Tropea is a small town located on the east coast of Calabria, 64 km from Lamezia. It’s known for its white beaches which run right up to Capo Vaticano, its clifftop historic centre, and prized red onions. The town itself is quite picturesque and romantic with winding streets and beautiful small piazzas. Noteworthy is the 12th-century Tropea Cathedral, which was built in distinctive yellow lava rock by the Normans during the 12th century and houses an interesting black crucifix, two unexploded World War II bombs, and a painting of the dark-skinned Madonna of Romania. Due to a number of wonders, the citizens of Tropea have proclaimed the Virgin Mary of Romania the patron of the village.

No holiday in Abu Dhabi would be complete without a visit to this fascinating centre. Local female Bedouin artists and artisans, usually wearing a traditional dress, demonstrate age-old crafts, including henna body painting, embroidery and silver thread work in a series of small huts. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering the huts, as is the local custom.

Pollino National Park, a sanctuary spanning the southern Italian regions of Calabria and Basilicata, cradles a realm of rugged beauty. Amongst its mountainous embrace, meandering trails and rivers, including the mesmerising Raganello River with its dramatic gorges, unfold beneath a canopy of pine trees. Here, the elusive Bosnian Pine thrives exclusively, a testament to the park's uniqueness. Amidst these wonders, nature's grandeur intertwines with archaeological marvels, crafting a haven of unparalleled allure.