Elevation

[?] Elevation of a city refers to the height above sea level at which the city is located, measured in meters.
3

Population

[?] This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.
11300

Real Population (5km)

[?] Our "Real Population" metric reflects more accurately a town's real size by including inhabitants in the immediate vicinity of the town's official borders.
18100

Air Quality Rating

[?] Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.
84

Region

Calabria

Walkability

Very Walkable

Housing availability

[?] Based on total number of properties (sale and rent) classifies housing availability into five categories: low, relativel ylow, medium, relatively high and high.
High

Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)

105
/ 61

Climate Description

Mild climate, balanced sun and rain, gentle winters, warm summers, ideal for outdoor activities.

Scalea

Calabria

Coastal town in Calabria features historical sites, picturesque beaches, diverse expat community, and low living costs.

Quality of Life Score

[?]Factors in air quality, amenities, walkability, population, and environmental risks. Higher scores suggest better living conditions.

59

Quality of Infrastructure

[?]Measures internet speed, healthcare access, airports, rail, and walkability. Higher scores mean better connectivity and essential services.

56

Quality of Economy

[?]Based on income, property prices, job availability, and population density. Higher scores indicate stronger economic conditions.

63

Summary

Scalea, nestled along Calabria’s stunning Tyrrhenian coast, is increasingly attracting foreign expats seeking a relaxed lifestyle. This charming town offers a blend of historical intrigue and seaside allure, featuring notable sites like the medieval Church of Santa Maria d’Episcopio and the remnants of a Norman castle. Scalea’s picturesque beaches, renowned for their crystal clear waters, provide ample opportunities for swimming and water sports, appealing to both leisure seekers and active retirees.

The expatriate community here is diverse, fostering a vibrant social scene enriched by regular local gatherings and activities. Additionally, a relatively low cost of living and accessible Italian language classes enhance the appeal for newcomers. However, some may find the limited tourism infrastructure and occasional language barrier challenging. Yet, with a congenial atmosphere and stunning surroundings, Scalea continues to be a compelling choice for those looking to embrace Italian life.

✅ Pros

– Beautiful Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
– Rich cultural and historical backdrop to explore and appreciate.
– Opportunities for community integration and social activities available.
– Proximity to stunning beaches and natural landscapes.
– Healthcare facilities available, though quality varies by location.
– Moderate unemployment rate compared to the national average.
– Infrastructure supports basic transportation and accessibility needs.
– Some tourism presence adds vibrancy to local economy.
– Affordable cost of living in comparison to northern Italy.
– Internet connectivity suitable for remote work and communication.

❌ Cons

– Healthcare quality can be disappointingly inconsistent across facilities.
– Limited educational options for families with school-aged children.
– Public transportation may not meet all accessibility needs reliably.
– Air quality can dip below ideal levels on occasion.
– Job opportunities can be scarce, especially for expats.
– Internet speeds may not always be as fast as expected.
– Local amenities may not match larger cities in variety.
– Cultural events may not be as frequent as desired.
– Seasonal tourism can lead to overcrowding in peak months.
– The town may feel too quiet for some adventurous spirits.

Scalea Demographics

Population

[?] This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.

11300

Real Population (5km band)

[?] Our "Real Population" metric reflects more accurately a town's real size by including inhabitants in the immediate vicinity of the town's official borders.

18100

Births Per 100 Deaths

90.0

Population Data Source

ISTAT,2023

Estimated Unemployment Rate

Touristy Index

[?] Calculation of tourist density index for the city, comparing its total tourist number to the overall average tourist number of the region relative to its own population.The index indicates how a location’s tourist density compares to the average, with values above 100 representing higher-than-average density and values below 100 representing lower-than-average density.

Some Tourism

Income per capita (2023)

[?] This is an estimation of average income per resident for this town, based on 2023 data from the Italian Ministry of Finance.

15100

Income rank in Italy (2023)

[?] This is a ranking of the town's average income per resident, against the full list of townships in Italy.

7020 out of 7901

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Closest Airport

Name

Salerno Costa d'Amalfi (Salerno)

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

4

Driving Time

89min(s)

Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport is situated in Pontecagnano Faiano, Italy, and lies 20 kilometres from Salerno and 44 kilometres from the Amalfi Coast, closer than Naples. The airport, with a current runway of 2,000 meters, is gradually resuming services and targets full operations by 2026-2027. It offers seasonal flights to destinations like London, Milan, and resorts in North Africa and Greece, served by airlines including easyJet and British Airways, indicating a focus on leisure travel.

2nd Closest Airport

Name

Lamezia Terme (Lamezia)

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

5

Driving Time

98min(s)

Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) is located in Calabria, southern Italy, approximately 9 km south of the city of Lamezia Terme. It overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and is especially busy during the summer months, accommodating over 2.6 million passengers in 2022. The airport is a hub for low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and WizzAir, offering connections to major Italian cities like Rome and Milan, as well as seasonal flights to destinations like Toronto, Vienna, and Cologne. Notably, the airport does not emphasize any particular hub designation but offers significant connectivity for both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient option for travellers seeking both leisure and business routes.

3rd Closest Airport

Name

Capodichino (Naples)

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

9

Driving Time

119min(s)

Capodichino Airport, officially known as Naples International Airport, is located in Capodichino, Naples, Campania, Italy, approximately 5.9 km north-northeast of Naples city centre. It is the largest airport in Southern Italy, handling over 12 million passengers annually, and serves as a base for airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, Volotea, and Wizz Air. The airport offers connections to major domestic destinations like Milan and Turin, as well as international routes to cities including Barcelona, London, Munich, Frankfurt, and New York City, making it a key hub for travellers in the Mediterranean region.

Closest Rail

Name

Stazione di Scalea-Santa Domenica Talao

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

7

Driving Time

4min(s)

Train service at Stazione di Scalea-Santa Domenica Talao offers a range of connections and frequencies.

– **Rail lines that stop here**: The station serves as a halt for various regional lines in Italy.

– **Key destinations connected by direct trains**: Key destinations include Naples, Napoli Centrale, Rome, Lamezia Terme Centrale, Diamante-Buonvicino, and Pompei. The travel times vary, with the fastest route being to Diamante-Buonvicino at approximately 8 minutes, whilst travel to Rome takes approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes.

– **Train operators**: The primary train operator is Trenitalia, which provides the majority of services at this station.

– **Frequency of departures**: There are multiple departures throughout the day. For example, trains to Naples have up to 16 services daily, while routes to Rome can have around 20 services, indicating a robust service frequency.

– **High-speed trains**: The station primarily features regional trains, with no evident high-speed train services available.

2nd Closest Rail

Name

Stazione di Marcellina-Verbicaro-Orsomarso

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

7

Driving Time

7min(s)

Train service at Stazione di Marcellina-Verbicaro-Orsomarso includes the following:

– **Rail Lines**: The station is served by Trenitalia and Italo.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct connections are available to Scalea-Santa Domenica Talao, Naples, Lamezia Terme Centrale, Napoli Centrale, Reggio di Calabria, and Salerno.
– **Frequency of Departures**: There are approximately 12 trains per day to Scalea-Santa Domenica Talao, 13 to Naples, 14 to Lamezia Terme Centrale, 14 to Napoli Centrale, 15 to Reggio di Calabria, and 13 to Salerno. The first train departs at 06:07 and the last at 20:39.
– **Types of Services**: The station offers a mix of regional trains and connections, with no high-speed trains stopping at this station.

3rd Closest Rail

Name

Stazione di Diamante-Buonvicino

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

7

Driving Time

16min(s)

Train service at Stazione di Diamante-Buonvicino includes the following features:

– **Rail Lines:** Primarily served by Trenitalia and Italo railways.
– **Key Destinations:** The station connects directly to major destinations such as Lamezia Terme Centrale, Rome, Napoli Centrale, Scalea-Santa Domenica Talao, Belvedere Marittimo, and Cosenza.
– **Train Operators:** The primary operators at this station are Trenitalia and Italo.
– **Frequency of Departures:** The train departures vary, with frequent services including approximately 15 trains to Lamezia Terme Centrale, 13 to Rome, 21 to Napoli Centrale, 14 to Scalea-Santa Domenica Talao, 12 to Belvedere Marittimo, and 15 to Cosenza.
– **Types of Trains:** The services include a mix of high-speed and regional trains, providing diverse options for travellers.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Within 10km

Auto Repair Shops

44

Bars

27

Cafes

7

Cinemas

0

Dentists

4

Golf Courses

0

Gyms

2

Health Clinics

0

Hiking Trails

16

Historical Sites

14

Libraries

0

Museums

18

Parks

8

Pharmacies

6

Restaurants

94

Shopping Centres

4

Supermarkets

66

Spas

62

Beach

Name

100 Mt Sx Canale Revoce

Driving Distance

2mins

Water Quality Rating

1 - Excellent

Mountain Resort

Name

Monte Sirino

Driving Distance

54mins

Healthcare

Healthcare Score

[?] Evaluates hospital/clinic access, drive time to care, and regional quality rankings. Higher scores mean better healthcare.

21

Nearest Hospital Name

Praia a Mare-Pronto Soccorso

Drive Time to Nearest Hospital

18 minutes

Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km

0

Local Public Healthcare Provider

A.S.P. COSENZA

Healthcare Quality Description

In this area of Calabria, the healthcare services show mixed results. While the response to heart-related issues, such as readmissions post-heart attack and timely intervention for severe cases, is relatively stronger, other areas present challenges. Emergency treatment for bone fractures and minimally invasive procedures for breast cancer rank below satisfactory standards. The overall provision of local hospital care and recovery efficiency post-surgery are areas of concern, with many indicators falling behind national averages. Prospective residents should carefully consider these factors when evaluating the region’s healthcare quality.

Safety

Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)

[?] Official seismic zones classify areas based on earthquake risk.

Moderate Earthquake Risk

Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants

[?] Calculation of road accidents per 10,000 people based on the number of deaths and injuries registered in roads for year 2022 for the city.

59

Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk

[?] Percentage of the population in high or moderate landslide risk zones. Higher values indicate greater environmental risk.

3

Percentage of Population at Flood Risk

[?] Percentage of the population in high or moderate flood risk zones. Higher values indicate greater environmental risk.

46

Car Insurance Price Index

[?] The car insurance price index is a measure of how a city's average car insurance premium compares to the national average, expressed as a percentage. A value of 100 indicates that the city's premium is equal to the national average. Values above 100 show higher premiums, while values below 100 show lower premiums.

90.777

Housing & Property Market

Housing availability

[?] Based on total number of properties (sale and rent) classifies housing availability into five categories: low, relativel ylow, medium, relatively high and high.

High

Property Prices per m²

[?] Calculation of property sale prices per square meter for apartments, houses in the city. Median (50th Percentile): The midpoint price, where half the values are above and half below. First Quartile (25th Percentile): The price below which 25% of properties fall. Third Quartile (75th Percentile): The price below which 75% of properties fall.

First Quartile

800

Median

1011

Third Quartile

1285

Connectivity & Digital Access

Walkability Description

Very Walkable

Avg Download Speed (Mbps)

105

Fast Download Speed (Mbps)

150

Slow Download Speed (Mbps)

47

Education

Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)

[?] This ranking shows in which decile the town's public schools fall while looking at all the indicators provided by the Italian Ministry of Education for the most recent available year. Note that figures are only provided by the ministry at the school catchment area level, and therefore several schools may be grouped together.

Bottom 10%

Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)

[?] This ranking shows in which decile the town's public schools fall while looking the students' results in national standardised tests. The data is provided by the Italian Ministry of Education for the most recent available year.

Bottom 10%

Counts of School

Climate & Weather

Precipitation

[?] Based on daily climate data for precipitation from OPEN-METEO this parameter indicates how a city's annual precipitation compares to others in terms of percentage, with values ranging from 0 (lowest) to 1 (highest). For example, a percentile rank of 0.75 means the city's total precipitation is higher than 75% of other cities.

High (71st-80th percentile)

Sunshine

Very High (81st-90th percentile)

Snowfall

Low (11th-20th percentile)

Min Annual Temperature (°C)

[?] This parameter represents the monthly average of daily minimum temperatures for January, based on data from OPEN-METEO.

5.7

Max Annual Temperature (°C)

[?] This parameter represents the monthly average of daily minimum temperatures for January, based on data from OPEN-METEO.

30.1

Climate Description

Scalea's climate is favorably mild throughout the year, marked by a noticeable balance of sun and moderate rainfall. The winter months are gentle, rarely seeing more than a dusting of snow, making it an inviting destination for retirees seeking escape from harsher climates. Summers are pleasantly warm but not excessively hot, ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the scenic coastal landscapes. Overall, the weather supports a comfortable lifestyle with ample sunshine encouraging both local living and exploration for expats and visitors. This balanced Mediterranean climate makes Scalea an attractive option for those looking to relocate or enjoy lengthy sojourns.

Annual Temperature Chart (Min)

Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.

Annual Temperature Chart (Max)

Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.

Sunny Days By Month

Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.

Environmental & Air Quality

Classifications

PM10

[?] PM10 levels indicate Good air quality at 0–20 µg/m³, Fair at 20–40 µg/m³, Moderate at 40–50 µg/m³, Poor at 50–100 µg/m³, Very Poor at 100–150 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 150–1200 µg/m³.

Good

PM2.5

[?] PM2.5 is Good if PM2.5 levels are between 0–10 µg/m³, Fair between 10–20 µg/m³, Moderate between 20–25 µg/m³, Poor between 25–50 µg/m³, Very Poor between 50–75 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor between 75–800 µg/m³.

Good

NO2

[?] NO₂ levels are considered Good at 0–40 µg/m³, Fair at 40–90 µg/m³, Moderate at 90–120 µg/m³, Poor at 120–230 µg/m³, Very Poor at 230–340 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 340–1000 µg/m³.

Good

SO2

[?] SO₂ levels indicate Good air quality at 0–100 µg/m³, Fair at 100–200 µg/m³, Moderate at 200–350 µg/m³, Poor at 350–500 µg/m³, Very Poor at 500–750 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 750–1250 µg/m³.

Good

O₃

[?] For O₃, the air is Good at 0–50 µg/m³, Fair at 50–100 µg/m³, Moderate at 100–130 µg/m³, Poor at 130–240 µg/m³, Very Poor at 240–380 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 380–800 µg/m³.

Fair

Air Quality Rating

[?] Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.

84

Air Quality Description

Scalea, Italy offers a refreshing environment for expatriates and retirees, with generally favorable air quality conditions conducive to healthy living. The town’s position, moderated by coastal and mountain influences, results in good air indicators for particulate and nitrogenous compounds. However, the ozone levels require occasional attention but remain within a reasonable range for comfort. This creates a setting that supports outdoor activities and leisure without considerable concern for air pollution’s impact on well-being. Residents can thus enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Scalea complemented by an air quality that bolster those moving to or visiting this serene locale.

Scalea, Italy offers a refreshing environment for expatriates and retirees, with generally favorable air quality conditions conducive to healthy living. The town’s position, moderated by coastal and mountain influences, results in good air indicators for particulate and nitrogenous compounds. However, the ozone levels require occasional attention but remain within a reasonable range for comfort. This creates a setting that supports outdoor activities and leisure without considerable concern for air pollution’s impact on well-being. Residents can thus enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Scalea complemented by an air quality that bolster those moving to or visiting this serene locale.

Town Descriptions

Getting There

Scalea offers reasonable connectivity for expats. The nearest airports are Salerno Costa d’Amalfi and Lamezia Terme, both approximately an hour and a half away. Local train stations provide direct routes, while key road connections include the A3 motorway, facilitating access to regional hubs.

Getting Around

Local Cuisine

Scalea, located in Calabria, showcases a diverse culinary landscape that highlights both traditional Calabrian dishes and an array of international influences. The region’s cuisine is characterized by robust flavors, with dishes like ‘Fusilli with N’duja’, a spicy spreadable salami, and eggplant Parmesan. The local dining scene features a variety of establishments, from cozy trattorias to elegant beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and homemade pasta. While Scalea has many inviting eateries, it does not currently have any Michelin-starred restaurants. The mix of traditional and contemporary culinary styles reflects the vibrant food culture of the area.

Shopping Overview

The shopping landscape features large supermarkets alongside traditional farmers’ markets and small specialty shops. Retail categories include groceries, fashion, and household goods, while local markets offer fresh produce and regional goods. Notable formats include a weekly flea market and a nearby designer outlet, catering to various tastes and needs. Expats and retirees can find essentials easily, along with diverse shopping experiences ranging from local handicrafts to international brands in dedicated malls.

Neighborhoods

Green Areas and Parks

Located in Calabria, Scalea offers various green areas and outdoor activities that appeal to expats and retirees seeking an active lifestyle. The Argentino River Valley Nature Reserve, known for its scenic landscapes, provides easy hiking opportunities such as the 4.14-mile trail to Ficara Waterfall. In the nearby Pollino National Park, a trail extending 8.47 miles offers more challenging routes for avid hikers. Water-based activities include rafting on the Lao River. These venues exemplify the region’s commitment to preserving natural sites while facilitating recreational access.

✅ Pros

– Beautiful Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
– Rich cultural and historical backdrop to explore and appreciate.
– Opportunities for community integration and social activities available.
– Proximity to stunning beaches and natural landscapes.
– Healthcare facilities available, though quality varies by location.
– Moderate unemployment rate compared to the national average.
– Infrastructure supports basic transportation and accessibility needs.
– Some tourism presence adds vibrancy to local economy.
– Affordable cost of living in comparison to northern Italy.
– Internet connectivity suitable for remote work and communication.

❌ Cons

– Healthcare quality can be disappointingly inconsistent across facilities.
– Limited educational options for families with school-aged children.
– Public transportation may not meet all accessibility needs reliably.
– Air quality can dip below ideal levels on occasion.
– Job opportunities can be scarce, especially for expats.
– Internet speeds may not always be as fast as expected.
– Local amenities may not match larger cities in variety.
– Cultural events may not be as frequent as desired.
– Seasonal tourism can lead to overcrowding in peak months.
– The town may feel too quiet for some adventurous spirits.

FAQs

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