Everything EasyJet doesn't know about Calabria and should know instead. The airline, on its website, has spread somewhat abstruse and rather questionable news on the reality of the Calabria Region, the tip of the boot that extends between two seas. EasyJet may not know that Calabria still retains the vestiges of Great Greece and the signs of the many dominations experienced over the centuries. From the Arabs to the Normans, from the Spanish to the French up to the Albanians.
Land of art, of ancient culture and tradition. A thousand-year history combined with unrivaled naturalistic and landscape beauties. The Pollino, the Sila, the Aspromonte are the mountain ridge that crosses the region from north to south. And then there are the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts, with their renowned locations, a mild climate for most of the year, organic farming and world-renowned Doc and PGI products.
EasyJet and its 'strange' promotion campaign on Calabria
"This region suffers from an obvious absence of tourists due to its history of mafia activity and earthquakes. Calabria suffers from the lack of iconic cities like Rome or Venezia capable of attracting Instagram fans ". These are the considerations published by EasyJet which have caused a real outcry by the regional institutions and all Calabrians.
The company tried to straighten the game by adding these other reflections: “But if you are looking for a little taste of the dolce vita, without too many tourists, then you are in the right place. Climb up to the mountain town of Morano Calabro for breathtaking views and quirky homes built on peaks, which you'll have to see to believe. You will be among the few tourists to truly know and appreciate the three spectacular national parks of this region ”.
Governor Jole Santelli's response to the airline
"Describe Calabria as a region that 'suffers from a clear absence of tourists due to its history of mafia activity and earthquakes' and due to the 'lack of iconic cities like Rome and Venice capable of attracting Instagram fans' as well as being false, it is also profoundly ridiculous. Just as it is to speak of 'bizarre houses', as if we were describing the homes of the smurfs ”. This is the response of the governor Jole Santelli to EasyJet. “The Calabrians - explains the president of the regional council - deserve respect and better consideration by everyone. However, we take note of EasyJet's public apologies, who has already changed the text originally appeared in the 'Inspire Me' section of his site. Come to think of it, the best way to remedy an unprecedented gaffe - concludes the governor - would be to considerably increase flights to Calabria, in order to allow the thousands and thousands of EasyJet passengers to discover the infinite wonders of our land. We do not have Roma and we don't have Venice, of course, but we're not complaining at all. Calabria is a marvel that only deserves to be admired ".
A tour in Calabria for summer 2020
Holidays in Calabria? Why not? There is no shortage of attractions and suggestive locations. To the splendid Tropea, 'pearl of the Tyrrhenian', replies Soverato on the Ionian Sea. For those who love the mountains, from Pollino to the Strait there are paths and huts where you can spend relaxing days or intense adventures among centuries-old woods and unspoiled nature. And then there is the Religious Calabria, that of the saints and sacred places starting from Paola, the birthplace of San Francesco, patron saint of Calabrians and seafarers. To visit absolutely also the 'Greek Calabria ' which still maintains the customs and traditions of the Albanian people.
In this short but intense journey you cannot miss the archaeological parks scattered throughout the region (Ruins of Cirella, Villa Romana di Casignana, Benedictine Abbey, Monasterace, and others). Without forgetting some historical places of great prestige such as Rossano famous for Codex Purpureus, the very ancient illuminated greek evangeliary. And, again, San Giovanni in Fiore where the abbot Gioacchino da Fiore lived, theologian also mentioned by Dante in Divine Comedy.
Calabria, land between two seas
The coastal itinerary starts from the island of Dino and Praia a mare to reach the central Tyrrhenian with the Coast of the Gods, and then degrade on the Costa Viola. From the Strait you go up the Ionian coast where you can stop in Brancaleone, in Riace (where the famous Bronzes have been found). Then we proceed to Caminia and Stalettì.
The Ionian coast also offers the beauties of Le Castella, Cirò, Sibari with its famous archaeological park. Roseto Capo Spulico is the last of the renowned tourist resorts of the Calabrian Ionian. Many stages not to be missed for those who want to know places of extraordinary beauty and spend unforgettable moments of life in a Calabria yet to be discovered!
(On the cover a view of Scylla)
