Scilla

With a historical castle, a picturesque beach, delicious Calabrian restaurants and a quaint atmosphere, Scilla has lots to offer tourists. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere in this small fishing town where life revolves around the sea.

Ask locals to tell you about the town’s mythical associations. The village takes its name from a water nymph called Scylla who, according to legend, was transformed into a sea monster by a jealous love rival and began attacking passing ships. Scylla even features in Homer’s famous epic, The Odyssey.

It is said that the monster had a base up on the high promontory at the northern end of the town, where the picturesque Castello Ruffo now stands. When visiting the castle, look for the Faro di Scilla lighthouse at the entrance. This white circular lighthouse was once used to help guide sailors across the dangerous Strait of Messina. Venture inside the castle where a luntre (an old-fashioned swordfishing boat) is on display.

Though it is the most imposing historical building in town, the castle is not the only noteworthy structure. Look for pretty historic churches, including the gleaming white Chiesa dello Spirito Santo and the Chiesa Maria Santissima Immacolata, which overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and has a wonderfully colorful interior.

Wander down to the Marina Grande seafront for sunbathing or swimming on the beachfront. Find several lidos offering food services and sun lounger and umbrella rentals here.

To get a better feeling for life in the village, stroll along the winding, narrow and charming lanes of the Chianalea di Scilla. This traditional fishing district also hosts many restaurants serving tasty Calabrian cuisine.

Find Scilla on the southwest coast of Italy, just across from the island of Sicily. Arrive in Reggio di Calabria by plane or boat and take a train from there. The town itself is small and compact and can be easily navigated on foot.