Scalea Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Scalea
Set between the ocean and hills of Calabria is this town with beautiful architecture, lidos and nearby reserves. See how it got its name as you explore its historic streets.

With a sprawling beach, grandiose medieval district and lush green countryside, Scalea is a popular vacation place on the Cedri Riviera. Scalea has the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Capo Scalea promontory rising up to the north. The name “Scalea” means ladder or stairway in Italian, which is a reference to the town’s terraced layout.

The tightly packed Old Town shelters remnants of Scalea’s ancient defensive walls and preserves the ambiance of a bygone era. As you wander admire timeworn palaces, spot long-term residents chatting in the plazas and dine at authentic trattorias. Typical of medieval towns in the province of Cosenza, there’s a ruined Norman Castle. The upper section affords panoramic views of red-roofed houses, rolling mountains and the deep-blue water.

Visit the 13th-century Palazzo dei Principe Spinelli, whose walls are decorated with 17th-century frescoes. The Cimalonga Tower was once part of the town walls and is now a museum. See a painting by Paolo de Matteis at the Church of Santa Maria d’Episcopio. The Church of San Nicola di Platea holds the tomb of the philosopher Gregorio Caloprese and the sarcophagus of the admiral Ademaro Romano.

Talao Tower dominates the skyline of the waterfront. Built as watchtower on an outcrop in the 1600s, it was later used a military garrison and a meeting point for artists. Corso Mediterraneo runs parallel to the coastline and is where you’ll find amenities such as bakeries, hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Throughout the summer season, Scalea Beach fills up with both Italian and international tourists. Spend a day at one of the lidos, which are beach clubs with bars, restaurants, sun loungers and watersport activities. August is the high season for local tourism.

Scalea is on the train route that connects major towns along the Calabrian coastline, including Diamante, Fuscaldo, Paola and Praia A Mare. The short distance from the coast to the Old Town makes getting around on foot enjoyable. Embark on daytrips to the Argentine River Valley Nature Reserve and the quiet hilltop village of Santa Domenica Talao.

Grand Hotel De Rose
Grand Hotel De Rose
4 out of 5
Lungomare Ruggero di Lauria 22, Scalea, CS
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Scalea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (119 reviews)
"We had an amazing stay! Checked in a little late in the afternoon and pool was closing, but they made an exception and allowed up to enjoy the pool. Drinks on the pool deck were amazing! The beach club was fabulous and food was great! We were treated like royalty! Truly impressed and will definitely ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Grand Hotel De Rose
Hotel Parco dei Principi
Hotel Parco dei Principi
3 out of 5
Corso Mediterraneo 459, Scalea
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$135 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
NZ$135
includes taxes & fees
13 Nov - 14 Nov
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Scalea. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 3 restaurants, and a beach locale. Popular attractions LAORAFT - Centro Lao Action Raft and ...
7.8/10 Good! (14 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2024

Hotel Parco dei Principi
B&B Torre Talao
B&B Torre Talao
Corso Mediterraneo 145, Scalea, Provincia di Cosenza
The price is NZ$142 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
NZ$142
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly B&B in Scalea. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Isola Pedonale Scalea and Scalea ...
10/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Super clean and modern… Very quiet comfortable bed Vittorio was amazing. Breakfast was awesome. I definitely recommend this property"

Reviewed on 31 Aug. 2024

B&B Torre Talao
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
SCALEA BAIA DEL CARPINO CIN (cod. ident. National) IT078138C2FBM16Q7KN
SCALEA BAIA DEL CARPINO CIN (cod. ident. National) IT078138C2FBM16Q7KN
Scalea
Stay at this apartment in Scalea. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Isola Pedonale Scalea and Scalea Beach are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Cute Apartment, Amazing View
"The booking and check in process were easy. Our host, Antonio, met us at the apartment even though we were delayed for several hours. The location is in Baia del Carpino, with gorgeous views of the Mediterranean. Because we stayed off-season, some shops and restaurants in the area were closed, but ..."

Reviewed on 6 Feb. 2023

SCALEA BAIA DEL CARPINO CIN (cod. ident. National) IT078138C2FBM16Q7KN
Sea views, stroll to beach, bars, cafes & restaurants
Sea views, stroll to beach, bars, cafes & restaurants
Scalea
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Scalea. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Isola Pedonale Scalea and Scalea Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Adorable apartment in a great location
"Really nice modern apartment in an ancient building. Comfortable queen bed, nice bathrooms, and a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea that's perfect for a sunset glass of wine. There are several excellent restaurants and bars less than two minutes' walk from the property, and a handful more within ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jun. 2024

Sea views, stroll to beach, bars, cafes & restaurants
Wohnung auf Großzügigem Anwesen mit Traumblick
Wohnung auf Großzügigem Anwesen mit Traumblick
Scalea
Stay at this apartment in Scalea. Enjoy patios and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Isola Pedonale Scalea and Scalea Beach are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
Komfortables Wohnen mit fantastischem Ausblick
"Wunderschöne Terrasse, alles sehr geräumig. Klimaanlage wäre im Schlafzimmer optimal gewesen (wir hatten eine extrem schwüle Zeit) Gute Küchenausstattung, Auto notwendig, die Hausbesitzer wohnen im Erdgeschoß und waren sehr hilfsbereit und für jede Anfrage prompt erreichbar."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2024

Wohnung auf Großzügigem Anwesen mit Traumblick
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Scalea

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3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Great for a stop over.