Grisolia, Calabria
Overview
Discover Grisolia: Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel
The town's people of the town of Grisolia like to debate the origins of the town's name. Some say, it comes from the Greek word "Chrousolea", while others insist it comes from the Spanish word "Chrisena". In either case, the word means "gold", which used to abound in the valley below, and attracted the area's fair share of warring armies.
Then, as now, Grisolia overlooks the immense and mineral-rich valley from a precipitous height, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the coastal towns that sprinkle the banks of the Mediterranean in either direction.
During the last 30 years, in the valleys below Grisolia, historians have uncovered coins and other artefacts, such as burial cases, that date back to pre-Roman tribal groups such as the Enotrians, Brutians and Lucanians.
The location and composition of the coins, which are believed to date to at least 1300, BC suggest to archaeologists, anthropologists and historians, that Grisolia played a very important military and economic role among the first Italic tribes in the area during Pre-Roman times.
Its position as a major town is due to the fact that Grisolia occupies an historically strategic position on the hem of high cliffs more than 450 meters above the sea.
As difficult as it must have been for an attacking army to overtake it, the town, like others in Calabria, has been occupied at one time or another by Greeks, Romans, Barbarians, Spanish, Normans, Byzantines, Albanians, and Turks, all of whom have left their mark on local culture, language, food and architecture.
The village of Grisolia has a distinctively medieval feel, with small doorways and stairwells sized to fit the inhabitants, with alleys and streets that unexpectedly converge making the town a stone labyrinth. A lack of government money - which is spent more lavishly on the tourist-thronged coastal towns - ensures that the town will retain its rustic and weathered look for some time to come.
Wandering around the village a visitor will be struck by the Norman castle at the height of the town, with an ancient church behind, reminding everyone through the ages, who was in charge.
Poor though it may be, Grisolia is worth a visit, to see its gravity defying houses carved into the golden cliffs, the women who carry most everything on their heads, and to soak up the long and rich history that is embedded in every brick and stone.
Grisolia in pictures
Gallery
A few frames from our own trips. The rest are in the gallery below.
Map
Get your bearings before you go
Photo Gallery
Explore Towns and Cities in Calabria
Every town here has its own personality. We know them by name.
Aieta
Altomonte
Amantea
Cedri Riviera Calabria
Cosenza
Diamante
Dino Island
Gerace
Grisolia
Lamezia Terme
Lavender Fields of the Parco Pollino National Park at Morano Calabro
Maiera
Morano Calabro
Orsomarso
Papasidero
Parco Pollino
Pentidattelo
Praia a Mare
San Nicola Arcella
Scalea
Scilla & Chianalea
Stilo
Tortora
Tropea
Vibo Valentia
Our Featured Properties
Stays we picked one by one
Italy,Calabria,Praia a Mare
Italy,Calabria,Vibo Valentia
Popular Transfer Routes in Grisolia
The rides our guests ask for most, with a driver who knows the way.
Italy Vacation Specialists provides licensed private transfer services throughout Italy, including Grisolia and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, our professional English-speaking drivers offer both Business Class and Luxury Class vehicles for airport transfers, city-to-city rides, and full-day chauffeur services. All vehicles are fully insured, well-maintained, and operated by vetted local drivers who know the roads, traffic patterns, and best routes across the region.
Every journey is different. Tell us where you need to go.
Request a Transfer QuoteQuick Enquiry Form
Tell us about your dream trip and we'll craft the perfect itinerary for you.
In their words
Stories That Stay With You
Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys
From the journal
IVS Magazine
Latest
8 June 2026
Visiting Rome During a Heat Wave? Read This Before You Go
Read the piece
Plan it with us
For customized holidays and expert advice for travel in Italy and the Mediterranean, Get in touch with your travel agent or contact us via our.
-
Direct In Italy: +39 375 823 5314
-
Toll Free: 1-866-779-2565