Magnetic Vibo Valentia

Stand on the cliffs just outside Vibo Valentia, inhale the clean ocean air and just breathe in the extraordinary views that haven’t changed in thousands of years; the green fir covered Calabrian mountains behind you, sweeping headland, the wide expanse of turquoise sea and Mount Etna on the Island of Sicily ahead.

From the Greeks to the Romans and the Normans to Napoleon, people have flocked to Vibo Valentia for centuries.

Once you’ve seen it, you may well want to settle there too, especially as property in Calabria is incredibly accessible and affordable.

The 5 best things about Vibo Valentia

1. The Belvedere Grande

Climb the Belvedere Grande, the hilltop over the town, for incredible scenery; vivid blue sea, the mountains inland and volcanic islands in the distance.

2. God’s Coast

The road that hugs the coast from Lamezia through Vibo Valentia and down to Capo Vaticano is known as God’s Coast for its exceptional beauty. The craggy cliffs twist and turn alongside the vibrant turquoise sea. The scenic railway you can catch from Vibo Marina to Rosarno is the best way to take it all in.

3. Vibo Marina

There’s more to Vibo Valentia than the ancient landscape, Vibo Marina is the bay below the town and it offers everything you could want from a modern beach resort. Bursting with lively cafes and restaurants it’s popular with Italians who flock from the North for the clear seas and white beaches of the Tyrrhenian Coast.

4. Perfect beaches, perfect Italy property

Not only does this stretch of coast host some of best beaches in Italy but you’ll also find some of the most exciting new property in Calabria here.

5. The food

No mention of Calabria can go by without mentioning the wonderful food. Amongst Italian staples like pizza, pasta and fish, you’ll enjoy Calabrian specialities like Soppressata salami, n’duja (a fiery spreadable sausage) or almond and fig sweetmeats.

If you like the sound of Vibo Valentia, you might also like Pizzo, Tropea and Capo Vaticano.