Calabria is a region in southern Italy, south of Naples. The region actually forms the southwestern tip on the front of the Boot of Italy. It is bordered to the north by the Basilicata region, to the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea and to the east by the Ionian Sea.
Why I love this area myself
When I moved here, I fell in love with something that seems to be becoming increasingly rare.
The tranquility. The space. The nature.
And the feeling that life here is still lived at a pleasant pace. Here, you can wake up among the mountains, take a walk along the Lao River, visit an authentic village, and later in the day enjoy the sea. It is precisely that combination that makes this region special to me.
Many guests tell me during their stay that they are surprised by what they discover here. They often come for a few days, but leave with the feeling that they have discovered a part of Calabria that has not yet been found by everyone.
Perhaps that is exactly what makes Papasidero so special. Not because it is the most famous place in Calabria. But because it is one of the places where you can still experience the real Calabria.
Many people visiting Calabria for the first time are mainly familiar with the well-known coastal towns. But those who look a little further discover a region where nature, tranquility, culture, and adventure still go hand in hand.
That is precisely why many guests choose to stay at Vicky’s B&B by V in Papasidero. Here, you do not stay in the midst of the hustle and bustle, but in an environment where you can experience the real Calabria. A place where mountains, rivers, historic villages, and the sea lie surprisingly close together.
The northern part of Calabria is known for its varied landscape. From rugged mountain areas and crystal-clear rivers to authentic villages and beautiful coastal towns. It is a region where you can still enjoy peace, space, and a way of life that is becoming increasingly rare in many other parts of Europe.
For many guests, a visit to Papasidero begins as a holiday. But often, it becomes much more than that. It becomes an introduction to a side of Italy that still feels pure, hospitable, and unspoiled.
What surprises many guests is how much there is to experience in this area. From adventurous activities on the Lao River to peaceful walks through centuries-old villages, you can discover something different here every day without ever losing the tranquility of the region.
The Lao River is not the same everywhere. Each part of the river has its own character and possibilities. In one section, you can combine river hiking with rafting, while further along you can enjoy kayaking, packrafting, stand-up paddleboarding, tubing, and other water sports.
Enthusiasts of mountain biking, cycling, hiking, quad biking, and outdoor activities will also find plenty of opportunities here to actively explore the surroundings.
For those who enjoy discovering the underwater world, the coast at Praia a Mare offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling or taking a diving course.
Families with children will never be bored, either. For example, they can search for prehistoric finds in the vicinity of the Grotta del Romito or enjoy an active day at the Orsomarso adventure park with zip lines, rope bridges, and climbing courses.
In addition, there are caves, archaeological sites, historic villages, and countless hidden spots waiting to be discovered.
Many guests discover Papasidero by chance. They seek peace, nature, and an authentic side of Calabria that has not yet been altered by mass tourism. That is precisely why many visitors return. Here, you experience the vastness of the mountains, the beauty of the sea, and the hospitality of a region that has retained its own character.
One of the greatest advantages of a stay in Papasidero is that you don’t have to choose between mountains and sea. While you wake up in the morning to a view of the mountains, you can relax later in the day on the beautiful Tyrrhenian coast.
Within a short distance, you can reach Scalea, Praia a Mare, San Nicola Arcella, and Diamante, among others. Here you will find beautiful beaches, atmospheric promenades, cozy terraces, and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, diving, boat trips, and other water activities.
Many guests experience this combination of mountains, nature, and sea as one of the biggest surprises of their holiday.
A stay in Papasidero is not just about nature and adventure. Lovers of Calabrian cuisine will also find plenty to enjoy here. In and around the village, you will find various trattorias, agriturismos, and family restaurants where cooking is still done according to traditional recipes. Here, there is no mass tourism or elaborate tourist menus, but dishes that have been passed down for generations.
Local products, fresh ingredients, and hospitality form the basis of Calabrian cuisine. It is often the simple dishes that make the biggest impression. You never have to look far for a coffee in the village square, an late-afternoon aperitivo, or a relaxed dinner in an authentic trattoria.
Many guests discover here not only the flavors of Calabria but also the warmth of the people who live there.
From Vicky’s B&B by V, you find yourself in the heart of one of the most beautiful natural areas in Southern Italy. Here, tranquility, adventure, and authenticity come together. Within a short distance of the Bed & Breakfast, you will find numerous special places that are more than worth a visit.
The River Lao winds through the landscape and is known as one of the most beautiful rivers in Southern Italy. Especially in spring and summer, visitors flock to Papasidero from far and wide to enjoy rafting, canyoning, and other outdoor activities.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy here. Pollino National Park offers beautiful hiking trails, impressive mountain landscapes, and vistas you won’t soon forget.
In addition, authentic villages such as Orsomarso, Verbicaro, Aieta, and Morano Calabro are within reach. Here, you can wander through narrow streets, discover local traditions, and experience the daily life of Calabria as it has been lived for generations. The prehistoric Grotta del Romito is also located a short distance away and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southern Italy.
For hikers, photographers, nature lovers, and peace seekers, this area is an endless source of inspiration.
Many guests tell me afterwards that it was precisely here that their most beautiful vacation days were created.
For guests who enjoy taking day trips, Calabria offers many more special destinations. From Papasidero, various highlights of the region are accessible for a day out. Think of charming coastal towns, historic villages, nature reserves, and cultural attractions, each telling its own story.
This way, during your stay, you can not only discover the northern part of Calabria but also experience the versatility of the region as a whole.
Vicky’s B&B by V is more than just a place to spend the night. It is a place where peace, nature, hospitality and the beauty of the northern part of Calabria come together. Because I live here and receive guests every day, I am happy to help you with personal tips. Whether you are looking for a beautiful walk, a hidden beach, an authentic trattoria, a special day trip or an adventurous activity on the Lao River, I am happy to share my favorite places with you.
This way you will not only discover the famous sights, but also the hidden gems that make this region so special to me.
I hope you will experience the same peace, beauty and hospitality here that I once fell in love with.
There are a lot of activities you can do within distance of the B&B.
The Lao River is not the same everywhere, each stretch has its own special feature where you can do different activities. In the first part you can do river walking and combine this with rafting, further on you can do rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, pack rafting, tubing.
Do you like quad biking, mountain biking, cycling or other sports? This is all possible in this beautiful environment.
Take a diving course in Praia a Mare at Seahorse Diving Center.
With the children you can go to the archaeological park to look for prehistoric stones and dinosaur teeth or to the Lao adventure park/climbing park in Orsomaro with Tyrolean bridges, Tibetan bridges, cable cars and tree ladders.
You can visit caves and antiquities.
And don’t forget the beautiful blue sea where you can swim, snorkel, dive, pedal boat, canoe and more.
FALCONERS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
GUIDED GUIDED TOUR OF THE CENTER
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES
Naturalistic / Educational / Interactive.
Modern falconry
Art UNESCO World Heritage
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