Scilla: Chianalea, Ruffo Castle and the beaches of the Costa Viola
Clinging to a rocky spur at the southern tip of the Costa Viola, Scilla is one of the most spectacular villages in Calabria. The houses of Chianalea drop right down to the water, Ruffo Castle watches over the Strait of Messina, and the long Marina Grande beach invites you to swim in crystal-clear water. This is where the myth of Scylla and Charybdis comes to life before your eyes.
From here the view reaches Sicily and Mount Etna and, at sunset, the sea turns violet. A perfect base for a holiday of beaches, fishermen’s alleys and seafood.
What to see and do in Scilla
The symbol of Scilla is Ruffo Castle, a fortress perched above the sea that separates Marina Grande beach from the Chianalea district: from its terrace you get one of the finest views over the Strait, all the way to Sicily. Don’t miss the upper San Giorgio quarter, the alleys, the churches and the seafront. The wide, sandy Marina Grande beach is perfect for families, while boat trips set off from the little harbour towards the caves and the Costa Viola. At sunset the sea takes on the violet reflections that give this coast its name.
Chianalea, the fishermen’s “little Venice”
Chianalea is the oldest and most evocative quarter of Scilla: a fishermen’s village where the houses are built right at the water’s edge, separated only by narrow alleys and small stairways down to the sea. It is known as the “little Venice” of the South for the way the boats moor in front of the doorways. Strolling through it you come across the Church of San Giuseppe, workshops and seafood restaurants overlooking the water, where you can taste swordfish and traditional dishes. At sunset it is the perfect spot for dinner almost on the sea.
How to get to Scilla
By car, take the A2 “del Mediterraneo” motorway (Salerno–Reggio Calabria), exiting at Scilla or Bagnara; from Reggio Calabria it is about 25 minutes. By train, Scilla has its own station on the Tyrrhenian line, handy for arriving without a car. The nearest airports are Reggio Calabria (about 40 km) and Lamezia Terme (about 110 km). In summer the village is very busy: it is best to get around on foot and park in the designated areas outside the old town.
Where to stay: holiday homes in Scilla and on the Costa Viola
To enjoy Scilla at a relaxed pace, a holiday home is the best choice: you wake up steps from the sea, cook the fish you have just bought and enjoy the village once the day-trippers have left. Our homes on the Costa Viola – between Scilla, Bagnara and Palmi – range from one-bedroom flats for couples to apartments for families, many with sea views or a short walk from the beach. Check availability and send a direct request: we will help you choose the right option for your stay.