One of the most picturesque towns in Calabria, the town takes its name from its terrace-like layout on the steep hillside where the old town (Centro Storico)  is situated high above the new town centre. It is a picture postcard setting, with the magnificent backdrop of the mountains and the incredibly blue ocean in front of it. Much of the old town has vanished over the years, but the remains of the ancient town wall  and the tower are well preserved.

Torre Talao was built in the early 16th century, part of a system of coastal towers designed to deter pirate attacks. 

The walk up to the top of the old town is well worth the effort. The winding maze of narrow winding streets suddenly open onto small piazzas with incredible views. The new town is a well developed modern town, with all the amenities you require, including a wide selection of shops, restaurants,  piazzas and  parks.   The sea front is well served with modern hotels  and the beaches have well equipped bathing areas looking out onto a sea of incomparable beauty. The surrounding area has ancient olive groves, roadside fountains dispensing natural mineral water and endless rows of orange and lemon trees.

Scalea is also much more than a holiday town and has survived countless invasions, raids and maurauding armies. The old town has been inhabited from as long ago as the Paleolithic period and interesting pre historic finds have been made in a cavern near Torre Talao. The Aragonese and Spanish eras brought a wealth of culture and learning to Scalea and many of the ancient monuments and works of art can still be seen today. The Norman Castle, the Palazzo Palamolla and the Torre Cimalonga are all well worth a visit.