The Violet Coast

The "Little Paradise” (Piccolo Paradiso) is how the writer Leonida Repaci defined the stretch of coast from Palmi to Bagnara. Since ancient times it has been baptized with the name "Violet Coast", because of the colour that water reflects at particular times of the day. This is the final part of the tip of the boot, a fantastic coast that should be visited. The sea is open, deeper and without shelters. The clear water, full of numerous finds, guard the secular history of the ancient civilizations that stopped and settled in Calabria. The Cavaianculla, the Pietrosa, the Chianiti, the Pietragalera, the Capo Barbi seabeds hide and still protect archaeological and natural treasures of great interest. Located on a terrace sloping towards the sea and sheltered at south from the Sant'Elia hill, Palmi is considered a seaside and a mountain town that draws beneficial effects from both places. In addition, to the golden sands of Tonnara , Pietrenera and Scinà, the granite shoreline dotted with enchanting coves and beautiful backdrops, is a must for divers, furthermore, Palmi offers to its visitors fresh air in the pine forests of its mountain, indescribable and beautiful landscapes, and nature walks along ancient paths . The Taureana site with its early Christian crypt of the 4th century and the church of San Fantino, the first saint of Calabria is worth a visit. Exciting are the explorations in the Neolithic caves of the magnificent monastic Byzantine rock settlement of Tarditi, surrounded by the mystery of myths, legends and tales of buried treasures. Palmi houses a famous Diving Centre for all those who wish to explore the magnificent seabeds of the Violet Coast. Bagnara is characterized by the beauty of its beaches. The Marturano hill divides the beach that stretches for over a kilometer, from the mountain "Cucuzzo" to the Ruggiero Tower. At north of its port, the landscape is dominated by the projections and the recesses of the mountains that reach the sea. The area has beautiful and famous natural caves. In a sea that is tinged with purple by the reflections of the sun and the rocks, the "Monk’s Cave" (Grotta del Monaco) and the "Cave of the Swallows" (Grotta delle Rondini) are interesting excursion destinations by boat. In the heart of the Costa, at the bottom of a large inlet between the hills overlooking the sea, in a splendid and unique position, set like an ancient amphitheatre among vineyards, tourists find Bagnara reflected on the lower Tyrrhenian waters. The view of the Strait of Messina, Stromboli and the Aeolian archipelago represents one of the most beautiful landscapes of Italy, according to the description of Eduard Lear, dated 1847. In late July, the Festival of the Swordfish is held. It is also known as the birthplace of the nougat (il torrone), which is still produced according to the ancient traditions of the first nougat (torrone) factories sprung up near Bagnara. It is one of the most popular Calabrian sweets in the world, what makes it different is the roasting of the almonds and the particular type of honey. Cut into bars, nougat (torrone) is covered with white chocolate, dark chocolate or gianduja and garnished with wafers, nuts or oranges. Rendered famous by the Odysseus of Homer and Virgil, is Scilla, in the province of Reggio Calabria, it is a lovely town rich in history and maritime culture. Pearl of the Violet Coast, Scilla extends its territory to the Aspromonte's slopes from which it inherits craft traditions, typical crops and food. In summer, to the 5000 inhabitants are added many tourists who are attracted by the characteristic fishing of the swordfish that, as early as late spring, takes places in the Strait with the passerelle, the boats that are heirs of luntri used to catch swordfish with vedetta and harpoon, according the old method of the Phoenicians.