The remote and poor region of Calabria (the toe of Italy's boot) is little-respected by other Italians and little-known to tourists. However, the area offers a glimpse of a different Italy, a lot of history, mountainous and remore villages as well as has 780km of unspoiled coast, facing onto two seas, the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian.

Calabria was part of Magna Graecia, the site of rich and powerful Greek colonies, recorded by artefacts such as the famous Riace bronze statues, recovered from the sea and now in the Museo Nazionale of Reggio di Calabria. Don't miss the chance to admire the fantastic collection of Greek and Roman sculpures and artefacts in the museum at Reggio di Calabria. Among the region's remaining curiousities are Greek-speaking villages, and an Albanian community dating back five hundred years.

The region of Calabria is divided into five provinces: Catanzaro, Cosenza, Crotone, Reggio de Calabria and Vibo Valentia. The most appealing resort in Calabria is Tropea, a Baroque seaside town with breathtaking views. Cosenza can offer the final resting place of Alaric the Goth, a castle, a Gothic cathedral and some Byzantine religious art. The Sila area, which attracts hikers, is a high-level plain, with alpine scenery.