We the Italians December 14, 2015 - 74 | Page 37

th # 74 •DECEmBER 14 , 2015 Riviera dei Cedri For those arriving in the Region of Calabria from the north, the first magnificent point impact is the Riviera dei Cedri, so-called for this area’s fruitful cultivation of the citron. This is the Upper Tyrhennian, where the first city to welcome vacationers is Praia a Mare, right on the border with the Region of Basilicata. Making up part of the National Park of Pollino, Praia a Mare - boasting splendid dark-sand beaches - is one of the Region’s most famous touristic localities. Take the opportunity to see Dino Island as well; springing up across from Capo dell’Arena, it offers beautiful grottoes that not just nature lovers will appreciate. Further south, Scalea greets visitors with its characteristic historic center and ancient walls. Its enchanting and narrow lanes make it pretty easy to wander and get lost for a while. Meanwhile, numerous and diverse hotels await at the water’s edge. Shopaholics should seek out Diamante, rather, full of artisan bottegas and fashionable boutiques. Diamante also captivates visitors with its hundreds of intriguing murals painted on the fishermen’s houses in the historic center. Just as captivating however, is the excellent local cuisine, and the fact that here re- WE THE ITALIANS | 37 www.wetheitalians.com