Italy's Secret Southern Wine Region Ready To Steal The Spotlight
Under a canopy of bamboo canes, vintner Paolo Ippolito pours glasses of his Mare Chiaro DOC and Pecorello IGT wines to taste along with local cheese and fennel flavored salami. A fresh breeze arrives from the nearby Ionian Sea. 'From now on, for four months, the weather will remain like this,' he says.
This is the secret to the wine of Cirò, a historic area of vineyards in the region of Calabria, Italy's deep south. It is also a draw for the predominantly Italian tourism that arrives here for summer holidays by the sea.
Now, the coastal town of Cirò Marina and its hilltop, historic counterpart Cirò Superiore, are moving to shine the spotlight on both the area's prestigious wine culture and its archaeological and natural attractions.
The hilltop village of Cirò Superiore. Merano WineFestival Calabria
This year, the town hosted the first edition of the Calabria version of Merano WineFestival, an event founded by Helmuth Köcher that has been held in the northern Italian town of Merano since 1992. The Calabrian sister festival hopes to become an annual fixture, highlighting both the push within the wine sector to valorize local products and the territory in general to bring international visitors to the area.
With a clear, calm sea and waterside restaurants, Cirò Marina satisfies beachgoers while Cirò Superiore is an old-world, lively town crowned by a castle and encircled by picturesque wineries. Here's how to spend a weekend in Italy's up-and-coming wine tourism destination.
Until roughly 20 years ago, Calabrian wine received little recognition from other Italian regions, and even less internationally. But recently, forward-thinking generations of vintners have pushed to put the region's wine on the map by highlighting in particular its idiosyncrasies.
When the ancient Greeks arrived at this point of the Italian peninsula, they brought with them grape varieties and christened the area Enotria, meaning land of wine.
Still today, Calabria's wine production is based on hyperlocal, ancient varieties, making it completely unique. The characteristics of the land are also hugely influential, from the marine terraces that give wines an intense minerality to the steep hillside buffeted by breezes that ensure freshness and acidity. Winery hopping from the sea to the hills
These landscapes also mean a weekend wending your way between wineries is a great pleasure. Start your day with a dip in the clear, cobalt Ionian Sea at Punta Alice. There's a vast pebbled beach and clubs that rent sun loungers.
If you want to spend an extended time at the sea, head to Aquarama in Cirò Marina and grab a table for lunch, during which waiters bring platters of crunchy fried calamari rings, delicate squid salad and zingy pickled anchovies. That's followed by a seafood soup with a rich tomato sauce and little strands of spaghetti.
Head to the beach clubs at Punta Alice for tasty seafood. Rebecca Ann Hughes
From there, head inland along untrafficked roads lined with blooming oleander, passing vineyards, olive groves and gorse-covered hillsides.
Head to the Librandi winery, where you can learn about their scientific research into the ancient grape varieties of the region, 200 of which grow in a special spiral-shaped vineyard. You can then take a tour of the winery, followed by a tasting of their wines. Alongside excellent Cirò DOC and Melissa DOC whites, Librandi produces a delightfully fresh Rosaneti Brut Rosé using the Charmant method. Visit the ancient village of Cirò Superiore
The opening night of the Calabrian Merano WineFestival was held in the hillside village of Cirò Superiore, the ribbon strung across the narrow arched entrance gate. The pocket-sized piazzas were filled with wine stands and a stage with a DJ.
Find history and culture in Cirò Superiore. Rebecca Ann Hughes
Visitors can seek out wine history at the idiosyncratic museum in the town. It combines three exhibitions: rooms showcasing traditional home interiors and agriculture and winemaking tools; an exhibit dedicated to the Cirò-born inventor of the Gregorian calendar Aloysius Lilius; and a wine museum.
Don't miss a dinner at Borgo Antico restaurant, where you sit on a terrace overlooking the hillside strung with fairy lights. You can sample flavor-packed local dishes like sardelle—sardines with red pepper paste—and oil-drenched sweet green peppers. Sleep in a historic borgo transformed into a scattered hotel
To end the day in style, head to Borgo Saverona for the evening. Originally a village, it has been transformed into an events space and scattered hotel where Puglia-esque creamy stone buildings are arranged around a square.
The 16 rooms and three suites are elegant and light-filled, with typically terracotta flooring and cream wood furnishings. There is a swimming pool, and the whole property is encircled by 20 hectares of vineyards and ancient olive trees. How to get to Cirò
The nearest airports to Cirò are Crotone and Lamezia Terme. International flights from destinations in Europe and further afield fly here.
If you are coming to Cirò from another Italian destination, you can also take the train. As Italian booking sites can be difficult to navigate if you don't know the language, try using Omio instead. The multi-modal travel booking platform combines thousands of travel partners and four modes of transportation: trains, buses, ferries, and planes
With the Omio app, travellers have all their tickets in one place. Other benefits include 24/7 customer support, Seat Maps and live updates.
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Travel Weekly
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Yahoo
9 hours ago
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I did yoga in Italy with my favorite wellness influencer: Inside the world of creator-led retreats
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Travel + Leisure
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I'm a Travel Writer From Rome, and Wearing These 10 Things in Italy Makes You Look Like a Tourist Without Fail
Growing up in Rome, I've naturally spent a lot of time around tourists. After all, the Eternal City is one of the world's most popular cities, and I've gotten used to sharing my home with the millions who visit it every year. That said, it's easy to spot the first-timers when I'm out and about, as they're usually making the same packing mistakes over and over again. While every Italian city is unique in its own ways, there are a couple of ways to avoid being marked as a tourist on your next trip to sample La Dolce Vita. To help you prepare for your next trip to the boot-shaped country, whether it's to Rome or elsewhere, I've compiled a short list of the 10 things not to pack, and what to bring instead to ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable trip. Luckily for your vacation budget, these travel writer-approved picks start at just $28. Buon viaggio ! Wearing oversized backpacks is a big no-no in Italy. Aside from being uncomfortable (particularly in the scorching months), it also makes you a bigger target for potential pickpockets since locals don't typically wear them. Plus, some monuments like the Vatican Museums don't allow larger bags inside. I love a good and compact tote bag, especially in the summer, and this affordable yet chic option from Amazon strikes the right balance between fashion and function. It's mini, but don't let that fool you. It features a removable and adjustable crossbody strap, an external pocket, an internal zippered pocket, and two internal slip pockets that can hold all your essentials, even a small water bottle, which can be refilled at one of Rome's nearly 2,500 free water fountains. Best of all, its main compartment is zippered, which is great for warding off pickpockets on public transport and outdoor dining hotspots in major cities like Rome. It's pretty common in the United States to wear shirts repping your favorite team, university, or hometown, but this isn't exactly common in Italy, with the exception of soccer jerseys. On your next trip, skip the logos and opt for something neutral yet breezy (psst: the easy-to-match tone makes it versatile to wear multiple times on your trip). Linen is the unofficial fabric of the summer, and both Italian men and women wear linen clothing during the hottest months of the year, whether they find themselves at the beach or in the city. This flowy option from Uniqlo is bound to keep you cool when sightseeing, and it doesn't hurt that it's pretty stylish, too. Running shoes may be comfortable and provide needed arch support, especially when sightseeing, but they're not exactly the most stylish option. Instead, you should opt for a more chic alternative that will still give you the proper support needed to walk 10,000 steps or more. Podiatrist-approved and TikTok-famous brand Dr. Scholl's has the ultimate travel shoe style in its Madison Lace Platform Sneakers. They are a great alternative to the sporty look. Not only are they sleek and chic, but also very supportive thanks to their anti-odor insole technology and plush algae-infused sole that offers next-level support and cushioning. Best of all: they're currently on sale for just $70. Leggings may be comfortable, but they're often worn out in public in Italy, outside of athletic situations. Plus, they can be restrictive, especially in the warmer months. To stay cool while still looking chic, consider a pair of wide-leg pants. This breezy option from Quince is crafted from European linen and is available in a wide array of neutral hues, including a fun striped option, for just $40. I've worn these around Rome and while temple-hopping in Thailand and Cambodia, and they've always kept me cool and comfortable, even after prolonged hours of wear. Pro tip: as linen wrinkles easily, pack a portable wrinkle-release spray to try to get some of the more stubborn creases out. Italians only really wear shorts when they're by the coast, so wearing them around cities to sightsee will automatically mark you as a tourist. While the summer months can be positively scorching in Italy, there's also a practical reason not to wear shorts when out and about. Italy is home to thousands upon thousands of churches, many of which hold beautiful pieces of art and sculpture, and you will not be allowed in while wearing shorts or clothing above the knee. To still stay cool and be allowed into certain monuments, consider packing a breezy maxi dress, like this drop-waist option from Gap, now only on sale for $62. Its chic, minimalist silhouette can easily transition from day to night, offering the kind of versatility that will save you some much-needed packing space. Just remember to pack a lightweight shawl or an oversized silk scarf to wrap around your shoulders when you go church hopping. Athleisure is still a relatively new concept in Italy, and while it's growing in popularity, it's still often associated with tourists. To stay comfortable and cool, consider investing in a matching set, like this super simple yet chic linen option from Banana Republic. Available in four neutral colors, it can be dressed up or down with a pair of strappy sandals, strategically-placed jewelry, and a nice handbag. For a similar look at a more budget-friendly price point, look no further than this Amazon alternative for just $50. Many of the streets in Italy are simply not conducive to wearing high heels. Rome's historic center, for example, is loaded with cobblestones that will gobble up a heel right up. If you're going for an elevated look while in Italy, consider grabbing a pair of friulane , colorful velvet flats that are worn around the country by both men and women for both casual and sophisticated events. I love Italian brand VibiVenezia, which ships to the United States, and the flats are available in a rainbow of vibrant hues that add a pop of color to any outfit. I have five pairs of friulane, and I love to mix and match them with all of my outfits. You can also shop the look for less with these flats from Coach Outlet, now just $60. While there are pros of bringing a checked suitcase to Italy (namely, for shopping purposes), it can be a massive inconvenience. If you're staying in the historic center of an Italian city, chances are the taxi can only take you so far, as many areas are considered pedestrian-only. This means you'll likely have to drag your larger suitcase over cobblestoned streets and up and down hills and stairs. That's why you should consider investing in a reliable and expandable carry-on suitcase to make the walk to your accommodation easier. And, it's worth mentioning that packing a carry-on is also smart if you plan to fly domestically within Italy, as many low-cost airlines like Ryan Air charge extra for checked suitcases. My favorite carry-on for international adventures is the Monos Expandable Pro Plus. I've brought it on 10-day trips to Ireland, Portugal, home to Rome, Thailand, and Cambodia, and have always been surprised by how much I could fit within. It features compression straps, a zippered front pocket to hold smaller items and a laptop and tablet up to 13 inches, and comes with a vegan leather luggage tag, protective jelly cover, laundry bag, and shoe bag (don't forget to use a pair of handy packing cubes to really maximize your precious luggage real estate). There's no doubt that fanny packs are useful travel bags, but they're not always considered to be the most fashion-forward option. If you're traveling to Italy, you're going to want to invest in a compact yet stylish bag that can be worn both during the day and at night. One of my favorite handbags is the Ayoma Bag from sustainable and Travel + Leisure -loved brand Lo & Sons. The buttery-soft sheepskin leather bag is featherlight and can be worn three different ways: by a shorter top handle, over the shoulder, and as a crossbody. It has plenty of internal organizational features, including a zippered exterior pocket large enough to store an iPhone and even a small water bottle for easy access. The purse is also spacious enough to fit a smaller, compact digital camera, perfect for when you're sightseeing. Its sleek look is an elevated option to wear when sipping on a spritz at a rooftop or going to a nicer trattoria for dinner. In winding cities like Rome, you're going to want to have access to Google Maps on your phone to avoid getting lost. If you need service to stay in touch with friends and family or to navigate the city you're visiting, I recommend investing in a portable hotspot. The Simo Solis is one of T+L's favorite portable hotspots that we've tested for a couple of reasons: it includes a life plan of 1 GB of global data per month, works in more than 140 countries with no SIM card required, and features a compact and travel-friendly design. I've used this hotspot in Ireland, Cambodia, and Thailand, and it's always been reliable and speedy. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
