Kayak tour from Favazzina to Chianalea on the Costa Viola

Have you ever heard of the 'Little Venice of the South'?

That's how Chianalea di Scilla is nicknamed, a unique fishing village where colourful houses are reflected in the sea. Get ready to discover it with a 2½-hour kayak tour from Favazzina!

Together with a federal instructor, you will immerse yourself in the wonders of the Calabrian Costa Viola. Paddle in hand, off you go!

What we will do

We will meet 10 minutes before the indicated time in Favazzina (RC), a hamlet of Scilla.

We will be welcomed by our guide and federal instructor, who will provide us with equipment and give us a short briefing before entering the water. We will learn the basic paddling manoeuvres and the main safety notions.

Then we will be ready to go! We will paddle along the rocky coastline to the south, accompanied by the views of the Costa Viola. This stretch of coastline owes its name to the purplish reflections that the sea and rocks take on at sunset, but even during the day the colours will leave us breathless. We will admire Capo Pacì, a reef characterised by a forest of gorgonia and a panoramic view of the Strait of Messina and the Ruffo Castle.

After about 4 km of paddling we will reach Chianalea di Scilla, a fishing village known as the 'little Venice of the South'. Its houses resting directly on the rocks, the fishermen's nets stretched out in the sun and the boats that seem to be moored in the courtyards make this village a magical, timeless place.

A member of staff will be waiting for us here to collect our equipment and return our belongings. We can stop to visit the village, eat in one of the little restaurants by the sea and return to Favazzina on our own by train. For a small extra charge, it will be possible to ask the staff to take us back to the meeting point.

The activity will last a total of 2½ hours.

Who it is aimed at

The activity is suitable for everyone, from 10 years of age for paddlers. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Children aged 3 to 6 can only participate as passengers in kayaks accompanied by their parents.

It is mandatory to be able to swim and be in good health; the activity is not suitable for people with heart disease or pregnant women.

The maximum weight is 130 kg for single kayaks and 240 kg for double kayaks.

Other information

The activity takes place from May to September and is confirmed with a minimum of 4 participants.

The itinerary may vary depending on weather and sea conditions.

Attention! The excursion ends in Chianalea and includes an independent return by train (ticket not included). On request, it is possible to agree with the organiser to be taken back to the starting point at a cost of approximately €3 per person, to be paid on site: contact the organiser at the contact details given in your booking confirmation email.

Single and double kayaks are available, some of which are equipped to accommodate up to 2 children aged between 3 and 6 with their parents.

There are no toilets, showers or changing rooms at the meeting point. Any personal belongings can be left with the staff during the excursion. Common waterproof bags are also available for storing small items. Waterproof mobile phone cases can be purchased on site, with payment in cash.

It is not possible to participate with your own dog.

The meeting point is easily accessible by public transport (the station is about 600 metres away). There is free parking, but in high season it is difficult to find space.

Recommended clothing

• T-shirt (mandatory)
• Swimming costume

Don't forget to bring

• Rock shoes
• Cap
• Water
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses