Diamante, Calabria

Diamante Calabria: Culinary Tour - Cooking Classes - Pepperoncino, Calabria

Explore the Cities and Towns of Calabria

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Overview

Jutting out into the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean, the windows of Diamante reflect the sharp light of the hot Calabrian sun.
 
The city is famous for its murals that were initiated in the 1900's by artists who wanted to paint but couldn't afford canvas. Today, the narrow streets within the town, drip with colour, expression and creativity, artists have poured into the city.
 
Diamante is considered by Italians one of Italy’s prettiest towns and is without question one one of the country’s most artistically inspiring.  In spite of its colourful appeal however, Diamante is also one of Italy’s most over-looked beautiful cities, by travelers to the Southern regions of the country. 
 
Diamante, not only famous for the mural works which cover the city’s walls, has centuries, been renowned throughout Italy for the hot peppers, which hang from every balcony, known as Peperoncini, used in any number of Calabresi dishes, such as the spicy Sopressatta sausage, Pecorino cheese, jarred ‘nduja (a very spicy pesto).

More commonly, the Peperoncini is known in Italy as “Piccante” a type of hot-sauce Italians sprinkle on everything from pasta to bruschetta.  The peppers, are an extremely important part of local culinary traditions in Calabria are in fact part of what distinguishes southern Italian food from that of the north, where pasta dishes are mild by comparison.  As the peppers are harvested at the end of each summer in Calabria, the communities come together to celebrate.  The Pepperoncino is also said to have some very special "side effects" as well and is known as Viagra for the poor..... 
 
 

This small spicy pepper bursting with flavour is at the centre of the festival which comes to a head each year in Diamante from September 5th to 9th.  More than 100,000 people from all over Southern Italy come to participate in the festivities known as “The South’s Carnival”, where dancing on every street corner, open-air bars, men on stilts and traditional music continue well into the late hours of the night.  
 
Visiting Diamante anytime of year however, will leave visitors satisfied, for the city beams with colour, life and style.  Churches, fish markets and cafes await art enthusiasts and those simply looking to enjoy a beautiful seaside retreat.
 
 

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Stories That Stay With You

Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys

“We're home now from the most amazing trip to Italy! I can't thank you enough for your efforts and coordination of what was without question the finest vacations I've been on to date.”
[Read More] Carol Carson
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[Read More] Nicole Haddad, Lebanese Travel Agent
“The trip was great; we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details, in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.”
[Read More] Leon and Michele
“I traveled with JoAnn West through your services, guided by Giuseppe, in July of this year. What a wonderful experience; your service is really top notch! If I return to Italy for a tour, I will absolutely use your services again and recommend you to my friends!”
[Read More] Lucretia Brower
“Jesse, There are no words to describe the fabulous time we had in Italy. Everything went as you promised. Absolutely no problems! The venues were fabulous. The guides were punctual and helpful. It couldn't have worked out better. You and your staff deserve high praise for the quality and efficiency of your work. BTW, Guiseppe was an absolute delight. We enjoyed his informative and effervescent per”
[Read More] Jo Ann West
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[Read More] JoAnne Beaudoin, Retired Nurse
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[Read More] Sean & Veet Chapman, CGA
“As a travel agent, but also a traveler to Italy, thee is no other company I would recommend than the Italy Vacation Specialists. Not only do they really care about what they are doing, they also really know Italy and try to educate many people about ways they can best see the country and not fall into tourist traps. I have been on 4 trips with the IVS team, firstly when they did my first 2 trips f”
[Read More] Laura Chomiak, Travel Agent
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[Read More] Ann Brownell, KHM Travel Group
“I am a travel agent with All About Honeymoons and I would highly recommend Italy Vacation Specialists. Jessica was wonderful in helping us plan in a last minute anniversary vacation during high season without any issues. She even checked on our clients while on vacation to make sure things were going well. I plan on using them again soon for all my future bookings!”
[Read More] Tammy Joyce, All About Honeymoons

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