The small village of Fiumefreddo (Cold River) is a perfect combination of charming old streets, an imposing castle and spectacular views out to the Tyrrhenian Sea, and is definitely ‘undiscovered’ and untouched. It is 220m from sea level, teetering on a hilltop in the typical Italian way- and within the Cosenza province on the west coast of Calabria.
As is common with many historic towns in the region, it boasts a Norman castle which you can wander through, and enjoy views out to the sea as well as inland to the mountains of ‘La Sila’ national park. The castle was partly destroyed in World War II, after being built by the Normans and then the Spanish. The town was once home to 5 churches and 6 monasteries, with many still standing, hidden within the cobbled streets of the historic centre. Wander the tiny passageways, enjoy an ice cream or other local fare in one of the gelaterias or restaurants tucked away in the various piazzas. The only difficulty you will have is deciding which of the piazzas positioned along the periphery of the old town has the best view!
Slow down and enjoy your surroundings as the locals do, congregating to chat and watch the world below, leaning over the walls of the piazza towards the Tyrrhenian Sea.
