Vibo Valentia is a province within the region of Calabria, southern Italy, covering both coastline and mountains, and bordered by the Tyrrhenian coast on the west of Calabria. It is the smallest of Calabria’s provinces, yet is home to some of the region’s most famous destinations – including the seaside towns of Tropea, Pizzo, and the mesmorising beaches of the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods). Travel to this enchanting peninsula for these 75 kilometres of beaches – with golden sands, jaw-dropping turquoise waters and striking white cliffs – but stay for its food, culture, rich history and the friendliest of people.
Most famous of all of the Vibo province is Tropea – known as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Calabria’s Costa degli Dei. This section of coast in the Vibo Valentia province, from Pizzo to Nicotera, was christened as the Coast of the Gods by the Greeks, and Tropea itself is said to be founded by Hercules. Legends aside, the town is an unmissable stop on your tour of Calabria, with a charming historic centre which perches on the clifftop above one of Italy’s best beaches, and the iconic church of Santa Maria dell’Isola.
Tropea’s smaller sister, also on Vibo’s Costa degli Dei, is Pizzo – a charming fishing town full of life and full of gelaterias serving the famous tartufo ice cream. Whilst you’re staying on the coast, be sure to also visit lighthouse viewpoint at Capo Vaticano, and explore the best beaches along the Costa degli Dei. The province is also known as a commercial, agricultural and fishing district as well as a tourism hub, with major ports along the coast including Vibo Marina.
Vibo’s province also extends into the Serre mountains, with rolling hills, vineyards, and olive, lemon and orange groves. Venture inland – just half an hour from the coast – and you’ll discover lush forests that bloom with mushrooms and chestnuts when the Autumn weather hits. The Poro plateau is an organic farm district that has been entirely cultivated by hand, and the wide valleys and dense treescapes are waiting for you to discover by foot, horsebike, or on mountain bike. In the Serre hills, you’ll also find a spot of tranquility at the Carthusian monastery of Serra San Bruno, founded in 1091 and still active, with monks living a life of solitude.
A visit to Vibo Valentia – as with all of Calabria – will be sure to also treat your tastebuds, and you have to sample the local tuna, fresh seafood, fileja pasta, olive oil, and marmalades. But there are three products in particular that are world renowned that originate from the province of Vibo Valentia: the tartufo truffle ice cream of Pizzo, the spicy ‘nduja di Spilinga sausage, and the sweet red onions of Tropea.
