Contrada Virtina, Benestare

The cluster is on the Ionian coast at the foot of the Aspromonte massif. The Bonamico and La Verde fiumare descend from the mountains to this stretch of coast, and Aspromonte National Park begins inland a short distance west. The nearest ski area is Gambarie d’Aspromonte, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours by road depending on the exact starting point. Locri is the nearest larger town, with hospitals, secondary schools, rail services and the archaeological area of Locri Epizefiri. Gerace, within the same wider area, is one of the best-known hill towns of the Locride and is listed among I Borghi più belli d’Italia. This part of the Ionian side of Reggio Calabria is known for bergamot further south, olive groves, citrus and the Grecanic-Aspromonte hinterland.