Chianalea di Scilla

Chianalea is the old fishermen's quarter of Scilla in Calabria, on the eastern shore of the Strait of Messina. A rocky spur separates it from the Marina Grande, with its sandy beach and restaurants. Chianalea is considered the oldest and most atmospheric part of the town: small fishermen's houses, some of them dating from the 17th century, stand right on the rocks, with narrow lanes running down to the water between them. The name probably derives from "Piano della Galea", an old boat used for swordfishing, and Scilla was a centre of that trade for a long time. Locals still mend nets and boats here today.

A walk through the lanes usually takes a little under an hour. From Castello Ruffo above the quarter you look out over the coast and, in the distance, the Aeolian Islands. The lanes are very narrow, so plan to explore on foot; the light is loveliest in the late afternoon and around sunset.