About
Cannitello is a small town on the Calabrian coast of southern Italy, looking across the Strait of Messina towards Sicily. It is a fishing village set on a clifftop, and its position is the first thing most visitors remark on: the sea opens out below, and the views across the water are wide and calm.
What the visit is like
Cannitello suits a slow, unhurried day rather than a packed itinerary. Much of the pleasure lies in simply looking out at the water and watching the ferries make their crossings between the mainland and Sicily, a steady and absorbing sight from the high ground. The water is described as very clear, which makes the coast an appealing place to spend time by the sea.
Eating and drinking
The town's traditional restaurants are a draw in their own right. Local food here centres on the sea, in keeping with a working fishing community, and the meal is a natural way to round off an afternoon on the coast.
Getting the most from it
- Go for the views: the clifftop setting is the reason to come, so give time to the panorama.
- Watch the crossings: the ferry traffic between the mainland and Sicily is a constant point of interest.
- Eat locally: book a traditional restaurant and try the seafood the village is known for.
- Plan around the coast: Cannitello works well as a stop on a wider trip through Calabria and the Strait area.
Cannitello is best for visitors who want scenery, a fishing-village atmosphere and good food, rather than major sights or a lively nightlife. It rewards an unhurried visit with a memorable view of one of the more striking stretches of Italian coast.
