Zungri

Travel Guide

Zungri
Zungri
Zungri
Zungri
Zungri
Explore the roomy cave dwellings of medieval monks in the open-air museum and enjoy the eerie silence in the abandoned village.

Zungri is an otherworldly hilltop village known for its pockmarked sandstone cliffs. The grottoes and crevasses in the rock formations, which were used for hermitages and monasteries, create a varied and intriguing landscape. Learn about the Basilian monks who dwelled in these caves.

The hills of the village are adorned with hundreds of grottoes, varying in size and appearance. Visit the Insediamento Rupestre Degli Sbariati for a museum on the most intricate of these rock cavities. The site stands in the southeastern outskirts of the town.

Clamber into the cave dwellings for a sense of the conditions in which these monks lived between the 12th and 14th centuries. Make your way up and down the carved steps and through the spacious rooms of the caves. Walk along carved paths that link the many caves, which are sheltered by trees and other limestone rocks. Warm, dry summers provide perfect conditions for hiking around these spectacular surroundings. July is the driest month, while winters are mild and a little wetter.

Spend time in the nearby abandoned village of Papaglionti. This centuries-old hamlet formerly prospered as a large producer of wheat and olives, before several large earthquakes led to its desertion. Snap photos of the derelict buildings that are gradually falling apart.

Arrive in Zungri for the festival L’Infiorata on the ninth Sunday after Easter. Inspect the array of colorful carpets, pictures made from flowers and other works that decorate the streets. Appreciate the sights, sounds and scents, as you chat with friendly locals.

The village is located in the heart of the Vibo Valentia province in Calabria of southern Italy. It is near the coastal towns of Tropea and Capo Vaticano. Fly to Lamezia Terme International Airport and drive south for 35 miles (56 kilometers) to get here in about 1 hour. Travel between some of the nearby coastal towns via the railway links.

Zungri is an exceptional gem, with its cratered limestone rocks and fascinating history.

Colomba D'Oro
Colomba D'Oro
4 out of 5
Via Vittorio Veneto, 50, Tropea, VV
The price is €73 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
€73
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tropea. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (120 reviews)
"What a beautifully appointed and big room I got! Lovely staff and incredible value for money. The town is small so it is also convenient to everything including the beach. Recommended."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Colomba D'Oro
Hotel Rocca della Sena
Hotel Rocca della Sena
4 out of 5
Via Paolo Orsi . C.da Croce, Tropea, VV
The price is €171 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€171
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Tropea. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (153 reviews)
"This place is simply incredible! My wife and I stayed here for 4 nights and were so impressed with the hotel and incredible views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The resort was clean and safe, the beds very comfortable and the staff always friendly and helpful. The terrace is absolutely pristine and we ..."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2024

Hotel Rocca della Sena
Villa Paola
Villa Paola
5 out of 5
Contrada Paola, Tropea, VV
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Tropea. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Port of Tropea and Cannone Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"Great views of Tropea downtown perched on cilff, sea, port, and mountains along the coast line. Serene and large room reminiscing monastery residence. Friendly staff eager to give service. Have to drive to downtown for heartful dinner."

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2024

Villa Paola
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pietre Bianche
Pietre Bianche
3 out of 5
Via Provinciale per Vibo Marina, Località Ponte di Ferro, Pizzo, VV
Stay at this 3-star beach residence in Pizzo. Enjoy free parking, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and a cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (33 reviews)
"Loved the seaside locaton. Nice pool area. .rooms great. Excellent staff."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024

Pietre Bianche
Airone Residence
Airone Residence
SS522 25, Zambrone, VV
Stay at this residence in Zambrone. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Zambrone Beach and Church of ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
"Felt like a true resort, and we were very accommodated."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2024

Airone Residence
Baia del Godano Resort & Spa
Baia del Godano Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
Localita Tonicello, Capo Vaticano, Ricadi, VV
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Ricadi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Spiaggia del Tono and Praia di Fuoco are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (22 reviews)
the best option!
"beautiful and comfortable nice hotel!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2024

Baia del Godano Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do