Scilla, Italy
Scilla (pronounced Sheella), Calabria, Italy is a coastal fishing village with the spectacular Castello Ruffo di Scilla (Ruffo Castle) perched on a cliff above the water.
Legend says the castle dates back to the time of Ulysses, and it is the site of the sea monster Scylla who menaced Odysseus from Greek Mythology.
Scilla is one of those seaside towns you tend to fall in love with.
The town of Scilla covers the hillside with houses, local shops and a large piazza overlooking the sea. Visit Chiesa Matrice (Mother Church) here and then walk down the winding path to the old fishing village and beach.
Spectacular views across the Strait of Messina provides a strategic advantage to guard the shipping routes. On a sunny day, you can view the Aeolian Islands, seven small islands off the coast of northern Sicily.
Located on the Tyrrhenian Sea there is an age-old tradition of fishing for swordfish in the Strait of Medina. The strait is the narrow ocean strip between mainland Italy and Sicily.
Wander the streets and you will be enticed by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. When you are ready to dine look for grilled tuna, swordfish and octopus along with handmade rigatoni and baba limoncello.
For more on Scilla and other inspiring Italian locations, read our article here – 15 Best Places in Southern Italy and Sicily: A Road Trip of Discovery.