Staying at the PRESIDENTE HOTEL, in October !Any comments on the area,the beach,the villages etc ,, Thank-you.

HI PEOPLE,, COULD REALLY USE SOME HELP HERE ?

There are relatively few posts here from people who have been ANYwhere at all in Calabria, so I think it's really quite unlikely that you'll find many people on this forum who have been to this particular town and this particular hotel. You'd probably do better on some specialized forum about travel in Italy, or a forum about southern Italy, even if it's not about travel in particular. There IS some forum about Calabria that some people whom I know recommend. I've never tried it, though, because it there's a membership fee, and I have no interest in internet forums tht are not free. I think the name of the forum is Circolo Calabrese, and it's on Yahoo.

CMT....<BR><BR> THANK-YOU !<BR> B.G.

Hang on! I was at Presidente in Siderno for a week in October of 1997, researching family roots. We had a wonderful time all-in-all...the weather was pleasant, the people were friendly and helpful, the food was to die for (as in all of Calabria). The beach at Siderno is like most spots on the Ionian, small pebbles rather than sand, not uncomfortable but different...the water was too cold for swimming in Oct. though, unless you're used to that.

Typical of Calabria, the area is not highly developed, mostly ancient ruins and small towns. The highlights for sightseeing would include:

Gerace - about 6 km inland from Siderno, a hilltop town which dominated that region as a sanctuary from Saracen pirates and other invaders hundreds of years ago. Great Norman castle, largest cathedral in Calabria, very famous for weddings and such, really fascinating layout and views, very picturesque. This is where my grandfather came from and we still have one relative there named Anthony Mule' (nicknamed Toto), the building inspector for the town. Say hi for me!

Locri - about 12 km down the coast from Siderno, boasting a significant excavation site with a well-preserved Greek amphitheater. As with all such things in Italy, signage is difficult and you may search for a while, but it's there. The site dates from around 7th century BC.

Roccella di Jonica - only 2-3 km north, a lovely castle with a great parapet view, just north of Siderno.

Badolato - further still up the coast (maybe 20 km), a walled city with great history. Sandy beaches are close by in Soverato. I haven't been there but have communicated with several people there. And trying to make plans to go there soon myself.

Stilo - great for a daytrip, maybe 60 km from Siderno, fascinating town with the finest example of a Byzantine chapel in all of Italy. I went there on my second trip to Calabria, in 2000, took the greatest photos (I can send you a few if you like). Just around the other side of the mountain massif is Bivongi, home to the Marmarico waterfalls, which cascade 1200 ft down the mountainside in spurts and pools. Lovely! And I loved Bivongi - very memorable.

That summarizes just a few of the highlights around Siderno that I know of. I should mention that trying to get around to all these spots will likely require a car, as the only public transport (to my knowledge) is the rail line - very useful and effective, but only runs along the coast, so getting to any inland site could be a challenge. Not that driving in Italy isn't a challenge!

Just to add a little more fuel, I can send you a few chapters from the two books I wrote after coming home from my two trips to Calabria, if you like. I can also direct you to my sites for a few more photos: www.traveljack.net with links to the other sites.

Hope you enjoy the background, and the trip when the time comes!

Traveljack you are the best! I posted a question a few days ago about this area of Calabria &amp; noone replied. I will hopefully be headed to Marina di Gioiosa Jonica in September. Your suggestions will be very helpful!