabria represents the quintessence of the Mezzogiorno. Impoverished and under developed compared to its wealthy northern neighbours Calabria is sparsely populated and frequently politically mismanaged. Millions of Europe’s Euros have disappeared in countless investment projects aimed at bringing the area into the 21st century. Despite the arrival of industrial parks in many of the large towns the apathy and inertia of the area are still perhaps best described in Carlo Levi’s Christ Stopped at Eboli.

What makes Calabria unique?

Artistically it is one of the least blessed regions of Italy but in its favour it has a unique combination of stunning mountain views and beautiful coastlines. Usually is it the countryside that brings visitors to Calabria and Basilicata.

The landscape is dominated by the backbone of mountains that descend through a series of dramatic foothills to the sea. It was from here across the Straits of Messina from Sicily that that Calabria’s first invaders, the Greeks, arrived in the 8th century BC.

Of the many kilometres of coastline it is the Tyrrhenian that most appeals and is fast becoming a tourist favourite. The Ionian coast however is more austere and it is usually the allure of ancient sites, relics from the days when the area was a vital colonial corner of "Magna Grecia", that attracts.

Good transport does exist but in the hilly and coastal areas where the historic sites are usually separated by many kilometres a car is really essential for a successful and rewarding visit.

Don’t Miss...

1. The Bronze Warriors in the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia in Reggio Calabria.
2. The 10th century Cattolica at Stilo.
3. Matera where until recently the inhabitant still lived in their rock-cut dwellings called sassi
4. The Norman Castle at Melfi which houses the Museo Nazionale del Melfese