Located in Calabria's west coast, this Italian city has thermal springs dating to Roman times, medieval castles, and a growing airport serving southern Italy.
Lamezia Terme, a city of 70,000 residents in Italy's Calabria region, sits between the Tyrrhenian Sea and inland mountains. You can swim in 39°C sulfurous waters at the ancient Roman baths, climb to a Norman castle for views across the Gulf of Saint Euphemia, or taste local DOC wines in Mediterranean vineyards. In the city center, the Lametino Archaeological Museum displays gold jewelry and pottery from the ancient Greek settlement of Terina.
Getting to Lamezia Terme
Lamezia Terme International Airport connects to major Italian cities and European destinations. Take trains to Naples and Reggio Calabria from the central railway station, or use secondary lines to reach Catanzaro and Crotone. The A2 Salerno-Reggio Calabria Motorway runs through the city.
Thermal Waters
Visit the Terme Caronte spa complex on Mount Reventino's slopes to experience four natural springs. The 39°C sulfurous waters flow into multiple pools. While the main facility requires a doctor's prescription for medical treatments, you can swim in a free open-air thermal pool across the street throughout the year. The pool area includes changing rooms and basic facilities.
Norman Castle and Historic District
Climb to the Norman-Swabian castle ruins at 320 meters above sea level. Walk through the San Teodoro district's narrow alleys to find 16th-century churches with baroque altars and medieval stone houses. The castle grounds give you views across the Gulf of Saint Euphemia and the surrounding olive groves.
Local Agriculture and Wine
Visit local vineyards to taste six types of Lamezia DOC wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds. Watch olive oil production at mills pressing Carolea olives for Lametia DOP olive oil. The surrounding farmland grows chestnuts, citrus fruits, and the rare Etrog citrus - a yellow citrus fruit essential for Jewish religious ceremonies.
Museums and Artifacts
Explore the Lametino Archaeological Museum in the Monumental Complex of San Domenico. Walk through three chronological sections to see prehistoric tools, classical Greek pottery, and medieval artifacts. The museum's highlight includes the Treasure of St. Euphemia - a collection of ancient gold items discovered in the 20th century.
Day Trips from Lamezia
Use Lamezia as your base to explore Calabria. Take an hour-long train ride to Tropea's white sand beaches and cliff-top old town. Travel 70 minutes to Catanzaro to walk through the Roman ruins at Scolacium Archaeological Park and see native species at the Mediterranean Biodiversity Park.
