Calabria

Calabria is a region situated in the southern part of the Italian peninsula, forming the "toe" part of the peninsula's boot-shaped geography. Formerly known as Brutium, the region hosts a scarce population of around 2 million in a total surface area of 15,080 square kilometers. Calabria is composed of five provinces, namely Catanzaro, Cosenza, Crotone, Reggio di Calabria, and Vibo Valentia.

Catanzaro has been the region's capital since 1970, but the regional parliament is still located in the former regional capital of Reggio di Calabria. The transfer of regional capital was the riot-starter in Calabria during the 1970s.

Before going any further, you should be warned first that the streets and roads of Calabria aren't exactly the best in Italy and are occasionally plagued by police roadblocks. Furthermore, the inland areas of Calabria are a breeding ground for the local mafia called la ndrangheta, whose modus operandi revolves around kidnapping children of rich locals for a hefty ransom amount. Although tourists are not the target of this mafia and will virtually be left unharmed during their stay, it is better to be prepared for the worst.

If you decide to put Calabria on your adventure map, some of the sights you will see include cathedrals, medieval towns, castles, golden wheat fields, clear seas, and archaeological ruins of the different eras enveloped in Calabrian history (Byzantine, Greek, Norman, and Roman).

You can enjoy a bevy of food products with a touch Calabrian cuisine such as cheese, sausage, salami, mushrooms, fish, figs, and assorted vegetables. Calabria is also known to have a year-round lineup of colorful festivities around the region, so be sure not to miss out on at least one.

However, what could put some uniqueness on your Calabrian experience will definitely be a visit to the local santina, a psychic who can perform some interesting, and rather entertaining functions.