Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In Scilla, cream-, ochre- and earth-coloured houses cling on for dear life to the jagged
promontory, ascending in jumbled ranks to the hill's summit, which is crowned by a castle
and, just below, the dazzling white confection of the
Chiesa Arcipretale Maria Immacolata
.
Lively in summer and serene in low season, the town is split in two by the tiny port. The
fishing district of Scilla Chianalea, to the north, harbours small hotels and restaurants off
narrow lanes, lapped by the sea. It can only be visited on foot.
Scilla's high point is a rock at the northern end, said to be the lair of Scylla, the mythic-
al six-headed sea monster who drowned sailors as they tried to navigate the Strait of
Messina. Swimming and fishing off the town's glorious white sandy beach is somewhat
safer today. Head for Lido Paradiso from where you can squint up at the castle while sun-
bathing on the sand.
Sights
Castello Ruffo
( 0956 70 42 07; admission €1.50; 8.30am-7.30pm)
An imposing hilltop fortress, the castle has
at times been a lighthouse and a monastery. It houses a
luntre,
the original black boat used
for swordfishing, and on which the modern-day
passarelle
is based.
CASTLE
Sleeping
Le Piccole Grotte
( 338 2096727;
www.lepiccolegrotte.it
; Via Grotte 10; d €90-120; )
In the picturesque Chianalea
district, this B&B is housed in a 19th-century fisher's house beside steps leading to the
crystal-clear sea. Rooms have small balconies facing the cobbled alleyway or the sea.
B&B
$
La Locandiera
( 0965 75 48 81;
www.lalocandiera.org
;
Via Zagari 27; d €60-100; )
Run by the same people who
own Le Piccole Grotte, this B&B is just as picturesque with large, comfortable rooms and
views over the sea.
B&B
$
Eating & Drinking
Bleu de Toi
SEAFOOD
$$
