Traditions

Immerse yourself in the art of tomato preservation with Giuseppe and his family! Start your day by learning the secrets of homemade tomato "passata" — the traditional tomato base for many dishes, including pasta. True to tradition, lunch will follow with tomato-based dishes using the fresh passata, accompanied by a bottle of local wine. An experience that introduces you to one of Southern Italy’s most essential food traditions — the base of many beloved dishes. Location: Grisolia (Scalo), Calabria (9.3km from Scalea ~12 minutes) Highlights: Meet at Giuseppe's Kiosk. Homemade Tomato Preservation "Passata" Workshop. Lunch made with the tomato passata. A Bottle of Wine.

Experience the ancient agricultural tradition of sowing, the first gesture that brings life to the land. Visit the KALAB agricultural laboratory and take part in the sowing process. During the tour, you'll learn about traditional and modern cultivation techniques. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Calabria's agricultural roots and contribute to the growth of the land. Location: Orsomarso, Calabria (9.8km from Scalea ~13 minutes) Highlights: Hands-on sowing lesson. Visit to the fields and KALAB agricultural laboratory. Guided tour of the land and explanation of traditional and modern techniques. Products to take home with you.

Immerse yourself in the ancient craft of ceramics in the heart of Scalea’s historic centre. Guided by Anna, you’ll discover the full process of creating ceramics and craft your own personalised souvenir to take home. This experience connects you to a timeless art, using the original pottery wheel once owned by the woman who taught ceramics to the village children in the 1980s. Location: Scalea (Historic Centre), Calabria Highlights: Introduction to the ceramic-making process. Create your own personalised ceramic object to bring home.

Experience an authentic day in the life of a shepherd in the mountains of Pollino National Park. Meet Simone at his family's dairy farm and begin by milking the animals and collecting the fresh milk. We'll then venture into the pastures for a walk with the flock, stopping for a simple and authentic shepherd's breakfast. Later, we'll return to the workshop to transform the milk into cheese, following traditional methods. We conclude the day with an aperitivo of cheeses and a toast to the beauty of mountain life. Location: Episcopia, Basilicata (71km from Scalea ~1 hour) Starting Time: To be agreed upon Highlights: Milking of goats and sheep to collect the fresh milk. Walk with the flock. Typical shepherd's breakfast. Milk processing and cheesemaking workshop. Tasting of cheeses.

Discover the traditional art of basket making with a unique experience in Verbicaro. Together with Antonio — who lovingly carries forward the knowledge passed down from his father — you’ll be guided step by step through the process of creating your very own basket! You'll begin with the preparation of traditional materials such as female and male reeds (cane) and willow. You'll learn the techniques and secrets of this craft, and by the end you'll be able to take home your own handmade masterpiece. A beautiful reminder of Calabrian tradition and your day with a true artisan. Location: Verbicaro, Calabria (18.5km from Scalea, ~30 minutes) Highlights: Explanation of the traditional materials used to make a basket: different types of reeds and willow. Half-day workshop on the basics of creating a basket to then take home.

Spend a full day immersed in the art of basket making with Antonio in Verbicaro. During the workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare the traditional materials and discover the difference between female and male reeds, as well as willow. Antonio will guide you through every stage of the craft — from the essential basics to the more advanced techniques used for larger, more elaborate baskets. From 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM you'll break for lunch, and by the end of the day, you’ll take home your own artisanal masterpiece — the fruit of an ancient and fascinating Calabrian tradition. Location: Verbicaro, Calabria (18.5 km from Scalea ~30 minutes) Highlights: A day dedicated to basketmaking. Explanation of the traditional materials used to make baskets. Workshop to create larger and more elaborate baskets.

Hidden behind the doors of our fishermen’s warehouse lies a tradition that has survived centuries — the quiet, intricate art of crafting fishing nets by hand. Here, Daniele will share with you the very techniques passed down to him by his grandfather. A tradition handed from generation to generation along the coastline. A beautiful experience to share this precious craft, one that has withstood the test of time, carrying centuries of history, skill, and love for the sea. Location: San Nicola Arcella, Calabria (10 km from Scalea ~ 14 minutes) Highlights: A hands-on lesson in the traditional art of making fishing nets.

The tradition of homemade bread! Your day begins at the flour mill, where you’ll watch fresh wheat being ground into flour. Back in the countryside with Stefania, you’ll knead the dough following ancient peasant traditions and help prepare the wood-fired oven. As the oven heats, we'll take a relaxing stroll through the farmland, immersed in nature and the rhythm of rural life. At the end of your time together, you'll savour the freshly baked bread. An authentic experience that connects you with tradition, nature and genuine flavours. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7km from Scalea ~10 minutes) Highlights: Visit to the flour mill to grind wheat into flour. Traditional bread making in a wood-fired oven. Tasting of freshly baked bread.

Homemade bread: an experience that begins in the forest and ends at the table! Your day will begin with a walk to collect wood for the traditional wood-fired oven. Once back at the farmhouse, Stefania the "contadina" will guide you through a hands-on bread-making lesson, following ancient traditions passed down through her family. When your bread comes out of the oven, warm and fragrant, you’ll savour the fruits of your labour with a drizzle of Stefania’s own extra virgin olive oil. A simple, heartfelt experience that brings you back to the roots of genuine, rural living. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7km from Scalea ~10 minutes) Highlights: A walk in the forest to collect wood. Homemade bread-making lesson. Tasting of freshly baked bread with extra virgin olive oil.

In Calabrian farming culture, the pig has always held a central place — a symbol of abundance, hard work, and a deep-rooted tradition where nothing is wasted and everything is transformed into delicacies. Your day with Stefania begins in the morning to prepare the meat, and a rich, slow-cooked sauce with pork to accompany the homemade pasta you’ll enjoy together at lunch, paired with homemade wine. Preparations of other traditional pork recipes will continue after lunch as you discover flavours, techniques, and secrets of this centuries-old rural tradition. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7 km from Scalea ~ 10 minutes) Highlights: Preparation of pork meat & traditional recipes. Introduction to this typical traditional farming tradition. Shared lunch with homemade wine.

Learn the ancient method of traditional soap-making together with Stefania the "contadina" following the very recipe passed down to her from her grandmother. Be guided step by step through the old-fashioned process of creating homemade soap — just as families once did, using simple ingredients and time-honoured methods. At the end of the experience, you’ll take home your own bar of handcrafted soap as a fragrant reminder of this beautiful tradition. A unique opportunity to touch, smell, and experience a piece of Calabrian heritage that blends simplicity with craftsmanship. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7 km from Scalea ~ 10 minutes) Highlights: Hands-on preparation of traditional homemade soap using an ancient method. One bar of soap to take home as a keepsake.

Learn the art of making marmalade and jams in the countryside using seasonal fruit with Stefania the "contadina" . Depending on the season, you'll venture into the farmland to pick figs, peaches, plums, or grapes in the summer, and oranges, mandarins, lemons, and chestnuts in the fall. After making the jam, we'll conclude with a tasting and a jar to take home as a memento of this sweet experience. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7km from Scalea ~10 minutes) Highlights: Seasonal fruit picking. Jam making lesson. Final tasting with a coffee. Jar of jam to take home.

Discover an ancient Calabrian tradition: preparing crocette di fichi, sweet fig “crosses” filled with walnuts and lemon. Following methods passed down through generations, with Stefania the "contadina" you’ll learn how to fill, fold, and bake the figs before preserving them with care and creating your own special gift package to take home. A delicious bite of Calabrian heritage and a sweet tradition to pass on. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7 km from Scalea ~ 10 minutes) Highlights: Preparing figs with walnuts and lemon. Traditional recipe process to bake and preserve. Tasting + gift packaging of your prepared figs.

Ready to get your hands dirty in the Calabrian land? Live a day as a country farmer together with Stefania our "contadina" and immerse yourself in the traditions of the land in an authentic, passion-filled experience. Together, you’ll work the soil just as it’s always been done — following the natural cycle of planting, tending, and harvesting. After a morning of work, we’ll pause to share a farmer’s lunch, prepared with produce from the land itself. A simple, heartfelt experience that reconnects you with nature, tradition, and the beauty of slow living. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7 km from Scalea ~ 10 minutes) Highlights: Experience daily life of a country farmer ("contadina") in Calabria. Hands-on experience working the land. Shared farmer’s lunch made with fresh produce.

An experience that celebrates play, conviviality, and tradition! In the very place where locals once gathered to play cards — now home to Paradiso dei Golosi and its artisanal preserves — you’ll learn the rules of Briscola and Scopa, the classic Italian card games that have brought generations together. Enjoy a playful lesson in Italian cards as you enjoy the artisanal specialties bursting with traditional flavours, paired with a good glass of local wine! Location: Buonvicino, Calabria (19 km from Scalea ~ 30 minutes) Highlights: Introduction to Italian playing cards (Napoletane). Lesson & game of Briscola or Scopa. Tasting of the company’s artisanal products. A glass of local wine.

Discover the tradition of homemade ricotta — a simple, delicious delicacy. In this experience you’ll learn a recipe you can easily recreate at home. Together, we’ll taste ricotta in different variations, paired with a selection of traditional treats. To conclude our time together, you'll take home a "ricotta salata" (salted ricotta) to enjoy. An authentic and genuine experience, starting with the milk and going straight to the heart. Location: Santa Maria del Cedro, Calabria (6.9km from Scalea ~10 minutes) Highlights: Demonstration of how to make fresh ricotta. Learn the easy recipe to replicate at home. Fresh Ricotta tasting with a selection of local treats. Ricotta salata (salted ricotta) to take home.

A true Calabrian-style picnic by the Argentino River. Prepare your sense of adventure and join Gianluca for a wild and unforgettable outdoor feast in the cool, lush forest that runs alongside the river. Together you’ll prepare a full Calabrian meal — from appetisers to homemade fresh pasta and dessert — cooked and enjoyed right by the river, paired with Verbicaro wine and fresh spring water. A return to simplicity, where nature and flavour meet. Please Note: There are no facilities (bathrooms, etc.) — just pure authenticity and natural beauty. Location: Santa Maria del Cedro, Calabria (6.9km from Scalea ~ 10 minutes) Highlights: An authentic outdoor experience immersed in wild nature (no facilities: no bathrooms or modern conveniences—just nature!). Traditional Calabrian Picnic. Preparation and complete lunch menu prepared by the river: appetizer, fresh pasta, main course, fruit, and dessert. Local Verbicaro wine and fresh spring water.

A mystery to savour! It all began in the fields, with hands dirty from the earth and hearts full of ingenuity. In this mysterious and delicious experience, together with Gianluca, you will discover the humble origins of the fork! As we unravel this legend, we'll prepare a traditional farmer's salad that's rich, authentic, and made with simple yet delicious ingredients. Before we say goodbye, you'll take home a jar of typical products to continue the story at home. Location: Santa Maria del Cedro, Calabria (6.9km from Scalea ~ 10 minutes) Highlights: Discover the history of the fork and its peasant origins. Traditional farmer's salad accompanied by fresh homemade bread and local wine. A jar of traditional products to take home.

Step into Giuseppe’s clay workshop and discover the joy of creating with your own hands. In this unique experience, you’ll immerse yourself in the art of shaping an object — something Giuseppe believes is an expression of yourself. From start to finish, he’ll guide you through every step, letting you feel the clay, its weight, its softness, and the beauty of shaping something from nothing. Before you leave, you can choose to take home a finished piece made by Giuseppe, or — if you’re staying nearby — return in about 10 days to collect your own creation, once it has dried and been fired. Either way, you’ll take home an authentic memory of your journey…made with heart and soul. Location: Tortora, Calabria (20.3km from Scalea ~ 23 minutes) Highlights: Introduction to the art of how to work clay. Hands-on workshop. A terracotta object to take home.

Experience the authentic spirit of Tortora during La Festa della Zafarana — a lively celebration of traditional flavours, history, music, and dance. The Zafarana is the village’s iconic chilli pepper, grown and harvested in early October. Welcomed by a local guide, you’ll begin with a stroll through Tortora’s most evocative corners, discovering the history of the village and leading you straight into the heart of the festivities, where you’ll savour a typical dish made with zafarana paired with a glass of local wine. After that, you will be welcomed to join the festivities with traditional music and dances, transporting you into the heart of the Calabrian village. Location: Tortora, Calabria (20.3km from Scalea ~ 23 minutes) Highlights: Personalised guide for the town Festival. Guided walk of Tortora. A typical dish to enjoy (Lagane and chickpeas, Ravioli with zafarana, Spaghetti with zafarana, Fusilli with zafarana). A glass of local wine. Music and dancing.

Italian Sundays shine with tradition and sweetness. Learn more about this typical Southern Italian tradition with Tonino & Michaela at Pasticceria Cicciù. Enjoy a selection of lovingly prepared pastries and experience this typical Sunday ritual for yourself. A sweet excuse to make every day feel like Sunday. Location: Praia a Mare, Calabria (13.3km from Scalea ~18 minutes) Highlights: Explanation of this traditional Sunday ritual. Preparation of a tray with various sweets. Option to take your tray home with you or enjoy it with a coffee.

Breakfast: Italian style! A simple ritual, yet deeply rooted in our daily culture. A sweet awakening, where the day begins with a frothy cappuccino or a strong espresso, accompanied by a freshly baked artisanal pastry. Tonino & Michaela at Pasticceria Cicciù will guide you through this tradition and introduce you to their selection of handmade creations for you to choose and enjoy. Location: Praia a Mare, Calabria (13.3 km from Scalea ~ 18 minutes) Highlights: Introduction to the Italian breakfast tradition and homemade artisanal products. A pastry of your choice, accompanied by a good coffee or an excellent cappuccino.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and tradition of the tarantella, an ancient dance that expresses the soul of the South. In the heart of Verbicaro, accompanied by the Folklore Group, you will learn the steps and stories behind the dance. If you don't dance, no problem! Just listen to the rhythm and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. An experience that unites dance, music, and tradition, making you feel part of a culture that still thrives today, one step at a time. Location: Verbicaro, Calabria (18.7 km from Scalea ~ 30 minutes) Highlights: Introduction to the history and symbolism of the tarantella. Explanation of basic movements: hands, steps, rhythm. Dance demonstration with the Verbicaro Folklore Group.

Once upon a time in Calabria, love was declared and a proposal was made with the "Canto della Fidanzata" (the song of the girlfriend). A simple yet profound gesture that united heart, courage, and tradition. In this experience, you'll experience the magic of that tradition, hearing the song sung live, discovering its true meaning, and — who knows — you might even use it yourself to make a truly unforgettable proposal. Whether you're curious, romantic, or ready to propose, this moment will be unique, beautiful, and deeply authentic. Location: Verbicaro, Calabria (18.7 km from Scalea, ~30 minutes) Highlights: Live performance of the traditional "Canto della Fidanzata". Explanation of the meaning and origins of this exclamation of love. Option to propose yourself, folk style!

Immerse yourself in the life of a Calabrian fisherman for a day! Head out to sea with Antonio Manco Junior and Senior for a typical day as a fishermen: fishing with the nets, selling freshly caught fish and to conclude the day, enjoy a delicious lunch together prepared with the day's catch and lots of love. A chance to learn about local fishing traditions and enjoy the fruits of the sea. Location: Scalea, Calabria Highlights: Pull in the nets and throw them into the sea. Come with us to sell the fish. Lunch together with the fresh catch of the day.

Discover the ancient art of repairing fishing nets, a disappearing tradition that is fundamental to the local fishing culture. Take part in this unique experience, where you will have the opportunity to learn from one of the last experts along the Calabrian coast who still performs this work by hand. During the lesson, you will learn the traditional technique and the cultural importance of this ancient craft. Immerse yourself in the history and traditions of Calabrian fishing and contribute to the preservation of a precious art. Location: Scalea, Calabria Highlights: Explanation and lesson in repairing fishing nets by hand - an ancient tradition.

Experience the Feast of the Madonna del Lauro (Our Lady of the Laurel) from a unique perspective! On 8 September, join Antonio by boat to accompany the statue of the Madonna for the procession along the coastline, and enjoy the fireworks from the water. It's a special opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Scalea's most beloved traditions, experiencing the beauty of the festival from the sea. This experience is offered as a "gift to the Madonna," and you're invited to make a donation in her honour. **Bookings are essential.** Location: Scalea, Calabria Highlights: Boat Tour for the Feast of the Madonna del Lauro.

A way to save the season’s harvest, a family ritual, and a loving gesture passed down through generations. Join Giuliana and Giuseppe at Sarubbi to discover the traditional Calabrian art of preserving food — from making passata sauces to preparing fruit jams, pickled vegetables, and other homemade delights that fill the pantry for the year ahead. An invitation to celebrate the roots of this ancient tradition and to keep it alive, one jar at a time. Location: Santa Maria del Cedro, Calabria (9.3km from Scalea ~ 12 minutes) Highlights: Introduction to the history and tradition of preserves. Hands-on demonstration (recipe depending on the season). Explanation of how to replicate this tradition at home. Mini tasting of the products made. Small sample to take home.

Crispy like chips... but not made of potatoes! In this curious and tasty experience, you'll discover a Calabrian specialty made with peppers (capsicums)! A perfect mix of curiosity, tradition, and a delightful Calabrian crunch! You'll learn the history and production technique of this unique snack, enjoying it as tradition demands: with a fried egg! A jar of this artisanal delight will be your little crunchy souvenir. Location: Santa Maria del Cedro, Calabria (9.3km from Scalea ~ 12 minutes) Highlights: Introduction to the tradition of Calabrian "chips". Tasting with fried egg, as tradition demands. Jar to take home.

Discover a precious tradition at risk of disappearing: panicelli, small, fragrant sweets made with raisins and a hint of cedro, wrapped in cedro leaves and tied with a string of "ginestra" plant. This recipe is traditionally prepared in preparation for Christmas and typically enjoyed at the end of a meal. Together with Stefania, our "contadina" (farmer) and guardian of tradition, you will learn all about the various methods to this ancient process. Staying true to tradition. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7km from Scalea ~10 minutes) Highlights: Introduction to the tradition of panicelli. Demonstration & preparation of the panicelli. Tasting of the ready-made panicelli.

Before refrigerators or preservatives, nature was our only ally. In this experience, you’ll discover the traditional farming method used to transform fresh grapes into raisins — an ancient practice that once ensured a family’s fruit supply for the entire year, and one that is now becoming increasingly rare. With Stefania, a guardian of these precious antique methods, you’ll learn how to prepare and tie grape clusters following the natural method passed down through generations. Where nature preserves, and tradition protects. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7km from Scalea ~ 10 minutes) Includes: Introduction to the traditional grape-drying method. Hands-on activity: preparing and tying grape clusters in preparation for drying.

There was a time when nature was the family's pantry, and wild chicory was a precious gift from the fields: easy to find, easy to cook, and perfect for creating a complete meal with beans. Stefania welcomes you for an experience steeped in memory and tradition: you'll set out to pick chicory greens, learn how to prepare them, and finally taste the traditional dish of wild chicory and beans, just as Nonna makes it. A journey through the flavours of peasant cuisine: warm, hearty and authentic. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7km from Scalea ~10 minutes) Highlights: Guided walk to pick wild chicory. Preparation of sautéed chicory. Tasting of the traditional dish of chicory and beans.

There is a special moment in summer when one of Italy’s most beloved traditions comes to life: making the passata with the ripened tomatoes. Together with Stefania, you will experience the traditional preparation of tomato passata, just as it was done traditionally. From fresh tomatoes grown in her own fields to the careful process of transforming them into sauce, you will discover each step that allows the flavours of summer to be preserved for the entire year. After preparing the passata, you will sit down to enjoy a simple and heartfelt meal (just like tradition demands): pasta with the freshly made passata sauce. A simple and authentic experience where the land, methods passed down, and authentic flavours come together. Location: Marcellina, Calabria (7.7 km from Scalea ~ 10 minutes) Highlights: Preparation of traditional tomato passata using freshly harvested tomatoes grown by Stefania. Light lunch with pasta using in the passata you prepared. Fresh tomato salad with homemade bread or traditional hard bread. A glass of wine. ~ A special addition thanks to our Curious Explorers David & Bella.

An experience to rediscover the connection between nature and traditional remedies. During this guided walk, Serena will accompany you along beautiful natural paths, sharing the ancient knowledge passed down by her grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Starting from the village of Laino Borgo and moving towards untouched nature, you will learn to recognise wild herbs and understand their traditional uses. Through a sensory experience, you will discover the scents, colours and subtle details of the plant world, reconnecting with the rhythms of the earth. An invitation to slow down, observe and be amazed by the richness of nature. Location: Laino Borgo, Calabria (54.8km from Scalea ~ 1 hour) Highlights: Guided nature walk. Wild herb recognition. Introduction to the traditional uses of plants.

A journey to rediscover the wisdom of Nonna. In this experience, Serena will guide you through the world of local and seasonal plants, sharing their traditional uses and benefits just as they were passed down through generations by her grandmother and great-great-grandmother. You will learn to recognise wild herbs and understand their properties through their characteristics, rediscovering their natural role in everyday wellbeing. A celebration of traditional herbal know-how and the preservation of ancient knowledge. Location: Laino Borgo, Calabria (54.8km from Scalea ~ 1 hour) Highlights: Informative session on local and seasonal plants. Introduction to the traditional uses and benefits of wild herbs. Stories of ancient herbal practices passed down from Nonna. Opportunity to explore specific curiosities or interests on request. A small natural keepsake to take home.

Once upon a time, fresh produce was gathered in summer and prepared to be eaten throughout winter. In this experience, you will discover the ancient art of drying typical vegetables from Giuseppe’s veggie patch: a traditional method used in the town of Verbicaro and passed down through generations to preserve the land’s produce. Together with Giuseppe and Brunella, you will gather ingredients and follow along on this process, just as it was done in the past. After the workshop, you will stay for a shared lunch where you will taste traditional local dishes. A journey into ancient cooking traditions and methods that speak of seasonality, patience and rural wisdom. Location: Verbicaro, Calabria (18.7 km from Scalea ~ 30 minutes) Highlights: Harvesting of seasonal ingredients. Explanation of traditional drying methods. Practical workshop of ancient vegetable preservation techniques. Lunch with traditional dishes. Wine from Verbicaro.

Step into the world of the Arnone family and discover the art of coffee production passed down through three generations. In this experience, you'll journey through aromas, roasting traditions, and family stories while discovering the artisanal process that, to this day, is carried out using oak wood fire. Through tastings and fascinating coffee insights, we'll share with you the passion and tradition that have brought every cup to life since 1953. Location: Dipignano, Calabria (100 km from Scalea ~ 1 hour 45 minutes) Highlights: Story of the Arnone family and coffee roasting tradition since 1953. Guided tasting of different coffee varieties. Learn the differences between Arabica and Robusta coffee. Discover the artisanal roasting process and traditional wood-fire roasting method. Pack of coffee to take home.

A small espresso holds an entire world of gestures, emotions, and tradition. In this experience, you'll step into the heart of Italian coffee culture alongside the Arnone family, learning the secrets behind a true Italian espresso. From the traditional moka pot “caffettiera” found in Italian homes to the café counter, you'll enjoy an authentic experience filled with aromas, hands-on practice, and conviviality. A special experience for anyone who loves coffee and wants to truly understand it. Location: Dipignano, Calabria (100 km from Scalea ~ 1 hour 45 minutes) Highlights: Introduction to the history of Italian espresso. Learn how espresso is prepared using both professional machines and the traditional moka pot “caffettiera”. Hands-on espresso-making session. Discover the characteristics of a perfectly prepared Italian espresso.

Discover the fascinating world of the libbani with Monia, Ida and Carmela as they introduce you to this historic Mediterranean tradition that supplied fishermen with sturdy ropes and income for the families. Following techniques passed down through generations of women, you'll experience every stage of the process—from preparing the natural fibre to weaving your own traditional rope. A hands-on experience that transforms a simple blade of grass into a rope made with your own hands. Location: Lauria, Basilicata (39.9 km from Scalea ~ approximately 45 minutes) Highlights: Introduction to the tradition of the libbani and the history of traditional rope making. Learn how to prepare the fibre through soaking and traditional beating techniques. Spin and weave the rope using traditional methods. Create your own rope to take home.

A childhood memory brought back to life. Join Maria as you recreate a simple tradition from the days when families would head out into the countryside carrying homemade food prepared with love and care. Together, you'll prepare this classic recipe in two versions: one with frittata and another with peppers and potatoes. Once ready, we'll wrap everything in a traditional stiavucco cloth bundle before heading off together for a countryside picnic. Location: Scalea, Calabria (4km from Scalea centre ~ 5 minutes) Highlights: Preparation of traditional pane sponzato - bread with frittata, capscium and potatoes. Preparation of the traditional stiavucco picnic bundle. Shared countryside picnic including house wine.

On cold winter days, when the scent of wood smoke fills the air, it means only one thing: it's time for the pig preparations! Join Maria for one of the most important traditions of rural life: the ritual of the pig. A tradition passed down for centuries, you'll discover how every part of the animal is carefully prepared as we step into the laboratory to explore age-old techniques, from preparing the meat to crafting traditional Calabrian cured meats using recipes handed down through generations. The day follows the rhythms of the countryside, beginning with a traditional farmer's breakfast before preparing a classic rural lunch together and gathering around the table to enjoy. Location: Scalea, Calabria (4km from Scalea centre ~ 5 minutes) Highlights: Traditional farmer's breakfast. Visit to the farm animals and pigs. Introduction to traditional pig butchering and processing. Practical demonstration and participation in preparing traditional cured meats. Preparation and shared countryside lunch. House wine.

Experience one of the most authentic moments of the Italian summer: harvesting tomatoes and making traditional tomato sauce (passata). Begin in the fields, picking ripe tomatoes under the summer sun before transforming them together using simple techniques that have been passed down through generations. From field to table, you'll discover every step of this cherished family tradition. You’ll finish with a shared lunch where the freshly made tomato sauce takes centre stage. Location: Scalea, Calabria (4km from Scalea centre ~ 5 minutes) Highlights: Tomato harvesting in the fields. Traditional tomato sauce (passata) preparation. Preparation of lunch featuring freshly made tomato sauce. House wine. A bottle of passata to take home.

Discover an ancient farming tradition with Maria: the preparation of sun-dried tomatoes. Begin by harvesting tomatoes at Valle Lao Farm before preparing them together for the drying process, where time, patience and generations of knowledge come together. Finish your experience by tasting the homemade sun-dried tomatoes, and take some home as a reminder of the flavour that captures the warmth of the summer sun. Location: Scalea, Calabria (4km from Scalea centre ~ 5 minutes) Highlights: Tomato harvest. Introduction to the traditional drying process. Tasting of homemade sun-dried tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes to take home.

Enjoy a unique experience among the cedro trees, discovering one of Calabria's most distinctive fruits and an authentic symbol, specific to this region and area. You'll take part in harvesting cedro while learning about their fascinating history and deep connection to the local traditions. You will then gather in the fields for a traditional farmer's lunch, sitting together on blankets, sharing food, stories and the simple joy of being together. Location: Scalea, Calabria (4km from Scalea centre ~ 5 minutes) Highlights: Possibility to participate in the Cedro harvest at Valle Lao Farm. Introduction to the history and traditions of the Cedro. Traditional countryside lunch in the fields.

Spend a day following the rhythms of the fig harvest alongside Serena and her family. From picking the figs and preparing them for drying, to cooking a traditional farmhouse lunch and beginning the slow process of making fig molasses and jam, you'll discover the patience, care and passion behind one of Calabria's long-standing farming traditions. An authentic experience to slow down, share and enjoy a day in the countryside as part of the family. Location: Aieta, Calabria (21km from Scalea ~ 28 minutes) Highlights: Fig harvesting with Serena and her family. Preparing the figs for traditional drying. Gathering ingredients from the vegetable garden to prepare a traditional farmhouse lunch together. Introduction to making fig molasses and fig jam.