Surroundings, activities and information # Why I love this area so much. Calabria lies in the far south of Italy, beyond Basilicata. It forms the south-western tip of the Italian boot, with the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east. ## Why I love this area so much When I moved here, I fell in love with something that seems to be becoming increasingly rare. The peace. The space. The nature. And the feeling that life here still moves at a pleasant pace. You can wake among the mountains, walk beside the Lao river, visit an authentic village and enjoy the sea later that same day. That combination is what makes this area so special to me. Many guests tell me how surprised they are by what they discover here. They often arrive for only a few days, yet leave feeling they have experienced a part of Calabria that remains well away from the usual tourist trail. Perhaps that is precisely what makes Papasidero special: it is not Calabria’s best-known destination, but it is one of the few places where you can still experience authentic Calabrian life. Travelling by motorcycle? ### Discover quiet mountain roads, coastal rides and a welcoming base in Tremoli. [Motorcycle holidays](https://vickysbedandbreakfast.com/en/motorcycle-holiday-calabria/) Three ways to experience the area ## Choose what feels right today. ### Mountains and authentic villages Discover Papasidero, Grotta del Romito and Pollino’s green landscape. [Explore this day →](https://vickysbedandbreakfast.com/en/blog/wandelen-in-papasidero/) ### Adventure on the Lao River Combine nature and refreshment with an active day on or beside the Lao. [Explore this day →](https://vickysbedandbreakfast.com/en/blog/raften-op-de-lao-rivier-in-papasidero/) ### A day on the Tyrrhenian coast Visit Praia a Mare, San Nicola Arcella, Scalea or colourful Diamante. [Explore this day →](https://vickysbedandbreakfast.com/en/blog/dagje-aan-de-kust/) 01 ## Discover northern Calabria Many visitors mainly know the famous coastal resorts. Look a little further, however, and you will discover a region where nature, tranquillity, culture and adventure still go hand in hand. That is exactly why many guests choose Vicky’s B&B by V in Papasidero. Instead of staying amid the crowds, you can experience the real Calabria, with mountains, rivers, historic villages and the sea all surprisingly close by. Northern Calabria is known for its varied landscape: wild mountains, crystal-clear rivers, 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 elsewhere in Europe. For many guests, a visit to Papasidero begins as a holiday but often becomes much more: an encounter with a side of Italy that remains authentic, welcoming and unspoilt. 02 ## What is there to do? Many guests are surprised by the variety of experiences available. From adventurous activities on the Lao river to peaceful walks through historic villages, every day offers something new without losing the calm that defines this region. The Lao river changes along its course. Each stretch has its own character and possibilities: river walking and rafting in one area, then kayaking, packrafting, stand-up paddleboarding, tubing and other water sports further downstream. Mountain bikers, cyclists, hikers, quad-bike enthusiasts and other outdoor lovers will find countless ways to explore the area. The coast near Praia a Mare is ideal for snorkelling or taking a diving course. Families with children will also find plenty to do: search for prehistoric traces around the Romito Cave or spend a day at the Orsomarso adventure park, with zip lines, suspension bridges and climbing trails. There are also caves, archaeological sites, historic villages and many hidden places to discover. 03 ## Why do guests choose Papasidero? Many guests discover Papasidero by chance while looking for peace, nature and an authentic Calabria untouched by mass tourism. Papasidero’s organised sports days also attract visitors: special occasions when sport, community and the local area come together. This is another reason why so many return. Here you experience the vastness of the mountains, the beauty of the sea and the hospitality of a region that has preserved its own character. 04 ## Mountains and sea within easy reach One of the great advantages of staying in Papasidero is that you do not have to choose between the mountains and the sea. Wake to mountain views in the morning and relax on the beautiful Tyrrhenian coast later that day. Scalea, Praia a Mare, San Nicola Arcella and Diamante are all within easy reach, offering lovely beaches, seafront promenades, cafés and restaurants, as well as swimming, snorkelling, diving, boat trips and other water sports. Many guests consider this combination of mountains, nature and sea one of the loveliest surprises of their holiday. 05 ## Taste authentic Calabria A stay in Papasidero is about more than nature and adventure. Lovers of Calabrian food will find trattorias, agriturismos and family-run restaurants where traditional recipes are still prepared. No mass tourism or lengthy tourist menus, but dishes handed down from one generation to the next. Local produce, fresh ingredients and hospitality are at the heart of Calabrian cooking. It is often the simplest dishes that leave the strongest memories. Coffee in the square, a late-afternoon aperitivo or a relaxed dinner at a trattoria are never far away. Here, many guests discover not only the flavours of Calabria but also the warmth of its people. 06 ## Explore the area around Papasidero At Vicky’s B&B by V, you are in the heart of one of southern Italy’s most beautiful natural areas, where tranquillity, adventure and authenticity meet. Many special places are only a short distance from the B&B. The Lao river winds through the landscape and is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in southern Italy. In spring and summer, visitors come to Papasidero for rafting, canyoning and other outdoor activities. Nature lovers also have much to experience. Pollino National Park offers beautiful trails, impressive mountain scenery and unforgettable views. Authentic villages such as Orsomarso, Verbicaro, Aieta and Morano Calabro are easy to reach. Wander through narrow streets, discover local traditions and observe everyday Calabrian life. The prehistoric Romito Cave is also nearby and is one of southern Italy’s most important archaeological sites. For hikers, photographers and lovers of nature and tranquillity, this area is an endless source of inspiration. Many guests tell me that their most memorable holiday days were spent right here. 07 ## Discover more of Calabria For those who enjoy day trips, Calabria has many more special destinations. From Papasidero you can reach coastal towns, historic villages, nature reserves and cultural sites, each with a story of its own. During your stay, you can discover not only northern Calabria but the variety of the entire region. 08 ## Vicky's B&B by V Vicky’s B&B by V is more than a place to sleep: it brings together tranquillity, nature, hospitality and the beauty of northern Calabria. Because I live here and welcome guests every day, I am happy to share personal tips for walks, hidden beaches, authentic trattorias, special excursions and adventures on the Lao river. This way, you will discover not only the well-known sights but also the hidden gems that make this region so special to me. I hope you too will experience the same peace, beauty and hospitality that I once fell in love with. Around the B&B ## Activities There is a wide choice of activities around the B&B. Every stretch of the Lao river is different, with its own character and activities. In the first section, you can combine river walking and rafting; further downstream, you can try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, packrafting and tubing. Do you enjoy quad biking, mountain biking, cycling or other sports? You can do all of this in these beautiful surroundings. Take a diving course at Seahorse Diving Center in Praia a Mare. With children, visit the archaeological park to look for prehistoric traces or explore the Orsomarso adventure park with suspension bridges, zip lines and treetop trails. You can visit caves and traces of ancient history. And do not forget the beautiful blue sea, where you can swim, snorkel, dive, hire a pedalo, canoe and much more. [Activity availability](https://www.visitpapasidero.it/listing-category/escursioni/) Falconers ## FALCONERS OF SETTECENTO GUIDED VISIT TO THE CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES Nature / Education / Interaction. Modern falconry An art recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage Book through Vicky’s B&B by V and receive a 5% discount! [Visit the Falconers’ website](https://www.falconierideisetteventi.com/) Practical information ## Distances from the B&B (approximate distances) ### Airports - Lamezia Terme Airport: 149 km along the coast, or 187 km via the A2 - Naples Airport: 240 km via the E45 and Papasidero; approximately 245 km via Scalea - Bari Airport: 266 km via the SP3 and SS653 - Car hire is available at each airport and can also be booked together with your flight. [Search for flights →](https://www.esky.nl/?msclkid=fb073581493e19924b5750cafebf77d2&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BSFGI%5D%20Flights&utm_term=skyscanner&utm_content=Sky) [Transavia flights →](https://www.transavia.com/nl-NL/home/?network=g&device=c&devicemodel=&campaign=17000549681&adgroup=131004770370&keyword=transavia&matchtype=e&creative=658286634187&adposition=&adtrigger=kwd-53526320&experiment=&interestloc=&physicalloc=9064818&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgK2qBhCHARIsAGACuzkH0h7vntbtBZNj_BmSuDZ33EzApT2cxvq9S_BuZiYwXpj6wfrGjOQaAj7pEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) ### Public transport - Bus stop directly on the road. - 15 km – Scalea railway station [Nearby medical assistance →](https://www.google.com/search?q=huisarts+scalea&sca_esv=580414175&sxsrf=AM9HkKn3_78tN9reWc2eqd1u972Qevet0A%3A1699443480868&source=hp&ei=GHNLZaX0Ma-wi-gPkYywwAM&oq=huisarts+scalea&gs_lp=EhFtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1ocCIPaHVpc2FydHMgc2NhbGVhMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABSL1hUMYLWKVQcAF4AJABAJgBxQGgAYoOqgEEMS4xMbgBA8gBAPgBAagCD8ICChAjGIoFGOoCGCfCAgcQIxjqAhgnwgIQEC4YigUYxwEYrwEY6gIYJ8ICEBAuGIoFGMcBGNEDGOoCGCfCAgcQLhjqAhgnwgIEECMYJ8ICBxAjGIoFGCfCAgsQABiABBixAxiDAcICBRAAGIAEwgIREC4YgAQYsQMYgwEYxwEY0QPCAgcQABiKBRhDwgIIEAAYgAQYsQPCAgsQLhiABBjHARivAcICChAAGIoFGLEDGEPCAg0QABiKBRixAxiDARhDwgIHEAAYgAQYCsICBhAAGBYYHsICCBAAGBYYHhgKwgILEAAYFhgeGPEEGArCAggQABgWGB4YDw&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-hp#trex=m_t:lcl_akp,rc_f:rln,rc_ludocids:1552774270906581045,ru_gwp:0%252C7,ru_lqi:Cg9odWlzYXJ0cyBzY2FsZWFI1b63hOiugIAIWhsQABgBIg9odWlzYXJ0cyBzY2FsZWEqBAgDEACSAQhob3NwaXRhbKoBRxABKgwiCGh1aXNhcnRzKAIyIBABIhy2tqdmSEkXjXvQfOXcA1VYnNfHtcO-BUGUlam0MhMQAiIPaHVpc2FydHMgc2NhbGVh,trex_id:qalblb&lpg=cid:CgIgAQ%3D%3D) ### Motorway exit - 10.6 km – Mormanno E45 exit ### Hospital - 14 km – Territorial Hospital Pharmacy in Scalea - 24 km – Praia a Mare hospital ### Doctor in Santa Domenica Talao - 6km – Forestieri Dr. Romeo ### Pharmacy - 4.7 km – Pharmacy – Pharmacy Forestieri Elia Filomena ### Coast - 15.0 km – Scalea ### Ski area - 33,1 km ## Around the B&B ### Shops in Santa Domenica Talao - 4,6 km – Supermarket - 4,7 km – Grocery shop - 4,7 km – Butcher - 4,7 km – Greengrocer ### Eating out - 4,5 km – Restaurant Castello di Mercuri - 4.6 km – Bar - 7.8 km – Pub – Guindillas Pub Scalea - 8.0 km – Café – Café & Snack ### Sport - 3.4 km – Sports centre - 7,7 km – Gym Adele Beauty - 15,5 km – Riding school - 52.0 km – Golf club – Minerva Club Resort Golf Club Sibari ## Places nearby (*straight-line distance) - Lao Action Raft – (Papasidero) 4,72 KM - Rafting Adventure Lao – (Papasidero) 4,76 KM - Happy Rafting – (Papasidero) 5,00 KM - Santa Sofia Chapel – (Papasidero) 5,10 KM - San Costantino Parish Church – (Papasidero) 5,18 KM - Sanctuary of Our Lady of Constantinople – (Papasidero) 5,30 KM - Go-kart track “Sunday club” – (Santa Domenica Talao) 5,68 KM - Scalea airfield – (Scalea) 9,24 KM - Arcomagno – (San Nicola Arcella) 10,1 KM - San Nicola Arcella beach – (San Nicola Arcella) 10,3 KM - Scalea courthouse – (Scalea) 10,3 KM - Romito rock shelter and cave – Papasidero 10,4 KM - Scalea beach – (Scalea) 10,6 KM - San Luca clinic – (Praia A Mare) 12,0 KM - Paragliding school – (Praia A Mare) 12,2 KM - Renaissance palace – (Aieta) 12,2 KM - Dino Island – Fiuzzi beach – (Praia A Mare) 12,5 KM - Dino Island – (Praia A Mare) 12,5 KM - Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Grotto – (Praia A Mare) 12,9 KM - Mormanno – chestnut and mushroom area – (Mormanno) 13,2 KM - Praia a Mare beach – (Praia A Mare) 13,3 KM - Lido Nautilus – (Praia A Mare) 13,5 KM - Contemporary art museum – (Praia A Mare) 14,1 KM - Mormanno lake – (Mormanno) 14,4 KM - Hospital Minervini – (Mormanno) 14,4 KM - Blanda Archaeological Museum – (Tortora) 14,6 KM - Palazzo Lomonaco – (Tortora) 14,6 KM - Praia a Mare hospital – (Praia A Mare) 14,8 KM - Cirella beach – (Cirella) 14,8 KM - Tortora beach – (Tortora Marina) 15,7 KM - Laino Borgo and Laino Castello – chestnut and mushroom area – (Laino Borgo) 16,9 KM - Laocanoa rafting centre – (Laino Borgo) 17,9 KM - Seafront – (Diamante) 18,5 KM - Diamante beach – (Diamante) 18,7 KM - Maratea beach – (Maratea) 21,3 KM - Castelluccio – chestnut and mushroom area – (Castelluccio Inferiore) 21,8 KM - Rotonda – chestnut and mushroom area – (Rotonda) 22,0 KM - Macarro beach – (Maratea) 22,3 KM - Cave of Wonders – (Maratea) 22,7 KM - Illicini Park – (Maratea) 23,0 KM - Ninetta Rosano Institute – (Belvedere Marittimo) 23,7 KM - Aragonese castle – (Belvedere Marittimo) 23,7 KM - Cascini clinic – (Belvedere Marittimo) 23,8 KM - Spinelli clinic – (Belvedere Marittimo) 23,8 KM - Trecchina – chestnut and mushroom area – (Trecchina) 24,3 KM - Christ the Redeemer statue – (Maratea) 24,7 KM - Christ of Maratea – (Maratea) 24,7 KM - Santa Maria Maggiore Church – (Maratea) 25,0 KM - Novacco Plateau – (San Basile) 25,4 KM - Maratea hospital – (Maratea) 25,7 KM - Maratea harbour – (Maratea) 25,8 KM - Arena clinic – (Sangineto) 26,1 KM - Viggianello – chestnut and mushroom area – (Viggianello) 27,4 KM - Natural history museum – (Morano Calabro) 28,5 KM - Lucanian thermal baths – (Latronico) 30,4 KM Stay in the park ## Pollino National Park Discover a stay among the mountains, with authentic villages, nature and the Tyrrhenian coast within reach. [Explore this destination](https://vickysbedandbreakfast.com/en/stay-pollino-national-park/) --- Source: https://vickysbedandbreakfast.com/en/surroundings/ [About Vicky](https://vickysbedandbreakfast.com/about/) · [Contact](https://vickysbedandbreakfast.com/contact/) · [Terms](https://vickysbedandbreakfast.com/terms/)