Capistrano
Discovering the Province of Vibo Valentia
Hello everyone! Today I'll be talking about the province of Vibo Valentia, one of the provinces in the region of Calabria in Italy. With a population of around 150,000 inhabitants and an area of 1139 km², there are certainly many interesting things to explore in this area.
Physical Geography
Terrain
The terrain of the province of Vibo Valentia is extremely varied: from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the mountains of the Serre. Along the coast, you'll find rural settlements with terraced landscapes at different altitudes and breathtaking scenery. The most important urban center is Vibo Marina, which houses a port and some post-industrial areas. In the province, you'll also find Lake Angitola and, incredibly, a dormant volcano recently discovered off the coast of Capo Vaticano.
Climate
The climate of the province of Vibo Valentia varies according to the area. Along the coast, the climate is Mediterranean with mild winters and abundant summer rains. Summers are hot and sunny. From 150 to 600 meters, the climate becomes more continental, with slightly colder and rainier winters than the coast. Summers are hot and dry. From 600 to 1000 meters, the climate becomes Apennine, with cold winters and possibly snowy. The maximum summer temperature does not exceed 30°C.
Culture and Events
What to See
There are many things to see in the Province of Vibo Valentia! I recommend visiting the city of Vibo Valentia, with its architectural treasures such as the Norman-Swabian Castle and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. If you instead want to enjoy the outdoors, I suggest visiting the Aspromonte National Park, which stretches above the city of Vibo Valentia and offers a wide range of outdoor activities.
Furthermore, if you're a history enthusiast, I suggest visiting the Archaeological Museum of Vibo Valentia or participating in guided tours of the Greek and Roman ruins located in the city.
Events and Festivals
In this province, there are many religious festivals that take place during the year. For example, in February, in Arena (one of the municipalities that make up the province), the feast in honor of Saint Agatha, patron saint of the city, is celebrated. During this festival, the city is illuminated with candle-shaped lights and there is a procession along the streets. Furthermore, in July, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated, featuring a large procession throughout the town of Mileto.
Food and Drink
Calabrian cuisine is one of the tastiest in Italy and the province of Vibo Valentia is no exception! Being close to the Tyrrhenian Sea, fish dishes are a specialty of the area. There is a wide variety of fish dishes, including Fish Soup, Cod, Swordfish alla Ghiotta, and Anchovies alla Calabrese.
But the province also offers meat dishes, such as 'Nduja di Spilinga (spicy pork sausage) and Tartufo di Pizzo (a dessert shaped like a log with cream and chocolate).
As for drinks, I recommend trying Calabrian wine, particularly Red Bivongi, a local wine produced in the northern part of the province that has a strong and slightly spicy flavor.
Sports and Leisure
Outdoor Activities
The province of Vibo Valentia offers many outdoor activities, especially in mountainous areas. The Aspromonte National Park offers fantastic opportunities for trekking, climbing, and mountain biking. Alternatively, if you're looking for an adrenaline fix, you could try rafting on the Lao river, one of the cleanest rivers in Italy.
Beaches
The province of Vibo Valentia, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, offers many beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sun. One particularly popular beach is Tropea, which offers breathtaking views of the crystal-clear sea and is part of the "pearls of the Tyrrhenian Sea".
Conclusion
In short, the province of Vibo Valentia offers a lot to anyone who visits it. Whether you want to go on outdoor excursions, taste typical dishes, participate in local festivals, or simply relax on the beach, this province has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. I hope you found this article useful and it is up to you to fully explore the area!
