 |
 |
 |
|
'INSIDER TIPS' | |
|
Call It The Blues Every year in early September the seaside town Tropea buzzes in the Tropea Blues Festival. The streets and piazze become a stage for bands, groups and jam sessions recreating the atmosphere and dynamism of New Orleans, home of the blues. Bridge of Size The dream of building a bridge across the two-mile Messina Straits separating Calabria from Sicily may finally become reality. It would be the world's longest suspension bridge and would need to handle around 5,000 cars an hour as well as high-speed trains. Both seismologists and environmentalists are in opposition, but following the re-election of Silvio Berlusconi as Prime Minister and his strong belief that it will create thousands of jobs, boost tourism and improve transport links between the 'toe' of Italy and Sicily, work could begin late in 2009. It remains to be seen how the contracts between the Calabrian and Sicilian Mafia will be divvied up...
|
|
 |
|
 |
Holidays in Calabria
|
|
In the 'toe' of Italy's 'boot' where mountains and sea collide, Calabria is remote,rugged and virtually untouched by tourism, with not one but three national parks and a 600 mile coastline lapped by azure seas.
This sun-baked region of dramatic contrasts celebrates life in the slow lane where shepherds and their goats bring even the traffic-laden autostrade to a halt and where medieval hilltop towns mirror their Greek past. But it's easily accessed too, with Lamezia and Reggio Calabria airports both covering the region.
Called 'the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea', Tropea is Calabria's most beautiful seaside town perched on craggy rocks with a tagliatelle of medieval alleys at its heart. The beaches around here are glorious and the waters are crystalline. To the south are the Costa degli Dei (coast of the gods) and the Costa Viola (violet coast), named after its dramatic sunsets. Both coastlines are as stunning as their poetic names, sprinkled with little coves and hideaway grottoes.
Calabria was part of Magna Graecia, the site of rich and powerful Greek colonies. At Reggio di Calabria, there is a splendid collection of artefacts in the National Museum starring the famous 5th century BC Riace bronzes. These two colossal Greek statues of muscular naked soldiers, recovered from the seabed in 1972, are among the world's finest examples of ancient Greek sculpture. The other highlight of Reggio is the waterfront with spectacular views across to Sicily. The poet Gabriele D'Annunzio called this stretch of coast il più bel chilometro d'Italia (the most beautiful kilometre in Italy).
Rising dramatically from sea level at Reggio is the Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte a craggy wilderness that is a paradise for walking and mountainbiking. Its highest point is Montalto at 1955 metres, dominated by an immense statue of Christ. To the north Cosenza , just inland from the Tyrrhenian coast, lies within the shadow of the forested slopes of the Sila National Park where wolves, wild cats and weasels still roam. And, straddling both Calabria and Basilicata is the Pollino National Park a haven for exotic flora and fauna. As well as hiking, this is also great territory for mountainbiking and canoeing.
The national parks are perfect for fungi forays, including the prized porcini mushrooms and precious truffles from the Pollino. And in this land of shepherds and their flocks, a variety of succulent cheeses are abundant wherever you go. Try perhaps strong, matured ricotta, pecorino or caciocavallo washed down with Calabrian wines which have a strong heritage, dating back to the Ancient Greeks when the victorious athletes from the Olympic games were toasted with Kremissa wine (from Kremisi, between Sibari and Crotone).
Greek influence is still present in other delicacies of the area including aubergines, olives, swordfish and plenty for the sweet-toothed such as figs, honey and almonds. The Calabrians are also fond of spicy flavours, especially peppers, chillies and ginger and, from Tropea, the aromatic red onions which are renowned for their flavour. Savour authentic Calabrian food and even learn how to create their recipes to perfection - and become immersed in life in the slow lane over long, languorous meals.