AGRICLUB LE GIARE

The Riviera dei gelsomini, named after the perfumed jasmine flowers that are to be found in abundance, covers the stretch of the coast on the Ionian Sea from Brancaleone to Monasterace, in the province of Reggio Calabria. Although the area is unspoiled by mass tourism, it is a veritable treasure trove in terms of history, art and natural beauty. Visitors can choose to explore Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Norman historical sites, to find out about the history of the people who have inhabited this part of Italy. More than a thousand or two thousand years later their heritage is still in evidence among the local people whose speech sounds more like Greek and Latin, and for whom hospitality, alongside food and the family, is sacred.

The farm‘s guest accommodation comprises 10 independent apartments of varying size and layout (one-room, two-room and three-room apartments), which can sleep a maximum of 40 people. The buildings are scattered here and there in peaceful verdant surroundings and each has its own patio with a view of the countryside. They are comfortably furnished and have fully equipped kitchens.

The farm restaurant belongs to the category of "Convivial Farm-Holiday Restaurants" ("Ristoro Agrituristico Conviviale") by Agriturist (the National Association for Farm Holidays, the Environment and the Territory). In order to qualify for this status the restaurant must meet specific regulatory standards and requirements.

Facilities and activities on the farm:
* Swimming pool
* Tennis
* Table tennis
* Games room
* Diving courses
Facilities and activities off the farm:
* Excursions
* Diving
* Hiking
Guests are covered by "Agrisicura", a public liability insurance policy issued by FATA, for the duration of their stay at Agriclub Le Giare.

Home produce:
* oil
* fruit (lemons, oranges, tangerines, figs, pomegranates)
* vegetables (peppers, chillies, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, racket)
* grapes
* meat: pork, goat, chicken, salami (capicollo, salamini, lard, soppressata)
* liqueurs and digestifs (made with lemon, tangerine, bay, basil, wild fennel, mint, cinnamon, liquorice).

Agriclub Le Giare is situated in an ideal position to get the most out of a holiday in this part of Italy: 4 km from Gioiosa Jonica (with a marina) and Roccella Jonica (an eighteenth-century fortified town); 10 km from Locri Epizefiri (archaeological excavations), 20 km from Gerace (a mediaeval town and a fine heritage site), 30 km from Stilo (where the wonderful Byzantine church, La Cattolica, is to be found). A little further afield are such places as: Bivongi (the Marmarico waterfall and the Byzantine monastery of San Giovanni Theresti, 40 km away); Samo (source of the Verde River, 40 km); Serra San Bruno (a Benedictine chartreuse, 80 km); Palmi (Ethnographic Museum, 45 km); Scilla (fishing village and Ulysses‘ rock, 70 km); and the regional capital Reggio Calabria (Strait of Messina, the Riace Bronzes and archaeological museum, 100 km).

The agriturismo is on an isolated stretch of the coast. Access to the beach is via an underpass from the farm itself directly to a wide sandy beach (this feature is usually much appreciated by those who want to forget about traffic, cars, and parking). Those who feel so inclined can spend all day in their swimsuit.
While the lack of tourism infrastructure has always been perceived as hindering the economic development of the area, it has helped to keep our beaches unspoilt – nothing but crystal clear blue seas, deserted sunny beaches, and no sun loungers or umbrellas for miles around. We put up two wide sun-shades made of bamboo and palm leaves every year to offer protection from the scorching summer heat.

The farm stands on about twenty hectares, mainly given over to olives (4,000 trees) and citrus groves (2,000 tangerine and 1,000 lemon trees). A large kitchen garden of over a hectare provides us with most of our fresh produce.
Our oil is home-produced using the traditional cold-pressed method and a press that is the pride of the farm.
Some small-scale stock raising completes our range of farming activities. We have horses, pigs, sheep, goats, cows, chickens and other fowl - a great opportunity for the kids to observe these wonderful animals at close quarters.

How to get here:
Plane: nearest airports are Lamezia Terme (111 km) and Reggio Calabria (111 km). A pick-up service can be arranged for you if required.
Train: all trains to and from the north stop at Roccella Jonica (4 km).
Car: leave the Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway at Rosarno for Marina di Gioiosa Jonica, turn off onto the SS 106, which is 2 km from the farm.