Villa San Giovanni is an important coastal municipality in Calabria, in the province of Reggio Calabria, famous mainly for being the main boarding and landing point between the Italian peninsula and Sicily through the Strait of Messina. Beyond its function as a crucial transport hub, Villa San Giovanni overlooks the splendid Costa Viola (Violet Coast), a stretch of coastline that owes its name to the evocative chromatic reflections the sea takes on at sunset. It is the perfect base for those wishing to combine a trip to Sicily with a taste of the authentic beauties and flavors of Calabria.

What to See and the Experience Recommended by our travel designers: Strait and Maritime Tradition

• Lungomare Cenide – The main promenade, ideal for a walk and for observing the bustling passage of ferries, while simultaneously admiring the Sicilian coast of Messina, especially at sunset.
• Torre Cavallo – Located a few kilometers away, in the hamlet of Cannitello, this Aragonese watchtower offers an excellent panoramic view of the Strait. We recommend visiting it and combining it with a lunch of fresh fish in a sea-view restaurant.
• Strait and Sea Museum (Museo dello Stretto e del Mare) – To delve deeper into the history and maritime culture linked to this unique stretch of sea.
• Excursion to Scilla – The very close and charming Scilla, with its village of Chianalea (the 'Venice of the South'), is an unmissable destination, easily reachable in a few minutes.

Gastronomy and Typical Products

• Swordfish of the Strait (Pesce Spada dello Stretto) – The king of the table, cooked in multiple ways (grilled, stewed, or 'Ghiotta' style), is the quintessential culinary experience.
• Bergamot of Reggio Calabria – Highly scented citrus fruit, used in liqueurs, desserts, and as a seasoning, a symbol of the territory.
• Nduja – Typical Calabrian spreadable salami, spicy and flavorful, to be enjoyed with hot bread.
• Cirò DOC Wine – An excellent Calabrian red or rosé, perfect to accompany land dishes.

Beaches and Activities

Although it is a port, the Costa Viola offers pebble and gravel beaches with clear waters. The seaside resorts in the hamlets of Cannitello and Pezzo are equipped and ideal for enjoying a day at the sea with a view of the Strait. The area is also renowned for water sports, particularly sailing and diving, favored by the Strait's current which keeps the waters clean and rich in marine fauna. There are also plenty of relaxation experiences in luxury hotels with panoramic views.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Villa San Giovanni
• Official Tourism Website of Calabria Region

Top 3 Recommended Accommodations

• Altafiumara Resort & Spa – (In Cannitello, nearby) Offers luxury, spa services, and a dominant position overlooking the Strait.
• B&B Villa Egle – For a more intimate stay, offers charming hospitality and convenience.
• Hotel La Vela – Central and convenient location for those needing a base before boarding.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants

• Vecchio Porto – Restaurant recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, excels in seafood cuisine, particularly Swordfish. The atmosphere on Lungomare Cenide is perfect for an elegant dinner.
• Origini - Costa Viola – For an experience that combines innovation and Calabrian tradition with high-quality ingredients.
• Ristorante Il Generale (Scilla) – If you are visiting Scilla, it is an excellent choice for seafood cuisine in a suggestive setting.