Camping La Rocca

There’s plenty of history to dive into in Calabria: take a 20-minute drive down the coast to the Parco Archeologico dell’antica Kaulon to learn about the ancient colony of Magna Grecia, or head further afield to visit the stunning Carthusian monastery at Serra San Bruno; roam the ruins of the 11th-century Norman castle at Stilo, or uncover the past – literally – at Scolacium Archaeological Park. If you’re more of an adventurer than a historian and are willing to travel a bit, there’s plenty to keep you chuffed within easy reach. Have a hike to the highest waterfall in Calabria at Marmàrico an hour and a half from La Rocca, or travel the two hours to Aspromonte National Park and keep an eye out for wolves and falcons. The gorges, canyons and waterfalls of Valli Cupe are an hour and a quarter away. For a burst of high-octane thrills, Parco Avventura Adrenalina Verde should be on your list: test your strength on the climbing walls then head skyward by clambering into the trees to follow adventure routes; you can even bring the kids along. Reward yourself for all your adventuring with a stop at Cirimingiano Wines for lunch and a few glasses of the local vino, 15 minutes’ drive from the site.