Trip Report Scilla, Calabria – 2023 – Part 1
Scilla (or Chianalea di Scilla) is a picture postcard perfect seaside village and legendary home of the sea monster Scylla of Greek mythology.
Scilla is at the tip of the toe of the Italian boot and has two distinct sections - one of cobbled streets, traditional fisherman's houses set into the rocks, restaurants with patios that extend over the Tyrrhenian Sea, and little alley ways that take you to the water and the other of sand, beach clubs, and swimming.
Scilla remains a working fishing village and has a history, extending back to the ancient Phoenicians, in the hunting of swordfish. The fishing fleet still relies on traditional passerelle boats with their distinctive tall look-out posts and long gangways extending far beyond the bow of the boat. During the day you will spot the fishing boats ply the bay and in the evening, you can join the villagers and tourists in greeting them back to dock and watch the unloading of their haul. Swordfish are an important part of the local economy and, of course, feature heavily on local menus.
Reggio Calabria is 30 minutes away by train and it is a must visit to see the Riace Bronzes, a pair of ancient, life-size Greek statues. More about these later.
Scilla is beautiful, interesting, and friendly and the perfect place to spend a few days at a slower pace.
Highly recommended.