Holidays or weekends, Scalea in Italy is a perfect place to spend a relaxing time. About " what to do in Scalea " I have so many things to tell you and that's why I won't miss anything else time.
In this city on the Riviera dei Cedri, located in Calabria , there is the perfect mix between sea and city center!
Most importantly, unlike the beautiful cities that surround it, Scalea is alive. Both in summer and in winter (obviously in winter a little less being a holiday destination).
If I had to recommend the perfect period : between April / May to October! My two favorite months are June and September!
Now, however, stop talking, let's take a tour of Scalea.
Obviously, at the end of the article I will explain how to reach it. Oh I forgot, the motto of the article is: se t’arricrea è sicuramente Scalea. It means: if it enjoys you, is for sure the city of Scalea!
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Scalea beaches
From what to start if not from beaches . Scalea is a seaside resort and as such has the sea as its focus. In addition to the long, very long stretch of beach that seems to never end there are 2 other beaches.
One (free) is located exactly in the initial part of Scalea and is very particular.
Ajnella beach in Scalea
Rocks emerge from the water making the scenery very wild! The water here is crystal clear and is a table, this is also due to the fact that the rocks act as a shield.
The beauty, however, is yet to come and you know why? Because it is starting from this small beach that you will understand how beautiful Scalea is.
Equip yourself with any means of transport by sea (preferably kayak ) that I will take you for a ride. To help you in this you can hire them in a bathhouse adjacent to the beach. It is called “ La Scogliera “, so called precisely because it is close to the cliff.
Here you will find Alessio , a very young boy who can rent you kayaks. Obviously you can also decide to stop there with all the comforts that a beach entails. Prices are very cheap!
P.s. At the Cliff you can also decide to stop for lunch. Or why not? Dine overlooking the sea and sunset! The Lido offers, among other services, also that of catering. Recommended!
Check out these accommodations in Scalea centre
Scalea Italy: kayak tour
Once you are organized, we can start the tour. I explored the area by kayak being alone! Immediately after the cliff, zigzagging between the rocks, you will find the entrance to a cave .
"Trase e jesc" cave and "jidital" beach
The cave is called “Tras e jesc” which in jargon means enter and exit. Obviously at the end of it there is an exit that comes out where there is this huge beach.
The most interesting thing? It is the only way to reach it! By land it is not possible. I highly recommend you do it because, apart from the cave, the beach is beautiful! It is called “a jidital” which in Calabrian dialect means thimble, assuming its form. And if you go there in months like June or September, you find it empty, so a real oasis of relaxation .
Scalea sea caves
For all the exact names of the places I asked a veteran in the place for help. I take this opportunity to thank Gilberto Esposito for his immense help!
The cave that I described in the previous paragraph is not the only one and our tour is not over, quite the contrary! After visiting the first cave and stopping on the beach there are still 3 caves to see .
All 3 completely different between them and wonderfully fantastic!
Green cave
The first is the smallest and is the “ green cave “. It is small but Italy we say that in the small barrel there is good wine! The reflections of light that this cave generates are incredible, I fell in love!
And then if you look out of the kayak you see the water so clear that it seems to be in the pool!
Kisses cave
Not far away you will find another cave, much larger with a beach inside. In this, however, due to how it is positioned, little light enters and therefore I advise you to be careful. Most importantly, go when there is a lot of light!
Sheep cave
Last but not least the sheep cave ! This one is very particular because it has two openings. One of the two is huge, the other is so small that when the sea is high you cannot go through it.
In that case, just walk around and enter the other entrance and that's where you'll understand why it's so beautiful. The reflection of the light generates a color very intense blue and pleasing to the eye! Promoted !!!
Back to the beach
After visiting all the caves you can return to the cliff beach! I think that between a dip in the sea and exploration, in about 2 hours you can do it abundantly!
Back to the beach enjoy the rest of the day and, above all, the sunset …!
Every time I can't do without it, every time always different, every time not to be missed!
Historical center of Scalea
As I have already told you at the beginning of the article, Scalea is perfect because it is suitable for both the sea and the land. When I say land I mean visiting the city and its attractions.
Among the first things to visit, as in all cities, is the historic center ! The center of Scalea is very concentrated but at the same time very pretty.
Not far from the center you will also find the Villa Comunale , perfect for families. Spacious and ideal for long walks!
Back to the center, you will find many bars, restaurants and pubs. So there is a wide choice of where to stop for refreshment. From the historic center you can also do another thing: walk up the old Scalea !
Scalea Italy: visit the old city
Impossible not to notice the old town of Scalea, especially if you are close to the sea! The old city rises assuming a pyramidal shape. Walking along its paths, now marked by time, you will feel like you are in the medieval .
At the top you will reach what remains of the Norman Castle , its ruins. From here, the highest place in the city, you can enjoy a splendid view of Scalea. I recommend that you go there at sunset, so set out at least an hour earlier!
The climb is very steep, so it will take a while between one break and the next. If you do it in the summer, Scalea vecchia opens its doors to restaurants! So I also advise you, on your return to the city, to stop for refreshment! (P.s. try the nduja)
Scalea Italy: visit Talao Tower
For the symbolic sum of 'an offering at will', one can visit the symbol of Scalea. La Talao Tower is waiting for you (if you arrive by car) as soon as you get to Scalea, because it is located on the seafront. It is impossible not to notice it, also because there is a green space around it that makes it stand out even more. Originally Torre Talao (built in the 16th century) was completely surrounded by the sea. Over time, thanks to the silting phenomenon, it became pensisola!
I recommend you visit it first because it is the SYMBOL of the city! Second, because you can have a nice view of the old city and above all of the sea. That boundless sea that at sunset will give you unique sensations! So this is also a tip to visit this place at sunset! I know I know what you are thinking, it would take more days!
But I tell you that we live only once, let's enjoy this blessed life. Also because I will soon tell you what to do around Scalea . So, enjoy a week of vacancy, even 10 days!
Pizzerias Scalea: El Marinero
A scalaota who makes classic Neapolitan pizzas, sounds like a joke but it's not. I met Cristian Palma, owner of pizzeria El Marinero by chance and I decided to try his pizza in this Naples - Scalea duel.
I tried a classic provola e pepe, and after tasting it, I feel I can recommend the pizza of this young man who in 2015 immolated himself in this adventure just a stone's throw from the sea.
In fact, his lido is also home to the pizzeria, which in summer becomes a perfect location for a pizza at sunset. Don't worry, Cristian had a Neapolitan pizza master for his professional development, I did my homework for you.
Where to drink in scalea: House of Marsili
An old house turned into a cocktail bar with live music and mixing old classics with a modern twist. An Arabian-style outdoor dehor with a stone façade.
The Marsili reflects, both outside and inside, the old Scalea with its medieval style. A cocktail bar definitely worth visiting once in town for its originality.
I also loved the interior design, which I will let you discover without spoiling too much. Live music and DJ sets will accompany the evenings at the Marsili
Places to visit near Scalea
The good thing about this city, of those who make you win games, is that it is in a perfect position. Scalea is the perfect hub for visiting other towns and cities that are not far from it. Cities which are magical for something that characterizes them in a particular way.
That's why it turns out to be, in my opinion, the city where to stay for your vacation! Also because there are plenty of hotels, b&bs and holiday homes!
In addition to the fundamental fact, I would dare to say, that Scalea has a station railway . This makes it more attractive especially because it can be reached via public transport . Moreover, once in Scalea, you can move by bus!
The timetables and the rides are not so many but at least there is something!
Now I show you the beauties that you can reach up to half an hour from Scalea! Ready to discover the most beautiful places in the Riviera dei Cedri ?
San Nicola Arcella
Village of a few thousand inhabitants, San Nicola Arcella is the city attached to Scalea! You can reach it by car in 5 minutes, while by bus in about 10! The question might be: what is there to do in this village?
Well my dear readers, San Nicola Arcella for me is one of the most beautiful places in the world! Because it has one of the most beautiful places in the world with one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Did I mention that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world ?!
What's the name of this place? Arco Magno ! I honestly won't write you much about it and you know why? Because I wrote you an article directly on how to get to the Arco Magno . Both by path and by sea! Enjoy the reading!
Praia a Mare
Literally attached to San Nicola, Praia a Mare is very famous for the Dino Island . As soon as you arrive in Praia, by train or car, you will immediately recognize it for its beauty and grandeur!
Praia a Mare, just as San Nicola has lived a great deal in summer and very little in winter!
This makes it a purely summer destination. What to tell you about Praia a Mare ... well I think this place is one of my favorites! Actually, if I were to be honest, all the ones I have described to you are my favorites!
Because in everyone it is possible to do something interactive.
In my opinion, on a vacation, this is essential: visit, experience and explore ! Getting to know new places, new customs, traditions, going on an adventure and / or practicing sports.
Praia and its island are no exception and that's why I wrote an article on Dino Island excursions .
If you are, like me, an adventure lover you cannot miss this place! Enter the most beautiful caves and coves in Calabria.
Diamante
Slightly further away from Scalea (about 20 minutes) you will find Diamante , city of murals! Diamante is famous for several reasons: 1° the fact that this city also has an island, that of Cirella ! Also to be circumnavigated by pedal boat or kayak. There is an abyss, however, compared to Dino Island.
The Island of Cirella, in fact, has no marine cavities unlike that of Dino which has 3 and huge! The island is still beautiful to circumnavigate due to the crystal clear water along its shores. In addition to this naturalistic motif, Diamante is known for its wonderful waterfront.
It also has a great nightlife that makes it perfect for young people on how to spend a different evening.
Last but not least last, as already mentioned at the beginning, is famous for its murals that you can find around the city! To visit!
Maratea
Instead of going down this time we go up and reach the Basilicata ! For those who do not know, a strip of land in Basilicata overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea. Along this coast we find the wonderful Maratea !
It will only take you about 30 minutes to reach it.
In my opinion? Go there, you won't regret it! Maratea is beautiful not only for the sea and its particular beaches but also for the “ Cristo di Maratea “.
Statue which is located on Monte San Biagio and from which you can have a surreal view! As usual, I recommend you go there at sunset because the effect is literally " stunning ". The Landscape is the perfect mix between sea and mountains.
For its beaches, Maratea is famous for one in particular: the black beach ! It is nicknamed for the dark color of the sand. When I have been there (doing my usual kayak tour) at 18:00 the sand was still hot! Being dark it absorbs all the heat of the day and persists for a long time!
I hope to return as soon as possible because I don't know the names of several places I've been to. Most importantly, write an article to share with you!
Nearest airport to scalea italy
In all these info that I have given you, the most important one could not be missing! What is the nearest airport to Scalea? This paragraph is for you who are reading the article and you are thousands of km away from Scalea.
For those who are very far away, arriving at the airport is the most convenient solution! The closest to Scalea are the following:
- Lamezia Terme (1h by train – 2h e 40 by bus – FlixBus)
- Naples (4h by train - 3h and 40 min by bus - FlixBus)
On the easyjet website you will find both destinations. By clicking on the links of the two destinations you can buy train or bus tickets.
How to get to the other cities near Scalea
As I have already told you previously, apart from San Nicola Arcella, the other places all have a train stop! So what I will do is attach the link above how to get to San Nicola Arcella by bus.
From this same link you can also change your destination by entering another city! So that you can check prices and timetables to reach other neighboring cities.
Scalea Italy: conclusions
I know I've written a lot, but I think it was worth it! In this article, in addition to describing Scalea, I gave you a view of the other nearby cities.
I hope the article was useful and can inspire you for your stay! If I had to advise you how many days to stay, at least 7!
It is also suitable for long weekends. This is always the case if you can easily reach it and you are not too far away!
Se vi arricrea (in Neapolitan it means: if it makes you enjoy ) is definitely Scalea ! Have a good trip and have a good stay!
P.s. don't forget to click here to follow on my instagram page the places I've been.
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Beautiful article, you made us want to visit Scalaa so much that... We just booked for next weekend!
I'm asking for your advice: we have an inflatable kayak, but we are undecided whether to bring it or rent one locally, because I feel better with the rigid ones. can you tell me the hourly rental cost, approximately?
Hi Roberto, sorry for the late reply and thanks for the kind words. I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner and I hope you had a chance to do the kayak tour. Prices, however, are not that exorbitant in Scalea to rent kayaks. I suggest you rent them, for the next few times, at Lido la scogliera, which is the one closest to the kayak route