Calabria Incontaminata

You’ll probably have to pop in to Gizzeria (10 minutes’ drive) sooner or later for shops and other amenities, but you should also make time to have a look around while you're there – the town has remnants of ancient Greek and Italian settlements to look out for, and an elegant church to admire. Gizzeria Lido (15 minutes) is also worth a visit – the beach often hosts the World Kitesurfing Championships and has both free and equipped areas for visitors. Fancy having a go at some of those thrilling watersports for yourself? Take a look at what's available at Hang Loose Beach (20 minutes). Heading inland, there are some great hikes and mountain bike trails around Monte Mancuso (20 minutes) and forest walks at Parco Bombarda (45 minutes). The city of Lamezia Terme (half an hour) is another good place to visit, with the Diocesan Museum, Casa del Libro Antico and Lametino Archaeological Museum as well as the natural hot springs that gave the place its name.