 Introduction
Scalea is situated in the Calabria region of southern Italy, on the Tyrrhenian coast. A popular summer resort, the town is also notable for the natural beauty of sea and mountains that surround it. Scalea's main charm comes from its preservation of its ancient structures including an ancient wall around the old town.
The name, Scalea, comes from the steps (Scala) that tilt up and down the hills of the town. The old town is practically built on steps. To go to your neighbours house you need to go either up or down. This lends a unique appeal to the picturesque town. Towards the beach, the Scalea Marina centre has recently been developed into a modern city. This does not disrupt the family atmosphere predominant in Scalea.
Scalea has made a name as a resort town for its 8 beautiful kilometers of beaches. There are also opportunities to scuba dive and boat. The coastline is dotted with fascinating caves and cliffs in which to enjoy the town.
Reserve: Bed&Breakfast and Hotels in Scalea | Map of Scalea
 Arrival
Plane
Airport Lamezia Terme is the closest major airport and is approximately 120Km south of Scalea. The drive from the airport to the town is about 1 hour 45min on the SS18.
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Train
Trains link to Scalea train station from all airports in the area. The Scalea - Santa Domenica Talao run occurs approximately every hour.
Car
Take the SS18 which is a scenic route that runs along the coast from the airport through the centre of Scalea.
Another route is the A3 Autostrada, also called the E45, runs the length of Italy from the Brenner to Reggio Calabria. However, this road is more difficult to drive as it has many hair-pin turns. If you must take this route, take the E45 and travel up to the Lagonegro Nord Exit, take the SS585 going south and join the SS18 just north of Praia a Mare. From there it is straight run south into Scalea, with absolutely stunning views of the town and coast as you come in.
 History and Culture
Scalea is far more then the typical seaside resort. This town was no doubt inhabited even in pre-historic times, as proved by the material of the Paleolithic period that was excavated in a cavern near Torre Talao, which dominates over the rocky promontory called Scalea Island. It is claimed that the town of Lao, of pre- Indo-European origin and colonized by the Sybarites in the 6th-5th century B.C., once stood on the plain south of Scalea, near the mouth of the river Lao. During the Swabian, Angevin, Aragonese and Spanish era, Scalea became an important place with many works of art, monuments, and impressive buildings.
The enchanting beaches look out onto a sea of incomparable beauty. The town has become one of the most visited resorts in Italy. Many of the traditions and cultural points of years gone-by remain as the town plunges into the future of tourism.
 Churches and Museums
Church of Santa Maria d'Episcopio
The people of Scalea call this the upper church. A Norman style building, the church houses a remarkable crucifix from the 15th Century.
 Historical Buildings and Monuments
Palazzo of the Spinelli Princes
This 13th century building belongs to the Town Council. It is the most important building of the lower part of the old Town Centre.
Torre Cimalonga
An Aragonese style building, this is now the seat of the Antiquarium Here visitors can see interesting archaeological relics.
Torre Talao
This tower is the symbol of Scalea. Built in the 16th century on a small island linked to the mainland, this tower is also occasionally used to signal happenings in the town.
 Streets and Squares
Piazza De Palma
In the old town, this main street is an attractive stairway that opens into a natural amphitheatre.
 Links
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