Scalea

Travel Guide

Scalea
Scalea
Scalea
Scalea
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €143 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
€143
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (124 reviews)
Great location
"The location and beach access was fantastic. Room was clean but this hotel is in need of an update. Furniture and linens look well used. They also have an ant problem. Even though we didn’t have food in the room, we found quite a few ants."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Grand Hotel De Rose
Hotel Village Club Santa Caterina

Hotel Village Club Santa Caterina

4 out of 5
Corso Mediterraneo 172, Scalea, CS
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Scalea. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Scalea Beach and LAORAFT - Centro Lao Action ...
7/10 Good! (28 reviews)
"Amazing value for the price, the breakfast and dinner buffets were great"

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2024

Hotel Village Club Santa Caterina
B&B Torre Talao

B&B Torre Talao

Corso Mediterraneo 145, Scalea, CS
The price is €212 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
€212
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (28 reviews)
"Vittorio is a great host. The rooms are modern and very clean. Very good breakfast. Close to the old city and beach."

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

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.
Residence kalispera

Residence kalispera

Via Valeriano de Bonis,30, Scalea, CS
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Scalea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Isola Pedonale Scalea and Scalea Beach ...
6/10 (1 review)
"This property is an not a hotel. The interior and exterior are clean and well appointed with new furniture and modern TVs The picture is very deceptive as the beach is a few miles from the property and the private beach club is the absolute worst one in Scalea. This is not a beachfront apartment ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Residence kalispera
Panoramic ocean and mountain views town house Scalea, Calabria- sleep 7.

Panoramic ocean and mountain views town house Scalea, Calabria- sleep 7.

Scalea
Stay at this vacation home in Scalea. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Isola Pedonale Scalea and Scalea Beach are located nearby.
Panoramic ocean and mountain views town house Scalea, Calabria- sleep 7.
Ferienhaus am Meer mit Terrasse Italien Kalabrien

Ferienhaus am Meer mit Terrasse Italien Kalabrien

Scalea
Stay at this vacation home in Scalea. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions LAORAFT - Centro Lao Action Raft and Scalea Beach are ...
Ferienhaus am Meer mit Terrasse Italien Kalabrien
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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