Local Information

Town of San Nicola Arcella

Perched between the two larger towns of Praia-a-Mare and Scalea, San Nicola offers a nice retreat from these busier places during the summer months. The seafood and pasta dishes served in the areas restaurants are excellent. The local fisherman in the area, catch fresh Mediterranean fish each day of the year, supplying the local markets and restaurants with unparalleled seafood. The cost of eating-out in San Nicola is surprisingly inexpensive. Local house wines contribute additional culinary depth.

The local history is based on a Roman guard tower used to defend against the Saracene and Byzantine invaders. The tower is known by the locals as "Torre Crawford", named as such after the famous American novelist Francis Marion Crawford, who is said to have fallen in love with the myth surrounding a princess who was said to have been kept by enemies in the tower. Out of the arms of her lover, she died of heart break.

During the summer evenings, San Nicola has a lively piazza in the "centro storico" - historical center, where the old buildings are colorfully decorated. The Church of San Nicola da Tolentino constructed in the 17th century is worth a visit for the ceiling decoration and wood carved statues which are estimated to date back to the 16th century.

Local Markets

In our local markets, you will find a large selection of local cheeses, spicy salami, hot peppers, vegetables, sundried tomatoes, nuts, oranges, sweet cantaloupes, watermelons, lemons, fresh bread, pastries and gelati. Local wines, ceramics and giftware are available in many of the town's shops. Most of the shops and markets close at 1:00 pm for lunch and reopen around 4:30 pm.

CRAI Supermercato, Via Nazionale, San Nicola Arcella
Local supermarket, offering food and household products, is only 10 minutes from the villa. The market is open daily.

Latticini Salumeria, San Nicola Arcella
This market is 5 minutes from the villa offering a selection of cheeses, sliced meats, olives, and breads. The market is open daily.

Antichi Sapori di Calabria, Via Nazionale, 57, San Nicola Arcella
This shop sells typical products from Calabria, fresh mozarella D.O.P., locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and a variety of wines from the region. The shop is open during the summer season.

Panificio, Via Nazionale, San Nicola Arcella This is a local bakery that offers a large selection of pastries, bread, tomato pies, and croissants filled with chocolate or vanilla cream. Espresso and cappuccinos are served through out the day. Gelati is served during the summer season. The bakery is open daily.

Restaurants and Bars

The food of Calabria consists of an abundance of fresh locally caught fish and seafood such as pesce spada (local swordfish), fresh locally grown fruit and vegetables, simple fresh pasta, brick oven pizzas and a variety of meats. Each town has its own pasta specialties from fusilli to lasagna. Calabrians know the best sauces to pair with each pasta dish, combining tomatoes, eggplant and peppers. Espresso, cappuccino and gelati are available in many of the area bars.

Serpente Rosso - Ristorante & Pizzeria
S.S. 18
San Nicola Arcella (CS)
Tel: 0985 3141
e-mail: serpenterosso@libero.it
The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Offering excellent pasta, pizza, fish and meats. Open year round.

Il Casale - Locale Tipico Pizzeria
C/so Lo Monaco
San Nicola Arcella (CS)
Tel: 349 6907156
During summer, meals served on their beautiful terrace. Open year round.

Restaurant – Hotel Ristorante San Giorgio
SS 18
Tel: 0985 3103
Email: ossorocco@libero.it
www.hotel-san-giorgio.it
The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Offering excellent pasta, pizza, fish and meats. Open year round.

Il Furano Ristorante - Bar
Lungomare di San Nicola Arcells
Tel: 0985 300644
Cucina Tipica Marinara Calabrese
Located at the beach, specializing in fresh seafood and fish. Open year round.

Ristorante L'Incontro
Piazza A. Siciliani
San Nicola Arcella
Tel: 0985.3208
Located on the main piazza in the historical center. Offers brick oven pizza and pasta.

Ristorante La Terrazza
Hotel Villa Principe
Corso Umberto 1, 8
San Nicola Arcella
Tel: 0985.3125
During the summer, eat on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Open year round.

For a complete listing of recommended restaurants and bars in the Scalea area, click on this Restaurant and Bars link.