Diamante

A lively and attractive little resort on Calabria's north Tyrrhenian Coast, Diamante styles itself as "the town of murals and peperoncini." The old town center is accessed over a bridge across the Corvino River, which runs through town to the sea. The maze of alleyways and whitewashed houses is covered in murals by both local and international artists, many featuring fishers and religious themes, while strings of bright-red chili pods hang from doorways and balconies. The pedestrianized seafront promenade is the town hub, lined with small shops, ice-cream parlors, and bars. Flanking the broad palm-lined promenade are sparkling beaches to the north and south and interesting archaeological remains in the nearby Cirella district. September's annual Peperoncino Festival is a major event, involving almost the entire town.