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 Introduction
Diamante features a characteristic little port that hums with activity during the summer months. The harbour also hosts many local fishermen's boats who supply fresh fish from the Tyrrhenian waters.
The warm Mediterranean Sea and 300 estimated sunshine days per year are also responsible for Diamante's most distinctive crop- peperoncini. The hot pods are a staple of Calabrian cuisine and particularly celebrated in the town. Chile fans from all over the world come to Diamante to enjoy a unique mixture of a pepper vendor market, music, movies, satire, art, folklore and samplings from local restaurants. Less popular, but still notable, is the Diamante citron which is grown in the area.
Arrival By plane:
Lamezia Terme International Airport
Lamezia Terme International Airport "IATA airport code SUF is derived from Sant'Eufemia" ICAO:(LICA) is the closest international airport at 70 km away. From here, travelers can take a taxi, rent a car, or take the railway to reach Diamante
Bed&Breakfast and Hotels: Reserve Bed&Breakfast and Hotel near Lamezia Terme International Airport
By train:
The train station of Diamante is served by most local lines. To reach international cities may require a transfer.
By car:
From the north: Take the A3 motorway Salerno to Reggio Calabria and exit at Lagonegro nord. Follow the indications for Diamante and proceed along the SS18 (about 50 km) to Diamante.
FFrom the south: Take the A3 motorway Reggio Calabria to Salerno and exit at Falerna. Proceed for roughly 100 km on the SS 18 road northbound to Diamante. Turn left just before the Torre Talao.
History and Culture
Diamante has faced many problems in the 20th century, not the least of which is the abandonment of the small towns. Many of its young people have left the small fishing village for the bigger Italian cities of moved internationally. About a third of Calabria's population has left with many citizens immigrating to the United States.
The agricultural phenomenon of the chili pepper cannot be underestimated in Diamante. As the summer comes to a close every balcony's drying line is adorned with strings of peppers as well. Some of the houses even bear signs like "Peperoncino House da 1630" which indicates the early arrival of the hot pods in southern Italy. Those were the days when a network of spice and silk routes developed across much of Asia and Europe. Peperoncino are more then a food, more a way of life.
Churches and Museums
Sua maestà il Peperoncino (Peperoncino Statue) - A 20- foot tall pod standing on its head in the center of town introduces the un-indoctrinated into the character of Diamante.
Isola di Cirella (Cirella's Island) - This small, uninhabited island lies just half a mile off the coast of Diamante. It can be reached by boat or swimming and is another site to enjoy in the beautiful sunny region.
Festivals
The Campionato italiano mangiatori di peperoncino is one of the highlights at the Peperoncino Festival. This is the National Italian Chile-Eating Contest. The grand finale features fiery mouths as contestants down plate after plate of fiery delights
Average visitors can also enjoy the deliciousness of the peppercino when enjoying the Calabresi dishes of spicy Sopressatta sausage, Pecorino cheese, or jarred 'nduja (a very spicy pesto). Many restaurants and shops also feature the peppers year round.
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Diamante Travel Guide
Twin room - From 67€
Twin room - From 50€
Single room - From 30€
Single room - From 29€