I'm going to Italy in December for New Years, and am staying in Naples. I'm trying to plan a trip for only 2 or 3 nights to another part of the country not too far from there. The thing is, I'm going to visit my boyfriend who lives there, so I've been many times before. He's got a car, so we can drive anywhere, but i want to plan something special for not a lot of money. I've heard very little things about Calabria, but am interested to know more. Any recommendations are welcome to places no further than 4 - 6 hours away by car. I've done the main Italian tourist cities, so am looking for something a little more off the main path. Thanks a lot for all your help.

If you've done the main tourist cities in Calabria, perhaps you have done Tropea?? If not, it is beautiful. Also in that direction is Ricadi, Capo Vaticano and Pizzo. Serra San Bruno and Gerace are also very interesting and off the beaten path.

I agree with AP that Tropea is a great destination. We stayed at the Terrazzo sul Mare, only 60 Euros, large room (small bathroom), right on the cliff's edge.

Six hours of driving from Naples will get you to nearly anywhere in Calabria. The biggest drawback is time of year.

Also, look into Maratea on Basilicata's 25 km of seaside. Not as far as Tropea and spectacular scenery. Might be good for a romantic getaway. And by Maratea I include Aquafreddo, Fuimicello and Porto.

For future trips I would highly recommend Gambarie (in the Aspromonte) for a relaxing and romantic holiday. Go in the off season (that is, not June, July or August, and not during ski season) and you might find the you have the town to yourselves. We enjoyed the Home Sweet Home B&B. Make sure you have their house wine "Wanted."

Calabria is beautiful, the people wonderful, and definitely off the beaten path.

JQ

Iwinokur, if your boyfriend lives in Naples doesn't he have ideas of where else you can go? Or are you trying to make this side trip a surprise for him?

I'll try to follow this thread as it develops, since I am also interested in Calabria.

In case you'd like to consider Basilicata instead, here's a big thread about it: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34401476

thanks a lot everyone. The suggestions really are helpful. I'm starting to research this part of the trip now, and the hotel, B&B recommendations are really a help. I'm trying to plan something special to a town where there really isn't so much going on, so these places sound great, especially Gambarie. If you guys have web addresses for any of these places to stay Id really appreciate it. Thanks again!
Laurie

Hi Laurie. If you go to Gambarie after New Year's be prepared for tough driving conditions in the mountains, and bring your skis.

If you want to read through my travel journal (this one on Calabria, Maratea, Amalfi coast and Capri) that I write for family and friends, e-mail me your request at [email protected] It's about twenty-two pages (of the four weeks, two and a half were spent in Calabria). JQ

Calabria is beautiful. Tropea and Pizzo are both stunning seaside resort towns. The seaside towns south of Paola such as Amantea boast the prettiest pebble beaches that are shallow enough for swimming. The 'lungomare' of Amantea has just enough pizzerias and ice cream shops. It swells in August but it is warm enought to swim in May. Originally Al Mantea, after the Arab conquest, the historic centre boasts tiny medieval cobblestone streets and an old castle that begs exploring. You'll love it. Head to the bbs in Potame or Domanico or Lago or sila in the mountains above Cosenza.

I will be going to Tropea this coming August. I will let you know how it goes after I come back.

I just spent a day in Tropea last week, and I also did the same thing the year before. Tropea is my absolute favorite beach town in Italy so far. I was in heaven for the short period of time I was on the beach, I went to the portion of the beach that when you are facing the church of Madonna Dell'Isola, it is on the left. The gardens of the church actually overlook it. There are some caves to seek shelter in and the water is perfect. I took a ton of pics in that one day, I will post them soon.

The restaurant that is almost on the beach to the left of the church as well is excellent for seafood. A local told me that she sees the fishing boat pull up on the beach and bring to the restaurant fresh fish.

We also stopped at Pizzo briefly, we looked around the castle and had tartufo, which the town is famous for. I hope to, in the future, spend at least a week in the area!!

AP6380 - I will be staying at this area

Villino Eleonora B&B
Via Mariano Meligrana n°3 / Villino Eleonora
89861 Parghelia (VV) , Italy

Do you know how far this is from Tropea? How are the public transportation in that area?