Calabria, Italy is the most recognizable geographic area in all of Europe, forming the toe of the boot shaped country that reaches out into the Mediterranean Sea, but because it is the least developed state it remains largely unspoilt. Calabria is a contrasting region made up of isolated cities, villages and mountain refuges where tradition and the local culture has been allowed to thrive without much outside influence as well as glorious stretches of coastline with bays and grottos. For those who are able to travel to the region, there are pristine beaches, unspoiled mountain retreats and historic ruins found in every corner.
Unique because of the mountain range that makes up the centre region of Calabria, the locals have learned how to live and take advantage of the agricultural terrain. For thousands of years homes, churches and even entire towns have been carved out of the face of the mountains. Once thought of as a disadvantage or a deterrent to outsiders moving in, the rugged hill cities are now being connected with roads that drive over and through the mountainside, opening up areas of Italy that have been hidden for centuries.
Two of the biggest draws to the region of Calabria are the ancient ruins that can be found in or near almost every city, and the unspoiled beaches that are a center of life to the towns facing the sea. The Ancient Greeks recognized the defensive advantages the mountain offered and left behind the ruins of their temples, tombs and even rough theaters cut into cliffs. The Byzantine civilization is preserved by both the mountain air and the seclusion the location offers, leaving an endless trail of Heritage sights. Coming down from the mountain caves leads locals and travelers straight to seaside cliffs where tiny village beaches spread out beneath the cliff-side homes that have been facing the Mediterranean for years.
