Itinerary departing from Reggio Calabria to discover two of the most evocative and representative villages of the so-called “Grecanica Area”, located at the southern end of the Aspromonte National Park and also including the Costa dei Gelsomini. Travelling along the Ionian coast, already near Melito Porto Salvo, you can admire the imposing profile of the rocks shaped like a hand reaching out to the sky that form the backdrop to the village of Pentedattilo, whose name means “five fingers”.
Considered one of the most unique and fascinating places in Calabria, Pentedattilo is called a “ghost village” because it has been uninhabited for a long time, but it is capable of evoking unique emotions in visitors. Its narrow streets, stone houses, castle ruins and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul tell stories of centuries gone by. Particularly moving is the storey of the tragic Alberti massacre, a 17th-century tale of revenge and blood that has been part of the town's memory ever since. Today, the village is undergoing an important process of protection and enhancement: some houses have been restored to house artisan shops. Moving on to Melito, there will be a short stop dedicated to bergamot, a citrus fruit with special properties found only on the Ionian coast of the province of Reggio di Calabria and unmatched anywhere else in the world. Often called “the green gold of Calabria”, bergamot is prized for its essential oil, a basic ingredient in international high perfumery, but it is also a key player in local gastronomy thanks to its unmistakable, fresh and aromatic taste. During the food tasting, you will be able to sample typical bergamot-based products, such as liqueurs and cookies.
We continue to Bova, included in the network of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” and known as the “Capital of the Greeks of Calabria” due to its ancient origins. A guided visit through the alleys will allow you to learn about its history and admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria dell'Isodia from the outside, until you reach the fortress with the remains of the Norman Castle, from which you can enjoy a sweeping panoramic view that stretches from the Ionian coast to the surrounding mountains. As you stroll through the village, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of the Griko language, the heir to ancient Greek.
In Bova, you can taste “lestopitta,” a typical unleavened bread that accompanies dishes based on cheese, salami, and seasonal vegetables.
After visiting Bova, you will be dropped off in Reggio Calabria.
N.B. The order of the visit may be reversed depending on the departure time in the morning or in the afternoon.