Legend has it that Scilla was a beautiful nymph who usually went to the beach of Zancle to bathe in the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. One evening in those places, she met a sea god, Glaucus, who had once been a fisherman... #tuttitaly
Scilla is a charming village on the coast of Calabria, overlooking the Strait of Messina. Scilla is a true paradise for sea lovers with its pebble and sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking panorama.
Beaches of Scilla
Chianalea Beach, with its small harbor and the dominating Ruffo Castle, offers a unique atmosphere.
Spiaggia delle Sirene, nestled between the castle and Punta Paci, is considered one of the most beautiful.
Marina Grande offers a stretch of golden sand 800 meters long, surrounded by imposing cliffs overlooking the sea.
Punta Paci is ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts, thanks to its transparent seabed and clear waters.
Cala delle Rondini is perfect for those seeking tranquility and relaxation.
And if you want to explore a bit more, Favazzina Beach, just 5 km from Scilla, offers fine sand and shallow waters, perfect for families with children.
Scilla Cathedral
In addition to its natural beauty, Scilla also boasts an ancient history, as evidenced by the Parish of Maria Santissima Immacolata, which dates back to the early centuries of Christianity.
Between myth and legend
The village of Scilla is enveloped in an ancient myth that fuels its charm and mystery. According to legend, Scilla was a beautiful nymph who lived near the cliffs of Zancle, where she loved to rest and spend her days. Glauco, a fisherman transformed into a sea deity, crossed her path one day.
The sight of Glauco, half man and half fish, frightened Scilla to the point of making her flee. Desperate, Glauco tried to win back her love and told his dramatic story, but in vain. Consumed by jealousy, the sorceress Circe transformed Scilla into a fierce monster with six barking dog heads, terrorizing sailors and seafarers crossing the Strait of Messina.
According to legend, Scilla took refuge in a cave beneath the Rocca, where the Castle of Scilla stands, and lived in eternal despair and rage. Her presence, along with that of Charybdis, another mythological being who inhabited the Sicilian side of the Strait, makes the Strait of Messina a place full of charm and mystery.
