Chianalea - a neighbourhood right on the water
The most interesting part of Scilly is the old fishing district of Chianalea. The houses here are on a cliff right over the water and the streets are so narrow that cars hardly appear in them. The locals call Chianalea "the little Venice of Calabria", even though there are no canals - just stone houses, passageways, boats and water that is literally underfoot.
In the evenings it's lively - fishing boats return from the sea, restaurants serve fresh swordfish and locals sit on the doorstep. It is not a tourist attraction, but a lively place that has retained its character.
Castello Ruffo - view of Sicily
On a rocky outcrop above the town stands the castle of Ruffo, which offers one of the best views in Calabria. Directly opposite, across the Strait of Messina, you can see the town of Messina and, in good weather, the volcano Etna. The castle has an old military history, but today it serves as an exhibition space and lookout.
Swimming and the sea
Scilla has one main beach - Marina Grande. It is long, pebbly and with very clear water. The open sea and rocky coastline make it ideal for snorkelling or a quiet swim. The beach is accessible on foot from the centre, by stairs or winding paths.
Atmosphere and practicalities
Scilla is a small town, perfect for a 2-3 day stopover. It can be visited while travelling around Calabria or as a day trip from Sicily. There are ferries across the Strait of Messina from Messina to Villa San Giovanni (about 20 minutes), from where it is only a few kilometres to Scilla.
There are several family-run guesthouses and smaller hotels in the area, with restaurants specialising in fish and Calabrian specialities. In summer it is lively but not crowded.
