Lamezia Terme

DESTINATIONS italy lameziaterme

Lamezia Terme

Small and cosy Lamezia Terme came into existence in 1968 through the amalgamation of three separate towns in the Province of Catanzaro. The city is situated in the central region of sunny Calabria, which is renowned for its stunning landscapes. Lamezia Terme is nestled between the cliffs of the Tyrrhenian coast and the sand dunes of the Ionic coast, just south of the Sila plateau located in the Mediterranean heartland.

The City

Lamezia Terme is closely associated with the sea. The town is surrounded by white, unpolluted beaches and beautiful bays both on the Tyrrhenian (to the west) and the Ionian side (to the east). Moreover, the upper plain of the Sila to the north, with its stunning mountains and alpine landscape, is rich in forests and lakes. In the area around Lamezia Terme, there are also important artistic sites and Greek, Norman and Roman temples, as well as palaces from the Bourbon times. The coastal road, from Pizzo Calabro to Capo Vaticano – called "Costa degli Dei," Gods’ Coast – through Tropea, is one of the most beautiful in Italy; the latter town is famous for its characteristic town centre which looks out spectacularly onto the sea. The local cuisine is interesting, rich and largely undiscovered.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Lamezia Terme is known for its rich historical and architectural heritage, with majestic churches and cathedrals; but also ruins and archaeological sites that are definitely a must-see. Furthermore, the nature in and around this city could be considered as an attraction of its own, especially in the various nature parks as well as along the seaside. The central position of Lamezia Terme makes it extremely easy for visitors to enjoy other small and cosy cities and attractions situated just a bit outside, having in this way the possibility to experience different shades of the South of Italy.

Terme di Caronte

These thermal baths are located just few km away from the sea, in an extremely suggestive location surrounded by trees. Let the water wash away all the stress of everyday life and spoil yourself with all the treatments offered at Terme di Caronte.

Statue of Frederick II

Bronze statue of the famous king, Frederick II "stupor mundi", known for his charming personality, his support of the arts and his willingness to make different cultures coexist. The statue was crafted by the artist Maurizio Carnevali and donated to the city.

Statti

A family owned vineyard, where you can book a private tour, walk around the lovely estate and spoil yourself with olive oil and wine tasting, as well as milk and the genuine and simple food of the area.

The Malta Bastion

This majestic watchtower was built in 1550 to serve the Knights of Malta and is considered to be the symbol of Lamezia Terme. There are several tower-ruins in the area but this is one of the most impressive and well-preserved.

Pollino National Park

In this national park, established in 1992, visitors can find the Bosnian Pine, not present anywhere else in Calabria. The surroundings include both breathtaking nature wonders but also archaeological points of interest.

Sila National Park

Another beautiful park is La Sila, established in 2002, which has a wonderful location at 1,200 metres above sea level. This is a perfect place to go hiking or mountain biking in the summer, as well as riding a horse or just wandering around the enchanting lakes.

Pizzo Calabro

Pizzo Calabro is a seaside resort around 34 km from Lamezia. The church of S. Giorgio and the nearby castle are worth a visit, as well as the charming narrow streets where you can wander around and discover the Italian historical heritage. Moreover, a must when you visit this area is to taste the delicious…

Vibo Valentia

This city, located 43 km from Lamezia, features the "Castello Normanno Svevo", which deserves to be visited on its own and has been turned in a museum that celebrates this Italian area as one of the pearls of Magna Graecia. Furthermore, the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Hipponion not only include a beautiful…

Tropea

Tropea is a village located 64 km from Lamezia and famous for its white beaches which run right up to Capo Vaticano. The village itself is picturesque and romantic with winding streets and beautiful small piazzas; not to be missed is Pasticceria Tre Stelle, a cosy bakery with a great variety of "pasticcini" (small pastry).…

Serra San Bruno

Serra San Bruno is a village located 70 km from Lamezia, on a little hill. It was named after the founder of the Carthusian Order and, in fact, features a famous monastery; unfortunately, though, the site is out of bounds to tourists because of the Chartusian monks' vow of enclosure, but you can still visit…

The Diocesan Museum

In Lamezia Terme, history-lovers will like The Diocesan Museum. Here you can see several paintings and art objects from the 17th and 18th century. The most famous artefact is a beautiful ivory jewellery box from the Arab-Sicilian collection, which dates back to the 12th century.

Stilo

Stilo, located 107 km from Lamezia, is included in the official list of the most beautiful Italian villages, being extremely rich in ruins from different ages. When here make sure to visit the Byzantine-style church called "Cattolica", since it is considered to be one of Calabria’s masterpieces.

Monasterace Marina

Monasterace Marina is a seaside village, located around 90 km from Lamezia Terme. It used to be known as "Kaulon", colony of Magna Graecia, consequently it's worth visiting especially for the remains of the Greek settlement, including a temple and some Hellenic houses, as well as for the archeological Museum.

Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria is located on the very edge, on the toe of the so-called "Italian boot" and in the southern area of Calabria. This is the largest and oldest city in the area and here you will find beautiful beaches and lots of different attractions, such as museums, theatres and a lovely botanical garden.

Catanzaro

In the middle between the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the narrowest part of the country, you find Catanzaro whose main attraction is Viaduct Morandi-Bisantis, one of Europe’s tallest one-arch bridges.

Dining

Calabrese dishes are tasty and simple. Specialities include marinated and sun-dried vegetables, swordfish, bluefin tuna and calamari, roasted meats and spicy sausages. Don’t miss the nduja, a soft, spicy hot and spreadable salami. Furthermore, Calabria is one of Europe’s major producers of citrus fruits and hazelnuts which help to make unique desserts.

Lapprodo

Lapprodo is one of the best restaurants in the area, where you can find traditional fish-based dishes as well as innovative ones, served by an incredibly knowledgeable staff. They also have an excellent lemon sorbet and a rich wine list.

Porta Vaticana

Porta Vaticana is a famous restaurant in the centre of Tropea, mainly serving fish. Besides, recommended dishes here are the risotto Afrodite (with prawns and herbs), fileja alla tropeana (homemade pasta with tomatoes and nduja) and, obviously, pizza.

L'antica Grotta

In this restaurant, located in the center of the beautiful Tropea, you won't get disappointed whichever dish you decide to try, from meat to fish, from pasta to pizza. Furthermore, the staff is friendly and always concerned about the satisfaction of the client.

La Boheme

Affordable prices combined with a great service and evocative location, just in front of the Duomo, this restaurant attracts guests with their speciality like the "Tropeana": pizza with onion, tuna and capers. Also, you'll be enchanted by the romantic environment created by lovely candles at every table.

Il Ritrovo

Great variety of delicious pizza baked according to the original, southern Italian tradition, to be eaten with handcrafted beers. Not to be missed are also the typical appetizers of the area and the "pinsa".

Samart

At this warm and friendly restaurant in the middle of the countryside, meat-lovers will get their taste-buds satisfied. A wide array of meat-dishes are on the menu as well as alternatives for guests that prefer something else. Everything is served and presented with high professionalism by the helpful staff.

Il Quadrifoglio

Il Quadrifoglio is a popular restaurant among locals where all kind of Italian cuisine is served. The atmosphere is lively and on the TV's across the restaurant a soccer game will most likely be shown. Particularly, this restaurant is a good alternative for lunch.

Zenzero

Zenzero serves Italian dishes with a contemporary twist in an ambience characterised by an intimate atmosphere. Their wine cellar is impressive and the desserts end the meals perfectly. It is located in a small street right in the historical centre of Serra San Bruno.

Locanda Cocintum

In a rustic atmosphere, just below the lighthouse in Monasterace Marina, the lovely Locanda Cocintum serves generous portions of Italian specialities. Their focus lies on locally produced food and almost everything on the menu is made from organic products.

Officina Del Gusto

This authentic restaurant in Reggio Calabria offers top quality food and a list of fine wines. Guests can enjoy the cosy atmosphere out on the patio or in the rustic dining room. The friendly atmosphere is only added when the chef himself comes out to see if the guests are happy with the food.

Ristorante Scacco Matto

In a familiar, warm and friendly setting, the waiters at Ristorante Scacco Matto serve large portions of traditional Italian and Calabrian food to their guests. Here you can enjoy a really affordable dinner in a quiet atmosphere.

Spizzicando

Piadinas, hamburgers and all you can ever dream about if you're in the mood for a street food night that is still somehow fancy due to the high quality of the ingredients used, is served here at Spizzicando. Remember, every ten purchases you get a free one!

Cafés

In Lamezia Terme you will go crazy with all the delicious ice cream flavours and desserts. Take the time to try as many as you can and do not forget the delicious “Tartufo,” a local ice cream, well-known in Italy.

Bar gelateria Belvedere

Splendid location for this bar/gelateria where you can try the authentic Tartufo of Pizzo, from the traditional black one to more innovative recipes, always characterised by an extremely high quality.

Pasticceria Tre Stelle

Cosiness and friendly staff, quality and affordable prices: this is one of the few places where you can have all of this. Everything stands out here, from cakes to ice-cream, from pastries to brioches. Speciality: typical dessert of the area with ice-cream and nuts.

Gelateria Callipo

At Gelateria Callipo, in a quiet location, you will find real, delicious ice cream and cakes. You do not want to miss out on their desserts that are made with natural and genuine products. Also, they have received the "Premio Food 2016", for their "Tartufo Limoncello": definitely not to be missed.

Chocolat

Just entering Chocolat will water your mouth. You will find ice-cream and truffles in all kinds of chocolate flavours, so go ahead and try as many as you can. A bar, a bakery, an ice-cream parlour and a Chocoteca (a paradise for chocolate-lovers) all in one place.

Bar Gelateria Ercole

This place is popular and famous for its delicious Tartufo, so this is a great place to try it especially if you haven´t tasted it before. It is located in the centre of Pizzo so go and enjoy your ice-cream, while wandering through the lovely little streets.

Gelateria Cesare

On the seaside promenade in Reggio Calabria, Gelateria Cesare offers a wide array of ice cream flavours. If you skipped lunch or feel a bit hungry you should try the "Brioche con gelato", a sweet bread cut in half with ice cream inside with your choice of topping.

Bars & Nightlife

Aperitif venues tend to be open late (around 7-8 pm) because people here tend to have dinner around 8.30 pm-9.30 pm. It's common to sit and chat outside bars and restaurants before dinner and, as in most villages by the sea in the south, after dinner both young and old enjoy taking a walk, having a drink or spoiling themselves with an ice cream. There are not too many discos or nightclubs in the area.

Lucignolo

Central location in a lovely square full of trees that create a suggestive atmosphere. It's both a restaurant and a bar and not to be missed is the "Tagliatelle imperiali" with main ingredients such as tagliatelle, tomato, cream, pepper and shrimps.

Madison Bar

Offering aperitivo with a vast array of local and international wines. After dinner it's a great idea to just sit here, enjoying some whisky or vodka of high quality or eating a traditional ice-cream. In addition, live music is played here twice a week.

Factory

Factory is not only a restaurant, but also a wine bar, where happy hour is served between 6 and 8pm in the evenings. The modern, elegant interior design and the nice music only add to the relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a mouth-watering drink.

Henry Morgan Pub

Henry Morgan Pub is one of the most popular places, definitely the centre of the area especially in the summer. Great location with three different big rooms and a cosy terrace is available for the guests. The calendar is full with themed nights and entertainment throughout the year, such as live music, cabaret, karaoke and…

Gelateria Matteotti

This ice-cream shop and bar, located right by the waterfront in Reggio Calabria, is popular among both tourists and locals. In the evenings people gather here under the parasols on the patio to enjoy delicious apertivos and ice-creams before dinner.

I Portici

Lively bar that will satisfy all your desires, since it offers a wide variety of food (from pizza to hamburger, from meat to sandwiches). You can enjoy your dinner while drinking one of the millions cocktails that you could choose from and watching a football match, as in the tradition of I Portici.

Boogie Blues

When in Calabria you can't miss the occasion to visit this amazing bar where music is the main protagonist: spend a night here and you will feel like you're back in the 50s. To be highlighted are the sandwiches with traditional ingredients from the Calabria region and the beers.

Shopping

What should you bring home from Calabria? Food and pottery, of course. The craftsmanship typical of this region is maintained in the family tradition of high quality products. The prices in the region are mostly lower in comparison to the northern regions, which is beneficial. In Lamezia Terme you will find everything from boutiques with national and international brands to markets where you can buy souvenirs and gifts for yourself and your family.