Between the Tyrrhenian Sea and Mt. Mancuso in Calabria, the toe of Italy, the location of the “VOTA” agriculture and tourist centre gives the visitor wonderful opportunities to enjoy both the sunshine and incredible views over the Savuto valley delta, in whose topographical and archaeological features we can see shadows of the Acropolis of the mythical city of Temesa, the Ager Tempsanus of the Roman era, with the backdrop of the vast expanse of the Mediterranean.
Situated at 412m. above sea level and covering an area of 35ha., the centre is next to the Campodorato (Golden Field), one of the main maritime terraces of the Great Stairway of Calabria.
Other nearby tourist attractions include the sulphur springs of Caronte, 30km. away and equipped with modern curative baths; the Church of Saint Bernard of Siena, in Amantea 20 km. away, which dates back to the 14th century; and the historic centre of Tropea, 50km. away. During Holy Week, Nocera Tirinese plays host to the parade of the flagellants, locally known as vattienti.
The centre’s old farmstead has been completely restored and its welcoming rooms are all equipped with their own bathroom with either bath of shower. Visitors can also choose to stay in an old cottage in rooms with private bathroom guaranteeing independence and discretion. The centre has a total of 28 beds. There is also a parking-space reserved for our guests’ use
Both buildings overlook the Savuto valley and have views of the endless-seeming countryside covered with olive-groves marked out by lines of century-old oaks, and of the enchanting sea which is only ten minutes away.
Thanks to its hilly location and the nearby presence of the mountains, the centre abounds in oligomineral-water springs; there are also fungi and strawberries in abundance, along with other produce found in the underbrush such as raspberries, citrus fruits and bitter cherries, all of which are used to make delicious liqueurs and other drinks according to local recipes and techniques. We have also been producing honey for over ten years, and olive oil for over a hundred. Much of the produce used in our restaurant is our own; typical products on offer include oil, wine, wine-vinegar, honey, all kinds of organic vegetables, free-range chickens, rabbits, “suppressata” (brawn) and “purmunara”, jams and preserves.
The centre also offers visitors various recreational and cultural possibilities, including trekking, “bocce” (bowls), table-tennis, a small library, swimming-pool and barbecue.
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