Tour of the characteristic alleys in Calabria

The tour to discover the alleys of Calabria starts from the heart of the Pollino National Park: Laino Borgo, in the province of Cosenza. Here, in one of Italy's smallest historic centres, rich in churches and chapels, we find a characteristic Calabrian alley that evokes emotions: it is no coincidence that it is called Alley of Sentiment, "u strittìnu", as the locals affectionately call it. With a width of 34 cm, it has rightfully entered the 'top 5' of the narrowest and most famous alleys in Italy. It is so small that you have to walk sideways through it! Alley of Sentiment is a perfect meeting place for lovers who come to Laino Borgo, as demonstrated by the romantic mural at the entrance to the alley, which depicts a young couple holding hands, who, at the exit of the alley, have... grown old.

Staying on the subject of murals and street art, we reach the historic centre of Diamante, a seaside resort on the Riviera dei Cedri, also in the province of Cosenza. Known as the "City of Murals and Chilli Peppers", the fishing village of Diamante tells its story through its works of art: over 200 since the 1980s, which embellish the facades of the houses. In addition to the now famous Chilli Pepper Festival, one of the typical products that has made the village famous throughout the world, Diamante organises a very original event dedicated to the characteristic alleys of Calabria: Vicoli in Festival, a real community festival that enlivens the village's alleys in winter with music, tastings, workshops and exhibitions.

The third stage of our tour through the alleys of Calabria takes us to the historic centre of Catanzaro. Old Catanzaro, with its characteristic Calabrian alleys and medieval neighbourhoods such as Giudecca, still retains all its authenticity today. The best way to discover it? The Alleyway Trail, an urban trekking initiative that, through a guided itinerary equipped with information panels, leads visitors into the heart of the city, through the alleyways that make it a fascinating labyrinth: Case Arse, Cocole, Pianicello, Stella, Filanda, Carbone, Santa Barbara, Spiazzo del Sole, Carmine, Grecìa and San Giovanni, ending with the splendid Bellavista terrace at sunset.

The characteristic alleys of Calabria in the province of Vibo Valentia? Those in the historic centre of Pizzo, which offer couples in love a unique experience with panoramic views of the Costa degli Dei and hidden works of art. Among them is the Alley of Kisses: located in the village, nestled between picturesque spots, palaces and monumental churches that surround the imposing Murat Castle. Once you reach the entrance to the alley, a kiss is a must! Stop to exchange tender moments, but also to take the inevitable photo among the paintings, plaques and romantic quotes that make Alley of Kisses one of the most Instagrammed places in the region.

We conclude our journey through the characteristic alleys of Calabria on a romantic note, with another perfect spot for couples: the Lovers' Alley in Roseto Capo Spulico, a seaside town on the Costa degli Achei in the province of Cosenza. The name Roseto itself evokes a symbol of love: fragrant roses, which have been cultivated since ancient times to make pillows for sybaritic princesses and which still today are one of the village's typical products, along with cherries. Right here, in the "Village of Roses and Cherries", the Lovers' Alley welcomes couples who wish to declare their love and immortalise one of the narrowest alleys in Europe.