San Lucido, Calabria

San Lucido

Explore the Cities and Towns of Calabria

Our Local Expertise

Over 20 years of crafting exceptional journeys across San Lucido

Licensed & Certified

We work exclusively with accredited guides and professional chauffeurs across Italy.

Local Knowledge

Our team lives and works here, offering insight beyond the landmarks.

Tailored for You

Every itinerary is thoughtfully crafted around your pace, from private dawn tours to intimate vineyard tastings.

Overview

The town of San Lucido sits on a rocky out-cropping jutting into the wilds of the Tyrrhenian sea, whose waves break at the village's feet (52 meters above the sea) as they have done for centuries. 
 
On clear days, at the head of the town, clear views of the Eolian Islands are visible and from this standpoint it is easy to envision what the inhabitants of San Lucido must have witnessed over centuries as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, French, Spanish, Arabic and Turkish empires competed for control of the "toe" of the Italian peninsula.
 
Needless to say, San Lucido's history is expansive and it pre-dates the Romans and even the Greeks.  Archeological findings have revealed that San Lucido was inhabited by the "Bruti", a native tribe who battled the Greeks and then joined them in fighting to keep out the Romans.  Evidence of vases, coins, and common household utilities have all been found in and around San Lucido from each of the succeeding empires.
 
The name "San Lucido" itself, takes from a monk who inhabitted the town's monastery.  The literal meaning of "Lucido" is "lucid" and important religious monments are an important part of the cultural landscape throughout the town.
 
One of the most impressive churches is the Sant'Annunziata, whose architecture is typically Romanesque-Gothic, with some interior consists frescoes doen in the Byzantine era. 
 
The church of  San Giovanni, which sits ext to San Lucido's dominating castle is another.   Here, an alter from 1789 reveals wood-work carvings which predate 1600. 
 
The Festas at San Lucido, that you won't want to miss:
 
Madonna del Rosario
The event is held on the 7th of October of every year.  The festival is held in the honor of the Madonna of Rosario.  Here, visitors will witness local folk artists play their traditional music as the mass proceeds from the church.  
 
Santa Maria di Monte Persano
The event is held on the 2nd of  September of every year, to celebrate the end of summer.  It is both a religious and civil festival, where flags line the streets and people from around Calabria come to sell their wares.  The festivities continue well into the night.  
 
San Leonardo 
The events for the san Leonardo festival take place from the 5th to 11th of November.  The festivities are of a religious nature, in honour of San Leonardo. A large part of the festivities take place on the "Lungo Mare" or seawll, where a large market is set up. 
 
San Giovanni Battista
This event is held from the 23rd to the 24th of June.  This is one of San Lucido's biggest festivals, and is both relgious and secular in nature.  The festival is in honour of the patron saint, Battista, but apart from the religious rites which take place, there is a large jazz festival and plays which take place in the centre of town.  At night, large displays of fireworks are visible. 
 
- By Jesse Andrews 2005 

Map

Our Featured Properties

Quick Enquiry Form

Tell us about your dream trip and we'll craft the perfect itinerary for you.

Plan your trip with us

Stories That Stay With You

Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys

“In September of 2018 I brought a group of 12 from Venice to Sicily and organized all of my services with the Italy Vacation Specialists. Being a travel agent and in the business, I know how complicated organizing travel arrangements can be in Italy and the IVS team took a huge burden off of me! I would like to start of by saying "THANK YOU" both for the amazing job you did on our trip. There was n”
[Read More] Ann Brownell, KHM Travel Group
“This company really knows their stuff and recommended our family to stay longer in each location. We didn't listen to them, but wished we had in every single place we went. They recommended Sestri Levante over the Cinque Terre which was our favourite destination on our entire trip. We visited Rome where we stayed in the outstanding Hotel Locorno where they know the owner there, like in every place”
[Read More] Sean & Veet Chapman, CGA
“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
“I went to high school with the owner of the company who organized my honeymoon for myself and my now wife from Tokyo. We spent three short weeks seeing Piedmont and experiencing wine paradise there, then heading to Nice in France with our private driver and flying to Rome where honestly 4 days is NOT enough. They keep saying to spend more time and we could not agree more! You need to spend more ti”
[Read More] Robin and Kumi Bruun, Tokyo Japan
“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
“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
“Jesse & Giuseppe, Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.”
[Read More] Bob & Sandy
“In August 2018, my family of four and myself travelled from Vancouver, BC to Rome Italy and spent 3 weeks touring Italy with IVS. This company had come highly recommended by many friends and associates of ours who had used them before and indeed to say they do an outstanding job is an understatement. You can tell while being in Italy that it is one complicated place to run tours in, just by the sh”
[Read More] Vijaya Sunil CPA, CGA
“I have traveled to Italy 2x with the IVS for my own pleasure trips and 2x for business with IVS. These guys really pay attention and make your trip go like clockwork. Italy is nuts, just saying! There are so many rules and restrictions now, so we did not want to drive ourselves. Having traveled with them many times and done business on several occasions, most definitely USE this company. They know”
[Read More] JoAnne Beaudoin, Retired Nurse
“Dear Guiseppe and Jesse, We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future. Hotels 1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were p”
[Read More] Ron and Deb Crosby

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