Scalea VacationsFRBO Property 25151 Vacation Rental

Historic town by sea. Gorgeous sea views.Terrazzas

VacationsFRBO Scalea Vacation Rentals Property ID 25151 Scalea: Calabria hill town. Guide/Italian lessons*

Major City: Naples
Distance: >100 mi

Type: Apartment
Area: Close to Beach

Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
Baths: 1
Size: 1000 Sq Ft

Internet: Yes
Pets OK: No
Pool: Yes
Spa: No

Calendar: No
Exchange: No
For Sale: Yes
Credit Cards: Yes

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Historic Town in the moonlight

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Contact Owner/Manager

Name: Chris

Phone: 718 701 4506

Languages: English

VacationsFRBO Listing Since: 2007-06-28

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Description

Scalea means "steps" or "staircase" in Italian. It is a most
beautiful small romantic hill town built on a rocky outcrop right
on the edge of the Tyrrhanian Sea. There were many important moments
in the history of Scalea. It seems it was invaded by everyone: the
Moors,the French and the Spanish. All have left their mark. The
ruins of the Norman castle still crown the hilltop. The town
wall with its four gates guarded by cylindrical towers surrounded
this fortified hil town in the shape of a staircase, hence, her name.

Its colourful history dates back to prehistoric times. The
Church, Saint Nicola Di Platea,was built in 1300 and used to be on
the edge of the sea.Inside there are important paintings and
sculptures. There is a delightful museum in one of the towers
depicting the way of life in the past.

The fortified city was ruled by the Spinelli Prices from 1200 until
one was assinated on the beach below.You can explore a maze of
cobbled alleyways and steps created by hand using sea pebbles. You
can walk into the modern below and to the beach passing beneath
ancient arches in just a few minutes.

There is parking in a car park by the museum. It is only a few
minutes walk to the house.

This is your opportunity to experience life in real Italy without a
hoard of tourists and to get your body in shape walking, swimming
and feasting inexpensively on the REAL Mediterranean diet.

You will be living in a simple, 2 bedroom apartment, which, though
modernised, is 1,000 years old. Both bedrooms are large with double
beds. The view from one of them is through a medieval archway that
frames your view of the sea.

What makes this home special is its' two rare terrazzas: a perfect
spot from which to watch the sunsets. One is reached from the study
and the other by circular steps to the top of the house.
The view is spectacular. Enjoy the sunset from your terrazza with a
glass of local wine. You can see miles of coastline and an
ancient Martello tower that was built to defend the region.

The picturesque 360 degree view is over the ancient tile terracotta
rooftops to the ancient bell tower and the mountains of the nearby
Pollino National Park as they tumble to the sea. In winter they can
be capped in snow even though you might be walking the beach in a
tee shirt.

Amenities

GETTING THERE. We have a service available so that you can be met
personally at any airport by arrangement. this could be Lamezia
Terme (Ryanair) or in Naples. We can also arrange customized tours
of the area to according to your preferences with an eglish speaking
guide. Italian language lessons are also available.

Everything you need is close by. You can walk to the beach and into
the modern town below in a few minutes for morning cappucino and
delicous pastries at the "pasticceria". This is a morning tradition
where you will meet the friendly locals.

MAILBOXES ETC.and INTERNET point only a short walk away. It is
inexpensive and has all you need to communicate with home and
do your business.

The modern shops sell ITALIAN FASHIONS for a fraction of the price
that they do in the north. On Mondays you can try to bargain at the
street market where I have beautiful italian leather boots for only
40 euro and fashionable jeans for 16 euro.

You can stroll on the beach every day and swim in the calm,clear
water. The local fisherman in their wooden boats remind one of a
more simple, traditional life. The water is calm, clear and warm up
until October. It can be warm enough to walk the long beach from
April to Christmas.

You may wish to explore the long and dramatic coastine of this
peninsula surrounded by the Tyhrrenian and Ionion Sea on three sides.

Eating out is incredibly inexpensive and varied. All the food is
organic. The local restaurants take great pride in serving and
preparing Calabrese specialities personally. Freshly caught sea
bass, swordfish are excellent as are hand make desserts like
tiramasu and profiteroles.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GET THERE. Please ask us: we can help. You
can fly into Rome or Naples (recommended) and take a train south
along a spectacular west coast. Scalea has a station and we can
arrange for you to be met there. Alternatively if coming from Europe
you can fly into Lamezia Terme with Ryanair.We can arrange car pick
up even in Naples if required.

Attractions

* English Guide available for day trips and Italian lessons!

We are the only people in the region who have a personalized CARTUVO
(private wine cellar) TOUR by the locals in the medieval hill
village of the fortified hill town of VERBICARO. It involves
drinking the wines so it is a lot of fun!

There is a local museum in the town that tells the fascinating story
of life through the centuries in Scalea. The Church in the CENTRO
STORICO is beautiful and dates back to 1300.It has some ancient
frescoes. Centuries old stone carvings around the doorways are to be
found on your walks.

The ancient MARTELLO TOWER on the beach defended the town when it
was attacked by the saracens.

The POLLINO NATIONAL PARK is adjacent to the town and offers
spectacular views and picturesque medieval villages, such as
ORSOMARSO. You can hike and go river rafting. In winter you can even
SNOW SKI in the SILA MOUNTAINS.

You can make an expedition north to the world famous AMALFI DRIVE,
SORRENTO AND POSITANO, probably the most famous coastal scenery in
the world. On this trip you might want to stay overnight and also
see POMPEII and the beautiful island of CAPRI.

A short drive along the coast reveals more ancient hill towns
dating back to a rich past. The nearby town of DIAMANTE is famous
for its murals painted on the buildings as well and the annual
festival of the red peppers grown in the region.

A long coastline winds arouund the "toe" of Italy, with sea of three
sides of this peninsula. There are many interesting drives and many
wonderful inexpensive restaurants to stop at along the way.

You can take a ferry to the AEOLIAN ISLANDS.. You might have read
in the news about the recent eruptions on the volcano island of
STROMBOLI.

The island of Sicily is located just a little further south and is
famous for its rich architectural history, even its ancient Greek
ruins.This area is also known as MAGNAGRAECIA.

You can drive to the famous ancient hill town of MATERA, chosen by
director Mel Gibson for his film "The Passion of the Christ". The
historic city of LECCE is a must and is known as one of the most
beautiful cities in Italy. A little further affield on the East
coast of Puglia, a day trip to ALBERBELLO will show you the Hobbit-
like trulli homes.

Rates

NO RESERVATIONS ARE BEING TAKEN UNTIL. THE PROPERTY IS 
UNDERGOING RENOVATION.

It is intended that the renovation will add a decorators touch and 
DSL.
We can also lend you an italian cell phone.

If you are happy with the simple life let us know your needs and we 
will work something out to fit your budget.

Credit Cards Accepted


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