While summer can be hot and crowded in beach towns in Calabria, springtime is often an overlooked but ideal time to visit. Here are a few reasons you should visit Calabria in spring.
1. Easter Festivities Abound
Even if you're not Catholic, the Easter season is one not to miss in Calabria. Dozens of tiny towns offer activities the weekend of Easter. Some reenact the crucifixion of Christ, and others have unique celebrations, like Naca in Davoli where dozens of trees adorned with paper lanterns parade through the village accompanying a statue of Jesus after he was crucified.
If you have friends in Calabria, you might be invited for lunch for La Pasquetta, the day after Easter when friends and family gather to celebrate over a homecooked meal.
2. The Wild Things Sprout Up
Calabria in spring is a time of rejuvenation after a windy and rainy winter. The hillsides spring to life, covered in green and flowers.
In the woods, you can find a couple of wild delicacies: wild asparagus (asparagi selvatici) and wild artichokes (carciofini selvatici). Both are different from their tamer cousins and can be found in salads and pastas.
There's also wild fennel this time of year, which is often served with sausage.
3. Calabria in Spring is a Tasty Affair
In addition to the wild vegetables I already told you about, you can also enjoy dishes like pasta e piselli, since Calabria's peas are ready to harvest this time of year.
Tomatoes, too, are stepping into the spotlight in spring, each of them tasting like a kiss from the sun.
Then of course some pastries are typically prepared this time of year, like Cassata Calabrese, a delectable cake that features layers of sponge cake soaked in citrus-scented syrup, filled with a luscious ricotta and sugar cream, and adorned with candied fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar.
And there's cuzzupe, a traditional Easter sweet bread or cookie shaped into various forms, often resembling symbolic figures, animals, or religious symbols. The preparation and consumption of cuzzupe are deeply rooted in Calabrian Easter traditions, making it a beloved part of the holiday celebration.
4. It's a Great Time for a Hike
If you didn't know, Calabria is home to two mountain ranges: Sila and Aspromonte. Both are breathtakingly beautiful, and spring is an excellent time for an excursion in the woods.
While you can explore trails on your own, we have a network of guides who can take you on the best hikes and tell you about the history of the area, the flora and fauna, and even tales and legends!
Go Go Calabria Can Help You Plan Your Spring Trip
With so much to do in Calabria in spring, it can be hard to know where to begin. At Go Go Calabria, our aim is to take the stress out of the planning. We'll work with you to create an itinerary based on what you're interested in, whether that's hiking, food, wine, cooking classes, art, or a combination of all of these!
We'll make arrangements on your behalf, such as hotel or dining reservations. We'll connect you with our vetted guides and partners who will ensure you have the best time in Calabria!
Interested? Send us an email to schedule a chat.
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