Villa San Giovanni

#1131 among destinations in Italy

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Nestled in the Calabria region of Italy, Villa San Giovanni is a charming coastal city known for its stunning sea views and rich history. The city is located on the southern tip of the Italian peninsula, offering picturesque landscapes and a mild Mediterranean climate that make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful seaside retreat.

One of the main attractions in Villa San Giovanni is the breathtaking views of the Strait of Messina, which separates the Italian mainland from the island of Sicily. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, where they can admire the crystal-clear waters and watch the ferries that shuttle passengers between the two shores. The city's beautiful beaches also offer the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming, making it a popular summer destination for locals and tourists alike.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Villa San Giovanni, as the city is home to several ancient landmarks and archaeological sites. The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with its stunning Baroque architecture, is a must-see for those interested in religious history, while the remains of an ancient Roman villa provide insight into the city's ancient past.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Villa San Giovanni also boasts a vibrant culinary scene that showcases the best of Calabrian cuisine. Visitors can sample local specialties such as swordfish, nduja (spicy spreadable salami), and a variety of fresh seafood dishes at the city's charming restaurants and trattorias.

Alternative names: Population: 13.7 thous.Area: 4.7 mi²Coordinates: 38°13'6"N, 15°38'16"E

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CalabriaItaly

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Day trips

Villa San Giovanni – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Interdisciplinary Regional Museum, Capo Peloro Lighthouse, John of Austria, Punta Pezzo Lighthouse.

4 miW
Museum
Interdisciplinary Regional Museum, Messina
102 min walk • Nestled in the vibrant city of Messina, the Interdisciplinary Regional Museum, known locally as Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and artistic history of this Sicilian metropolis.
3.5 miN
Lighthouse
Capo Peloro Lighthouse, Messina
90 min walk • Capo Peloro Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located in Punta del Faro on the Strait of Messina, the most north-eastern promontory of Sicily, settled in the Province of Messina, the place closest to Calabria.
4.8 miSW
Monuments and statues, Historical place, Memorial
John of Austria, Messina
123 min walk • John of Austria or Don Giovanni d'Austria is a monumental sculpture in bronze, originally gilded, of John of Austria by architect and sculptor Andrea Calamech, a native of Carrara who trained in the Florentine workshop of Bartolomeo Ammannati.
0.9 miN
Lighthouse
Punta Pezzo Lighthouse, Reggio di Calabria
23 min walk • Punta Pezzo Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located in Punta Pezzo, the closest point of Calabria to Sicily.
3.3 miN
19th-century black and white lighthouse
Punta del Faro, Messina
84 min walk • Faro Point is the northeastern promontory of Sicily situated in Messina district at northeast of the city. The village is connected to the city center by two ATM bus lines: line 32 and shuttle line 1.
3.1 miN
Natural attraction, Nature, Lake
Lago di Ganzirri
81 min walk • Nestled in the picturesque region of Sicily, Italy, Lago di Ganzirri is a serene coastal lake that captivates visitors with its tranquil beauty. Known for its clear waters and the lush vegetation that surrounds it, the lake is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by...
4.8 miSW
Church, Romanesque architecture
Chiesa dei Catalani, Messina
123 min walk • The Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani is a church in Messina, Sicily Italy. It is an example of Norman architecture in Sicily. The church dates from the 12th century, when Sicily was under Norman rule.
4.2 miW
Forts and castles
Forte del Santissimo Salvatore, Messina
109 min walk • Forte del Santissimo Salvatore, also known as Castello del Santissimo Salvatore, is a fort in Messina, Sicily. It was built in the mid-16th century, and it is still military property.
0.9 miN
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Punta Pezzo, Reggio di Calabria
23 min walk • Punta Pezzo is a point in Reggio Calabria, southern Italy. It is the closest point of Calabria to Sicily and is the northernmost point of the Calabrian side of the Strait of Messina, lying on the northern channel.
2 miN
Bridge
Strait of Messina Bridge
52 min walk • The Strait of Messina Bridge is a long-planned suspension bridge across the Strait of Messina, that connects the cities of Messina’s Torre Faro and the port city of Villa San Giovanni in Calabria.
4.1 miW
City wall
Fortifications of Messina, Messina
106 min walk • The fortifications of Messina were a series of defensive walls and other fortifications which surrounded the city of Messina, Sicily. The first walls were built during the Middle Ages in around 1200. A system of bastioned fortifications was constructed around the city in the 1530s and 1540s.