Coast of the Gods
7-day itinerary To Coast of the Gods and its surroundings and local food and wine specialties.
What to do in Coast of the Gods Italy?
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Tropea
- Arrive at Lamezia Terme International Airport and transfer to the Coast of the Gods.
- Check in to your accommodation in Tropea, a charming coastal town.
- Spend the day exploring Tropea's historic center, known for its narrow streets, medieval buildings, and stunning views of the sea.
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local trattoria, where you can savor regional specialties such as nduja (spicy Calabrian sausage), fileja pasta with 'nduja sauce, and local seafood dishes. Pair your meal with a glass of Greco Bianco or Cirò Bianco, both popular local white wines.
Day 2: Capo Vaticano and Beaches
- After breakfast, take a short drive to Capo Vaticano, a picturesque headland known for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- Spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming, and snorkeling in the turquoise waters.
- For lunch, try some freshly caught seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.
- In the afternoon, explore the scenic coastal trails and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
- Return to Tropea and have dinner at a local agriturismo, where you can taste traditional Calabrian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Sample dishes like involtini di pesce spada (swordfish rolls) or sardella (spicy fish paste), accompanied by a glass of Calabrian red wine, such as Cirò Rosso.
Day 3: Scilla and Chianalea
- Take a day trip to the charming fishing village of Scilla, located along the Tyrrhenian coast.
- Explore the quaint streets of Chianalea, the old town of Scilla, known for its colorful houses and fishing boats.
- Visit the impressive Ruffo Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the sea.
- Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local trattoria, where you can taste local specialties like pesce spada alla ghiotta (swordfish with tomatoes, capers, and olives) or spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams).
- In the afternoon, relax on the beach or take a boat trip to explore the nearby caves and coastline.
- Return to Tropea and have dinner at a local enoteca, where you can sample a variety of local wines paired with traditional Calabrian antipasti.
Day 4: Pizzo and Gelato
- Visit the charming coastal town of Pizzo, known for its beautiful beaches and delicious gelato.
- Explore the historic center and visit the famous Pizzo Castle, which offers panoramic views of the coastline.
- Indulge in a traditional Tartufo di Pizzo, a local specialty gelato filled with chocolate and covered in cocoa powder.
- For lunch, try the local dish 'nduja tartufo, a combination of 'nduja sausage and tartufo gelato, at one of the local restaurants.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the town's artisan shops.
- Return to Tropea and have dinner at a local osteria, where you can enjoy classic Calabrian dishes like Caciocavallo cheese with honey or spicy Calabrian salami, accompanied by a glass of Calabrian red wine.
Day 5: Sila National Park
- Take a break from the coast and head inland to Sila National Park, a stunning mountainous region known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
- Explore the park's hiking trails, lakes, and forests. You can also rent bicycles or go horseback riding.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, or visit one of the local trattorias to taste traditional Sila cuisine, which includes dishes like pitta 'mpigliata (a sweet pastry) and 'nduja-stuffed mushrooms.
- In the afternoon, visit the small villages in the park, such as San Giovanni in Fiore or Camigliatello Silano, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Return to Tropea in the evening and have dinner at a local pizzeria, where you can try authentic Neapolitan-style pizza paired with a glass of Calabrian wine.
Day 6: Wine Tasting in Ciro
- Take a day trip to the town of Ciro, located in the heart of Calabria's wine region.
- Visit a local winery and enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars.
- Participate in a wine-tasting session, where you can sample different varieties of Calabrian wines, such as Cirò Rosso, Cirò Bianco, or Gaglioppo.
- Pair the wines with local cheese and salami for a complete tasting experience.
- For lunch, dine at a local agriturismo, where you can enjoy traditional Calabrian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- In the afternoon, explore the town of Ciro and visit historical sites like the Ciro Marina or the Ciro Castle.
- Return to Tropea in the evening and have a farewell dinner at a local ristorante, indulging in a variety of Calabrian delicacies and wines.
Day 7: Departure
- After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and depart from the Coast of the Gods.
- If you have some time before your flight, you can explore nearby towns or visit local markets to buy some Calabrian products as souvenirs.
- Depart from Lamezia Terme International Airport, taking wonderful memories of your coastal adventure and the flavors of Calabrian cuisine.
Please note that this itinerary is a suggestion, and you can customize it according to your preferences and the availability of attractions and restaurants. It's always a good idea to check the opening hours and make reservations in advance, especially for winery visits and popular restaurants. Enjoy your trip!
Here are some additional details about the Coast of the Gods and its surroundings, as well as the local food and wine specialties:
Coast of the Gods:
The Coast of the Gods (Costa degli Dei) is located in the region of Calabria, in southern Italy. It stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea and is known for its picturesque towns, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The region offers a combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and delicious cuisine.
Tropea:
Tropea is one of the most popular towns along the Coast of the Gods. It is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and is known for its charming historic center. The town features narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and a beautiful main square. Tropea's most iconic landmark is the Santa Maria dell'Isola, a medieval church located on a rocky outcrop.
Local Food Specialties:
Calabrian cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and flavorsome dishes. Here are some local food specialties you can try during your visit:
1. 'Nduja: This spicy Calabrian sausage is made from pork, Calabrian chili peppers, and spices. It is often spread on bread or used as a condiment in various dishes.
2. Fileja: Fileja is a traditional Calabrian pasta shape, similar to fusilli. It is typically served with different sauces, including the spicy 'nduja sauce.
3. Seafood: Being a coastal region, Calabria offers a wide variety of fresh seafood. Some popular dishes include swordfish (pesce spada), red mullet (triglie), and anchovies (acciughe).
4. Tartufo di Pizzo: Pizzo is famous for its Tartufo, a delicious gelato dessert. It consists of two flavors of gelato, usually chocolate and hazelnut, with a liquid chocolate center, covered in cocoa powder.
5. Caciocavallo: Caciocavallo is a traditional cheese made from cow's milk. It has a firm texture and a slightly tangy flavor. It is often served grilled or melted on bread.
Local Wine Specialties:
Calabria has a long history of winemaking and produces several unique and flavorful wines. Here are some local wine specialties to explore:
1. Cirò: Cirò is a red wine made from the Gaglioppo grape, which is native to Calabria. It is known for its rich, fruity flavors and robust character.
2. Greco Bianco: Greco Bianco is a white wine variety cultivated in Calabria. It offers a fresh, crisp taste with citrus and floral notes.
3. Magliocco: Magliocco is another red wine grape variety grown in Calabria. It produces wines with intense flavors of dark berries, spices, and a hint of earthiness.
4. Mantonico: Mantonico is a white grape variety commonly used to produce sweet dessert wines. It has a rich and aromatic profile, often with notes of honey and dried fruits.
When visiting wineries in Calabria, you can expect warm hospitality and the opportunity to learn about the winemaking process while enjoying tastings of the region's diverse wines.
Overall, the Coast of the Gods and its surroundings offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and gastronomic delights. Whether you're exploring the charming towns, lounging on the pristine beaches, indulging in local delicacies, or savoring unique wines, your visit to this region will be a memorable experience.
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