Calabria has a diverse landscape as the region hugs the beautiful southern Italian coastline and then, as you move inland, it transforms into dramatic mountain peaks. This combination forms much of Calabria’s character, from its rugged hills and valleys to its crystal clear waters and sandy beaches.
To us, Calabria is pretty spectacular, which is why we run Small Group Tours to showcase its stunning scenery, rich history, and timeless traditions. Each year, we host an 11-day Food and Wine of Calabria Vacation Package that focuses heavily on the region’s delectable food and wine – the perfect tour for any foodies out there!
While many people visit Calabria for its Mediterranean climate and pristine beaches, there is a more mysterious and unique side to the region: its ghost towns. Learn more about Calabria’s ghost towns here.
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a settlement that has been abandoned by its residents. Its residents tend to take all their most precious possessions and leave anything not deemed as important behind. As a result, the towns usually end up either completely deserted or only with a few inhabitants remaining.
Walking around a ghost town can be quite an eerie experience as you navigate around the empty buildings, that were once homes, schools, and churches. A town lost in time, the only sign of life is nature… which has started to reclaim the land.
A town can become abandoned due to a wide range of reasons, from economic decline to health hazards and unsanitary conditions. The latter is the reason Accrenthia, located in the province of Crotone in Calabria, was abandoned in 1844. However, the majority of Calabria’s other Ghost Towns were deserted due to natural disasters, most notably floods and earthquakes.
Where are Calabria’s Ghost Towns?
There are estimated to be between 50 and 100 ghost towns in Calabria. The four most well-known ghost towns in Calabria are Pentedattilo, Roghudi Vecchio, Cirella Vecchia, and Africo Vecchia.
Visiting Pentedattilo
Pentedattilo is perhaps the most famous out of all of the Calabrian Ghost Towns. In Greek, its name translates to “five fingers” — a nod to the shape of the mountain upon which the village is perched. Pentedattilo has roots dating back to the 9th century; during the Greek-Roman period, the village served as a bustling economic and military center.
In 1783, Pentedattilo was severely damaged by an earthquake to such an extent that it caused a large number of its residents to move away. By the 1960s, the village had been completely abandoned. Today, a handful of people have moved back; they are primarily artists and artisans.
Pentedattilo is relatively easy to get to, being only a 10-minute drive from the coastal town of Melito di Porto Salvo. From the car park, it’s then a short, steep walk up the mountain to the village.
Visiting Roghudi Vecchio
The ghost town of Roghudi Vecchio sits at the foot of the Amendolea mountain range – a positioning that led to the village’s downfall. The origins of the village date back to the 11th century. One of Italy’s last Greek-speaking communities inhabited Roghudi Vecchio. However, in 1971, the 1600 inhabitants of Roghudi Vecchio left due to the numerous landslides and floods that had affected the village.
You can reach Roghudi Vecchio by car, which is about an hour from Melito di Porto Salvo. However, the roads are poorly maintained, narrow, and winding, meaning you would need to approach them with caution. But, should you choose, cou could also hike to Roghudi Vecchio from a nearby village.
Visiting Cirella Vecchia
Cirella Vecchia sits atop a rocky mountain with stunning views stretching over the Tyrrhenian coast — a strategic position that was originally picked for defense purposes. Throughout the centuries, Cirella Vecchia couldn’t catch a break from suffering plagues to devastating earthquakes. However, the village’s fate was finally sealed when it was heavily bombarded by a Napoleonic fleet in 1806. This attack left much of the town in ruins, which made it almost impossible for anyone to live there. The residents then decided to leave the town.
It’s one of the easiest ghost towns to visit on the list, being only a short drive from the nearby town of Cirella. There’s even a small car park next to the ruins where you can safely park and start your exploration.
Visiting Africo Vecchia
Sitting amidst the mountains, Africo Vecchia is a haunting place devoid of any civilization. Although its name suggests the contrary; deriving from Greek it means luminous and full of light. The village was founded in the 9th century.
Africo Vecchia was hit by numerous earthquakes in 1783, 1905, and 1908, and then by famine in 1931. During this time, it took approximately 6 hours to reach Africo Vecchia by mule. Due to its isolated position, much of Italy’s population didn’t know about the town’s suffering. This caused the dire conditions and hunger experienced in the village to last for years. After severe flooding in 1952, the government relocated this village to a new settlement called Africo Nuovo on the coast.
You can get to Africo Vecchia by driving from Bova. It should take about 40 minutes. However, the roads are generally not very well-maintained. A better option would be to hike from a nearby village. Once there, spend your time exploring the old abandoned town visiting its derelict buildings and wandering down its empty streets.
Custom Vacation
These ghost towns are fascinating and offer an interesting insight into the region’s history. Would like to tour these curious towns or visit other highlights of Calabria or Southern Italy? In that case, we can create a Custom Vacation tailored entirely to your wishes and desires. We will design your itinerary, based on your travel style, and budget, with our ultimate goal being to provide you with an unforgettable vacation!
If you would like some more information about our small group tours, or private heritage tours, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
