Scalea

A tiny coastal town on Calabria's Tyrrhenian shore, Scalea pairs a modern beach resort strip — developed since the 1960s along the Riviera dei Cedri — with a medieval hilltop quarter whose narrow alleys, arches, and distinctive wooden floors built over the lanes ("suppuorti") make for rewarding exploration. The old city sits within ancient walls, and the surrounding area offers scenic viewpoints toward both sea and mountains. Cafés and restaurants are well represented for a town its size.

• Population9,344
• Nearest water from center1.3 km
• Nearest mountain from center12.8 km
• UNESCO within 50 km3