Scalea

Travel Guide

Scalea
Scalea
Scalea
Scalea
Scalea
Set between the ocean and hills of Calabria is this town with beautiful architecture, lidos and nearby reserves. See how it got its name as you explore its historic streets.

With a sprawling beach, grandiose medieval district and lush green countryside, Scalea is a popular vacation place on the Cedri Riviera. Scalea has the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Capo Scalea promontory rising up to the north. The name “Scalea” means ladder or stairway in Italian, which is a reference to the town’s terraced layout. 

The tightly packed Old Town shelters remnants of Scalea’s ancient defensive walls and preserves the ambiance of a bygone era. As you wander admire timeworn palaces, spot long-term residents chatting in the plazas and dine at authentic trattorias. Typical of medieval towns in the province of Cosenza, there’s a ruined Norman Castle. The upper section affords panoramic views of red-roofed houses, rolling mountains and the deep-blue water.

Visit the 13th-century Palazzo dei Principe Spinelli, whose walls are decorated with 17th-century frescoes. The Cimalonga Tower was once part of the town walls and is now a museum. See a painting by Paolo de Matteis at the Church of Santa Maria d’Episcopio. The Church of San Nicola di Platea holds the tomb of the philosopher Gregorio Caloprese and the sarcophagus of the admiral Ademaro Romano.

Talao Tower dominates the skyline of the waterfront. Built as watchtower on an outcrop in the 1600s, it was later used a military garrison and a meeting point for artists. Corso Mediterraneo runs parallel to the coastline and is where you’ll find amenities such as bakeries, hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Throughout the summer season, Scalea Beach fills up with both Italian and international tourists. Spend a day at one of the lidos, which are beach clubs with bars, restaurants, sun loungers and watersport activities. August is the high season for local tourism.

Scalea is on the train route that connects major towns along the Calabrian coastline, including Diamante, Fuscaldo, Paola and Praia A Mare. The short distance from the coast to the Old Town makes getting around on foot enjoyable. Embark on daytrips to the Argentine River Valley Nature Reserve and the quiet hilltop village of Santa Domenica Talao.

Grand Hotel De Rose

Grand Hotel De Rose

4 out of 5
Lungomare Ruggero di Lauria 22, Scalea, CS
The price is NT$3,325 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
NT$3,325
NT$3,800 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Scalea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Grand Hotel De Rose
Hotel Village Club Santa Caterina

Hotel Village Club Santa Caterina

4 out of 5
Corso Mediterraneo 172, Scalea, CS
The price is NT$2,017 per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
NT$2,017
NT$3,076 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Scalea. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Scalea Beach and LAORAFT - Centro Lao Action ...
Hotel Village Club Santa Caterina
La Suite del Faro

La Suite del Faro

Via Guttuso 4, Scalea, CS
The price is NT$3,585 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
NT$3,585
NT$4,087 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach B&B in Scalea. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Isola Pedonale Scalea and Scalea Beach are located ...
La Suite del Faro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence kalispera

Residence kalispera

Via Valeriano de Bonis,30, Scalea, CS
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Scalea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Isola Pedonale Scalea and Scalea Beach ...
Residence kalispera
Parco Degli Emiri

Parco Degli Emiri

Corso Mediterraneo, Scalea, CS
Stay at this apartment in Scalea. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Torre Talao Scalea and LAORAFT - Centro Lao Action Raft are located nearby.
Parco Degli Emiri
Villaggio Mediterraneo

Villaggio Mediterraneo

Largo Capitaneria di Porto, Scalea, CS
Stay at this condo in Scalea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Isola Pedonale Scalea and Scalea Beach are located ...
Villaggio Mediterraneo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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