Zaccanopoli
Discovering the Province of Vibo Valentia
Hi everyone! Today we will talk about the beautiful province of Vibo Valentia, one of the provinces of the Calabria region located on the western coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The province covers an area of 1139 square kilometers and includes 50 municipalities with a population of almost 150,000 inhabitants.
Physical Geography
Terrain
The province of Vibo Valentia is characterized by the presence of coastal terraces located at different levels, from which steeply sloping slopes extend toward the sea. Along the coast, you will find the urban center of Vibo Marina, with its port and industrial areas. The province also includes the "Angitola Lake." Recently, a dormant volcano was discovered about 120 meters deep, off the coast of Capo Vaticano.
Climate
The province of Vibo Valentia has a varied climate. Along the coasts, you will find the typical Mediterranean climate, characterized by an average annual temperature of 17-18°C and a mild winter season. Summers are hot and sunny, with some thunderstorms that can occur in August and early September. In the strip between 150 meters and 600 meters, you will find a Tyrrhenian Mediterranean climate with a slightly more evident continental influence than the coastal strip. The summer is hot and dry, while the winter is not very cold and very rainy. From 600 to 1000 meters, you will find a chestnut Apennine climate, with a relatively cold winter and often freezing nights. The average annual temperature of this third strip is between 10°C and 12°C.
Attractions in the Province
The province of Vibo Valentia is characterized by a great variety of places to visit. One of the best-known places is the promontory of Capo Vaticano, located on the Tyrrhenian coast, with its crystal-clear sandy beach and blue and crystalline waters. Also, you can visit the city of Vibo Valentia, surrounded by the Serre mountains. The city is known for its numerous churches and the Norman-Swabian Castle, which dominates the city from its promontory. Another attraction is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, located on a small rocky island off the coast of the city of Tropea. The sanctuary dates back to the 9th century and is a popular tourist attraction. We cannot fail to mention the Pizzoni mountain, with its 1300 meters of height, which offers a suggestive 360-degree panorama of Calabria.
Gastronomy
The traditional cuisine of the province of Vibo Valentia is based on products from the land and the sea, which blend into tasty and peculiar recipes. The fish dishes are the most famous, such as the fish soup in Calabrian style, the prawns in sauce and the stuffed sardines. Among the meat-based dishes, instead, the Calabrese sausage, the 'nduja, the roasted kid, and the sausage with mushrooms stand out. Local pastry products include cassata, a typical Easter cake, and "pitta 'mpigliata," a sort of chocolate cake.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the province of Vibo Valentia offers many attractions for tourists, including beaches, mountains, art cities, shrines, and gastronomic culture. Moreover, the variety of the climate makes the visit enjoyable in any season of the year. Come and visit our beautiful province; we are waiting for you!
