Calabria is the sun-drenched, fiery, and delightfully untamed “toe” of Italy’s boot, where rugged mountains plunge into sparkling seas and the air smells of citrus and spice. This is the land where Gigia Cat, the globe-trotting feline extraordinaire, had her first taste of the quintessential Italian beach holiday—complete with her own mini tent, a chic beach chair, and a parasol perfectly sized for her royal self. Oh, the luxury! The golden sand! The seagulls she eyed with a mix of curiosity and disdain (because, let’s be honest, Gigia doesn’t “do” wet paws).
Calabria is a land of dramatic contrasts: ancient mountains that seem to hum with Greek legends, crystal-clear waters that shimmer like liquid sapphires, and cliffside villages that cling to the rocks as if defying gravity itself. It’s a place where life moves at its own leisurely pace, the food packs a punch (hello, ‘nduja!), and the locals greet you with a warmth that rivals the Mediterranean sun. Gigia still fondly recalls her days of sunbathing like a true queen on the beaches of Vibo Marina, where she mastered the art of doing absolutely nothing in style, and Tropea, with its jaw-dropping coastline and sunsets that turned her fur into a glowing masterpiece. And then there’s Scilla, the enchanting fishing village steeped in myth, where Gigia played the role of a siren, charming everyone (and scoring a few fishy treats) while staying impeccably dry—because water is for mere mortals, not a feline of her stature.
But Calabria isn’t just about lounging on the beach (though Gigia highly approves of that pastime). It’s a land of discovery! She strolled through the cobblestone streets of Tropea, sniffed out the creamiest gelato in Vibo Marina, and even faced the legendary sea monster Scylla in Scilla—though she quickly concluded that napping under a parasol was far more her speed.
For Gigia, Calabria will forever hold a special place in her heart (and her meticulously curated travel diary). It’s where she learned that a beach holiday isn’t just about the destination, it’s about the little tent you pitch, the chair you recline in, and the memories you make while soaking up the sun and dreaming of your next gourmet meal. So, if you find yourself in Calabria, take a page out of Gigia’s book: embrace the sunshine, relish the spice, and never, ever forget your parasol. After all, even the most glamorous cat knows that life is best enjoyed with a little shade and a whole lot of purr-sonality.
Scilla
Ah, Scilla—Calabria’s mythical gem, where legends of sea monsters and sirens come to life, and the past clings to the cliffs like a stubborn cat to a sunlit windowsill. This enchanting fishing village, perched high above the turquoise waters of the Strait of Messina, is where history and beauty collide in the most spectacular way. Gigia Cat, the ever-elegant feline explorer, was utterly awestruck by the ancient town looming above the beach, its narrow streets and weathered stone buildings whispering tales of Odysseus, Scylla, and Charybdis. So captivated was she that, for once, she didn’t even bother to nap—a true testament to Scilla’s magic!
But let’s be real: the steep climb under the blazing Calabrian sun was no small feat, even for a cat of Gigia’s boundless energy. Wisely, she hitched a ride in her human’s caravan (because why walk when you can travel in style?). As she was carried up the winding path, she gazed at the breathtaking views of the sea, the colourful fishing boats bobbing below, and the dramatic cliffs defying gravity.
Scilla’s charm is undeniable. Divided into Marina di Scilla, the lively beachfront where Gigia soaked up the sun, and Chianalea, the ancient fishing quarter clinging to the cliffs like a labyrinth of stone and sea, the village is pure magic. Gigia wandered through narrow alleyways, past fishermen’s houses built into the rocks, and marvelled at the sunlight dancing on the water. She even paused to admire the Castello Ruffo, the imposing fortress standing guard for centuries, though she skipped climbing its towers—even a curious cat has her limits.
The weather was hot, the views stunning, and the atmosphere utterly enchanting. Scilla, with its mix of myth, history, and natural beauty, left an indelible mark on Gigia’s adventurous heart. As she rode back down to the beach in her human caravan, she couldn’t help but purr with satisfaction. After all, exploring like a queen is what Gigia does best.
Tropea
Ah, Tropea—the crown jewel of Calabria, a postcard-perfect town that seems to have been plucked straight from a dream and placed on the edge of the Tyrrhenian Sea. With its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and pastel-coloured buildings cascading down to the water, Tropea is the kind of place that makes even the most seasoned travellers (and cats) stop and stare in awe. Gigia Cat, the ever-sophisticated feline globetrotter, was no exception. She quickly declared Tropea her personal paradise, and who could blame her?
The heart of Tropea is its historic center, a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with charming shops, gelaterias, and restaurants serving up Calabria’s finest flavors. Gigia kept her eyes peeled as she strolled through the vibrant streets, soaking up the lively atmosphere of Piazza Ercole and indulging in her favourite pastime: people-watching. She couldn’t resist pausing at the Cattedrale di Maria Santissima di Romania, a stunning Norman cathedral that stands as a testament to Tropea’s rich history. The cathedral’s intricate architecture, serene interior, and fascinating bas-reliefs left her feeling positively regal—though she did wonder why there weren’t more cat-themed frescoes. Whenever her human assistants needed a closer look at the details, Gigia was more than happy to oblige, perched gracefully on their shoulders for a better view.
But the real star of Tropea is its cliffside views. Perched high above the sea, the town offers jaw-dropping panoramas of the turquoise waters below and the iconic Santa Maria dell’Isola, a tiny church sitting atop a rocky outcrop just offshore. Gigia savoured these views just as much as her human companions, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the same breathtaking scenes. She even became something of a tourist attraction herself, with passersby stopping to admire the elegant cat who seemed to appreciate Tropea’s beauty as much as they did.
It was here, amidst the sun-drenched splendour of Tropea, that Gigia had a fateful encounter. She met a local cat—a strikingly handsome tom with a coat as sleek as the Mediterranean waves and eyes that sparkled like the evening stars. He was every bit her equal in beauty and poise, and for a moment, Gigia’s heart fluttered with the possibility of romance. She made her friendly advances, her tail held high in a gesture of feline charm, but the local tom, also on a leash, seemed too shy to respond. Perhaps he was a confirmed bachelor, destined to remain single forever, or maybe he was simply overwhelmed by Gigia’s undeniable charisma. Whatever the reason, their meeting was brief but memorable, a fleeting moment of what could have been.
Tropea is a place where beauty, history, and la dolce vita come together in perfect harmony. For Gigia, it was love at first sight—a town that matched her elegance and zest for life. Whether she was strolling the streets, admiring the views, or simply basking in the sun, Tropea left her purring with delight. And though her encounter with the local tom didn’t lead to a whirlwind romance, it added a touch of intrigue to her adventure. After all, if there’s one thing Gigia knows, it’s that life is better when you’re living it in style—with or without a dashing suitor.
Others
Vibo Valentia
Ah, Vibo Valentia and its charming seaside “frazione”, Vibo Marina—a duo that captures the essence of Calabria’s unpretentious beauty. Together, they offer a perfect blend of lively local culture and laid-back beach vibes, creating a destination that feels both authentic and unforgettable. For Gigia Cat, the ever-curious feline explorer, this corner of Calabria became a place of discovery, adventure, and a few heart-stopping moments that will forever be etched in her humans’ memories.
Vibo Valentia, the main town, is a place where life unfolds at its own leisurely pace. It’s not flashy or overly touristy, but it’s brimming with warmth and character. One evening, Gigia’s human assistants were swept up in the local nightlife, joining the townsfolk for an impromptu street party. The air was filled with laughter, the scent of grilled panini wafting through the streets, and the sound of music that had everyone dancing in a style reminiscent of a joyful “Chinese square dance”. Gigia watched from her perch on a nearby bench, her tail twitching in rhythm to the music. She even nibbled on a tiny piece of panino (sans onions, of course), feeling like a true Calabrian for the night. It was a moment of pure, unscripted joy—a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the simplest ones.
Just a short distance away lies Vibo Marina, the town’s seaside gem. This is where Gigia first discovered the joys of being a beach bum. With her little cat-sized tent set up on the sand, complete with a miniature beach chair and parasol, she was ready to embrace the seaside lifestyle. However, it didn’t take long for her to decide that the tent was far too confining for a cat of her ambitions. Why stay in a tiny tent when she could lounge like a queen on a human beach towel? And so, she abandoned her feline-sized accommodations and claimed her rightful spot beside her humans, sprawled out on the towel as if she owned the place. Thankfully, she was still small at the time, so sharing the space wasn’t an issue—though these days, post-spaying and with her more *generous* proportions, she’d likely demand her own towel (or two).
But Vibo Marina is also a place that holds a deeper, more poignant memory. It was here that Gigia’s humans faced a heart-stopping moment when, for a terrifying instant, it seemed she might be lost forever. That story, as told in “Gigia and Me!”, is one of those experiences that leaves an indelible mark—a reminder of how deeply our furry companions weave themselves into our lives. For Gigia’s humans, Vibo Marina will always be a place of mixed emotions: the joy of watching her discover the beach for the first time, the laughter as she abandoned her tiny cat tent, and the sheer panic of that unforgettable scare. And while the details of that day are reserved for the pages of “Gigia and Me!”, it’s safe to say that Vibo Marina became more than just a beach destination—it became a chapter in the story of a bond that’s as unbreakable as it is unexpected.
As for Gigia, one can only imagine what memories she carries from those sun-soaked days. Perhaps she remembers the feel of the warm sand beneath her paws, the sound of the waves lapping at the shore, or the taste of the salty sea air. Or maybe, just maybe, she remembers the relief of being reunited with her humans, a moment that surely left its own tiny paw print on her adventurous heart.
Together, Vibo Valentia and Vibo Marina offer a slice of Calabria that’s as real as it is enchanting. For Gigia and her humans, this unassuming corner of Italy will forever be a place of laughter, love, and the kind of memories that make life truly special. After all, the best adventures are the ones that leave you with stories to tell—and maybe a few extra beach towels.
