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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BELLA VISTA
CALABRIA - ITALY
Welcome to the Bella Vista Holiday Apartment.
Bella Vista is owned by an English couple, Chris and Denise Rigby. The holiday apartment is self-contained and is situated within the main house at ground level. The house itself is set within 3 hectares of grounds with a vineyard and kitchen garden. The house is named Bella Vista because of the beautiful views from the house's elevated position. As the owners live in the main house, they are always on hand to give help and advice, should it be required.
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The region of Calabria is renowned for it's agriculture and produces some of the best wines, cheeses and meats that are available in Italy. Calabria is becoming increasingly popular with foreign tourists, especially now that low-cost airlines fly to airports at Lamezia Terme and Crotone several times a week. For example, London Stansted to Lamezia, 4 flights per week during the holiday season and Lamezia is only a *90 minute* drive from Bella Vista. New this year to Bella Vista is the private swimming pool. The use of the pool, adjacent sun-deck and sunbeds is included in the rental of the apartment. Also for 2007, whilst staying at Bella Vista, we are offering " Italian for beginners" lessons, prices for which are available upon request. * times are approximate*.
In wintertime several villages within the Sila become ski resorts, the largest being Camigliatello, which is only a 40 min drive from Bella Vista. There you will find facilities you would expect at a ski resort, including ski lifts. By contrast, during summertime, down along the coast there are wonderful sandy beaches within easy reach by car and many lidos and villages to explore. The city of Crotone has a daily street market with food, clothes and souvenirs on offer where you can barter (if you wish) with the stallholders. Alternatively, simply “shop till you drop” in the many stylish shops and department stores. There is a good choice of restaurants and a pleasant seafront promenade with bars and pavement cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by.
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Promenade at Crotone |
View of the town of Caccuri |
Calabria is a beautiful part of Italy where some ancient customs are still observed in many of the historic hilltop towns and villages. It is possible to see older people wearing traditional dress in some of the more remote villages and there are many “festa’s” and Palio’s during the month of August, the most famous in Italy being the horse race in Sienna but here in Calabria donkeys are raced through the streets of Castelsilano!
Palio celebrations in Castelsilano
For those interested in the history of the area, there are castles and fortified towers some of which are open to the public for a small entrance fee. This part of Calabria also has several abandoned ancient villages one of which, Acerenthia, can be seen from Bella Vista. In nearby San Giovanni in Fiore, in the medieval part of the town, there is a 12th century abbey which is still in use and can be visited by the public. The abbey and the surrounding streets form part of a conservation area with shops selling local crafts and delicacies.
In the nearby villages of Castelsilano and Cerenzia you will find bars and restaurants, the nearest being an “Agriturismo” which is only 10 minutes walk away. Here you can sample home made dishes made from local produce. There are several excellent pizzerias a short drive from Bella Vista, where huge pizzas are served in a friendly atmosphere with occasional live entertainment thrown in for good measure.
Castle at Le Castella
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