Scilla, Italy

Scilla Italy

Scilla is a beautifully situated fishing village in the Calabria region in the south of Italy, right on the toe of Italy’s boot. A rocky spur crowned by an ancient fortress separates two narrow strips of shoreline, squeezed between the sea and steep hillsides. The town is tucked into this dramatic, picturesque setting and makes an unforgettable sight. Scilla feels like it has stepped straight out of ancient myth. It is traditionally said to be the home of the terrifying sea monster Scylla who, together with Charybdis (across the water towards Sicily), guarded the narrow Strait of Messina and threatened Odysseus / Ulysses as he sailed past. According to the local tourist information leaflet, “the origins of the castle date back to Ulysses”. Whether or not you believe the mythological connections, the position of Scilla’s castle on its commanding rocky outcrop at the entrance to a key shipping route must have made it an important stronghold for thousands of years. Today, Scilla is a charming little town where visitors can unwind on the beach, explore the castle, or stroll through the old fishing quarter, camera in hand.
Recommended airport
Reggio Calabria (REG)
Nearby destinations
  • Reggio Calabria a 16.10 km
  • Messina a 16.17 km
  • Tropea a 48.86 km