From the Riviera Dei Cedri To Reggio Calabria With Love

Let's start a new day by first going to breakfast. La Dolce Vita will offer you a gourmet breakfast .

On the Cedar Riviera you certainly cannot stop in Santa Maria del Cedro and in particular the Museum dedicated to the fruit itself. Here, a this small museum, you can walk through the history of the fruit, the techniques and methods of cultivation and extraction of essenes and much more. After the tour, at the small shop you can buy local products dedicated to the fruit. Opening Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday 09:30-12:30/16:30-20 Closed Monday

You cannot go to Calabria and not stop at the Shrine of St. Francis of Paola, Patron Saint of Calabria! Built on the site where the saint lived, the origins of the Sanctuary date back to a small church, with an adjoining convent, commissioned by Francis himself. The original structure of the Sanctuary was Gothic, but it was replaced by the Baroque style after damage suffered during the wars with the Turks. The present facade of the shrine dates from the 17th century and shows a classical style.
Opening Hours: October-March 6-13 14-18 April-September 6-13 14-20

By lunchtime it is time to move on to Fiumefreddo Bruzio, a village set on top of a hill overlooking the sea. Overhanging the hill we can visit the remains of the Castello della Valle, which affords incredible views of the area's coastline.

Also in the village, at La Torretta restaurant, you can enjoy an excellent Calabrian lunch, full of those rustic flavors typical of the area. And you will be able to enjoy all this while enjoying a breathtaking view.

After Fiumefreddo Bruzio it is time to get back in the car and arrive in Pizzo Calabro. After parking, a walk to discover the town center awaits us.

If one is traveling as a couple, a must stop is the Kissing Alley, where one can take one's beloved into one's arms and give him or her a breathtaking kiss, perhaps immortalizing the memory.

We are in Calabria for the citrus fruits, it is true, but we cannot fail to mention that the chili pepper is the other food star of the region. That is why you absolutely have to make a stop at the Museo del Peperoncino! Despite the misleading name, this is a store where you can buy a lot of typical Calabrian products to take home to never forget this region again!

Originating in the 1600s and recently restored, this small church is located in the historic center of Pizzo Calabro and can be enjoyed both outside and inside (but it is often closed and there are no official reference times to rely on). However, even the facade alone is worth the visit.

A must in Pizzo is the Hercules ice cream parlor where you can enjoy the famous ice cream truffle. Accustomed to classic formats, here you can enjoy numerous variations, one better than the other.

Before heading back to the car, it is worth stopping by to see the exterior of Murat Castle. It is named after Joachim Murat, who was imprisoned in the castle, which was fortified and used as a prison in about 1400.

Back at the starting point, it is time to move on to the last stop of the day: Reggio Calabria.

Arriving in Reggio Calabria, you make time to stop at the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, famous for being home, along with other archaeological artifacts, to the two world-famous Riace Bronzes. Book Now Opening Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday 09-20 Closed Monday

After the museum, a stop at the B&B to check in, drop off car and luggage is a good idea!

Before dinner we devote a walk to discovering the historic center of Reggio Calabria. We begin at the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo. This place dedicated to the city's matron is the largest sacred building in Calabria.

After the Basilica it is time to stop and look at the Church of the Ottimati, a Byzantine-Norman construction.

The Aragonese Castle in Reggio Calabria is, along with the Riace Bronzes, one of the symbols of the city. Inside it not only displays various exhibitions, but also houses the National Institute of Geophysics Observatory.

This restaurant within walking distance of downtown will make you have a pleasant dinner in an intimate and cozy place.

Our last night on the road ends at the hotel. Now everyone goes to bed, and tomorrow we're off on an adventure again!