Lamezia

In Calabria, Lamezia is a city of red-roofed houses and numerous churches. True luxury accommodation is lacking, but there are plenty of wonderful mid-range and budget hotels. For the cream of the accommodation crop, head along the coast out of town. Near Nocera Beach, the Palace Hotel Una Nuova Strada (Viale Stazione), 17km north, is a modern and comfortable option with oodles of family-friendly facilities, while Gullo Hotel (Via Prato Santa Irene 69), 17km south, is a countryside retreat with soul. Back in town, Bram Hotel (Via Del Mare 63) has bags of elegant and eclectic style.

Vibrant Calabrian ceramic work and locally produced foodstuffs are Lamezia's top two buys. Foodies should particularly look out for olive oil and peperoncino if they want to take a taste of southern Italy home with them. To sniff out these flavourful products, head to delicatessens such as La Dispensa della Nonna (Via Umberto I), Pane e Sale (Largo Migliarese) and Antichi Sapori Tropeani (Via Regina Elena). For ceramics, take a browse along the stores of Via Umberto I but don't forget to also make the trip out to the village of Tropea, 62km south, where there are dozens of ceramic boutiques dedicated to this craft.

Calabria's cuisine is all about simple flavour pairings, seafood and spicy sausages. Novecento (Largo Sant’Antonio 5) is Lamezia's number one spot for fine dining, with a wonderful atmospheric dining room and a menu of classical Italian and regional specialities. Enoteca & Cucina Perbaccoo (Via Garibaldi 4) and Alla Pentolaccia (Via Fratelli Muraca 17) are both excellent choices for local-style main courses and well-executed pasta dishes. For home-cooked rustic fare and superb pizza at budget-friendly prices, make a beeline for Osterio Basilico (Via Nicotera 40). If you're after a drink, Kaipira (Corso Colombo 54) is the best choice for cocktails.

Lamezia Classica Festival

December-May

This festival of classical music is an aural feast. Taking place over a five-month season (with three to four events per month), it features both renowned and up-and-coming soloist performers as well as a wealth of opera and orchestra concerts.

Terme Festival

June/July

This cultural festival melds together a series of literary events, historical lectures, poetry readings and local music concerts that highlight the stories of Lamezia and the surrounding region.

Festival of Giugno Lametino

June

Both acclaimed Italian singers and relatively unknown local musicians perform on the programme at this event which is dedicated to be a showcase of singing talent.

Lamezia Summer Festival

July

During the long summer nights of July, a wealth of concerts and street entertainment hit Lamezia's city centre. There's something for everyone here, from rock bands to blues, and from alternative and folk music to pop. If you're interested in Italy's contemporary music scene, it's a great event to head along to.

Magna Graecia Festival

July

This regional touring festival hits Lamezia in July and features a range of music, dance and theatre performances.