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Welcome to the Province of Vibo Valentia!

Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover the beautiful province of Vibo Valentia? I will tell you about this territory that covers 1,139 km² and includes 50 municipalities.

Physical Geography

In this province, there are mountains and sea: a territory that stretches from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Serre Mountains. Along the coast, you will find the urban center of Vibo Marina, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea and houses a tourist port and retro-port industrial areas. It is worth visiting Lake Angitola, and if you are interested in geology, you might want to see an extinct volcano, located around 120 meters deep off the coast of Capo Vaticano.

Vibo Valentia: enchanting landscapes and unique flavors.

Climate

The climate of the province of Vibo Valentia is Mediterranean, but it varies depending on the areas. Along the coasts, we have a mild climate all year round, with very hot summers and rainy winters. In the area ranging from 150 meters to 600 meters, we have a slightly more continental climate, with mild winters and lots of rainfall. Temperatures can drop to zero, and as you go up in altitude, snowfall becomes more frequent. Above 600 meters up to 1000 meters, we have an Apennine-type climate with quite cold winters and nighttime frost.

Discovering the Municipalities

The province of Vibo Valentia includes 50 municipalities. It would be impossible to talk about all of them, but I will tell you about some of the most representative ones.

Vibo Valentia

The capital of the province is Vibo Valentia, located around 450 meters above sea level. The city is famous for the Normanno-Svevo Castle, built in the 11th century and renovated in 1845. Inside the castle, you will find the Civic Museum, which preserves finds dating back to various historical periods. Don't miss the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, built-in the 9th century and renovated in 1100.

Tropea

Tropea is a famous seaside resort for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Moreover, Tropea is also known for the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, located on a rocky spur overlooking the sea. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama.

Pizzo

Pizzo is a municipality on the Tyrrhenian Sea famous for the Murat Castle, where, according to legend, the Stracciatella ice cream was invented. The historic center of Pizzo, located on a hill, offers a panoramic view of the coast.

Culture and Cuisine

The province of Vibo Valentia has a strong culinary tradition. Its cuisine is simple but very tasty and based on high-quality local products. Among the typical dishes, we find 'nduja, a spicy salami that can be served as an appetizer or used to dress first courses, and the red onion of Tropea, which is used in many recipes. You should also try the bassotti, fresh pasta shaped like small cylinders filled with ricotta and spinach, and the reginelle, sweets made with fig jam or mustard.

There are also cultural traditions such as the feast of Madonna della Neve in Vibo Valentia, which takes place on August 5th with a parade of the triumphal carriage and the tossing of reginelle in the air.

How to get there

To reach the province of Vibo Valentia, you can use Lamezia Terme airport, which is about 50 km from the capital. Alternatively, you can take the train which stops at Vibo-Pizzo and Tropea, or the Salerno-Reggio Calabria A3 motorway.

Conclusion

In summary, the province of Vibo Valentia is a beautiful place rich in history and traditions that is absolutely worth visiting. Among its natural beauties, stunning beaches, and landscapes, the province of Vibo Valentia offers the best of Calabria. Come and discover this fascinating territory!

Antonio Bruno
Wrote by Antonio Bruno
Updated Sunday, May 15, 2022