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This region encompasses five provinces in the toe of
Italy’s “boot.”
Though today it remains rather poor, it was a prosperous
trading port a thousand years before the rise of Rome.
Some villages even still speak a unique blend of Greek
and Italian that was common along the Mediterranean
rim.
While some of the larger cities have modernized, the
villages still offer old-world charm to the intrepid
visitor.
Calabria is notable for its proximity to Sicily and
rugged landscape. The area is prone to earthquakes,
but remains home to some 2 million people. Many liken
areas of the south coast to California’s Big Sur.
Relatively new trains make travel through the area
a lot easier than even just a decade ago, though Italians
themselves rarely bother making the trip except in high
summer when the larger towns are overrun.
Hikers will enjoy the warm alpine walks in the Sila
region.
The region specializes in unique tree-fruit crops,
legendary seafood and ample supplies of sun-ripened
tomatoes.
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