Calabrian seaside town with a hilltop old centre above the Tyrrhenian coast.
Scalea sits on the Tyrrhenian coast of northern Calabria, its old town clinging to the heights with the remains of ancient walls and a tower. Below, the Scalea Marina has developed in recent decades with hotels, villas, and long stretches of equipped beach.
The town sits between sea and mountains, and the old centre is full of churches, monuments, and narrow lanes worth exploring. The area around Scalea is picturesque, with bright blue water and the mountains of the Pollino rising behind.
Scalea is an affordable destination by Italian standards. Eating out is notably cheaper than in the north, and accommodation is reasonable. English is not widely spoken, but a phrase book and some patience will get you far. The closest airport is Lamezia Terme, with low-cost flights from several European cities.
Guide
Getting There
Scalea is on the Salerno–Reggio Calabria railway line. The station (Scalea–Santa Domenica Talao) sits at the bottom of town near the beach and is served by regional trains; the journey from Salerno takes about two and a half hours, from Reggio Calabria about three hours. Intercity trains stop less frequently.
By car, Scalea is on the A2 motorway (Autostrada del Mediterraneo), exit at Falconara Albanese or Lagonegro Nord depending on direction. The drive from Naples takes around two and a half hours; from Reggio Calabria about two hours. Parking near the old town is limited — the beach areas have more space.
The nearest airport is Lamezia Terme (SUF), about 100 km south, which has low-cost connections to Rome, Milan, and several northern European cities. Car hire is available at the airport. Cosenza is the nearest large city with train connections, about 85 km east.
