The new direct flights to Reggio Calabria operated by Air Malta, open the doors to this part of the south of Italy that is bursting with culture and Mediterranean spirit – full of beautiful views and delectable dishes the Italians are so famous for.

The first thing that strikes visitors is inevitably the provincial airport. Very small in size, since, as the Reggio Calabria mayor Giuseppe Scopelliti told the press, most of the flights that operate from the airport are internal.

Therefore, the flight from Malta was seen as a big step for the region as it widens its horizons. As mayor Scopelliti explained, many students have taken the opportunity to come to study English in Malta, but he noted that it is actually more viable for the locals wanting to travel abroad to do so via Malta rather than travel to Rome or Milan.

On my first day in Reggio Calabria, the press group I was part of was given a very warm welcome and then taken down to the centre of the city, where we were shown the Corso di Garibaldi, the main street lined with shops (inevitably we were taken to shop there on our last day in Reggio Calabria).

Our next stop was the National Museum where one can learn about the history of the region which dates back to pre-historic times. The locals are very proud of their culture, especially the Magna Grecia. This period in history shows the area’s Greek influence.

The jewel in the museum’s crown is without a doubt the two bronze statues recovered from the seabed in 1972. The statues, dating back to the fifth century AD, depict warriors ready for battle. The very able and passionate guide at the museum explained that one of the statues is a picture of physical perfection while the other was made to look more human. The statues emanate presence and awe. The artist could not be identified but, as the guide explained, the statues probably formed part of the same commission.

The statues were probably being transported on a ship that sunk and were most likely destined for the same location. These are the pride and joy of the Reggio Calabria museum as is a bronze head that has been said to be one of the first portraits ever made. While the statues’ faces are stylised, this particular head is more realistic and when one looks at it, the viewer can tell the features are those of a person who actually lived all those years ago.

The museum can stand as testimony to the high standard of restoration and conservation in Reggio Calabria. The remains and fragments of vases and the like are all displayed in a way that shows their original form without attempting to fool the viewer into believing that was the way they were found.

In the afternoon, we visited Scilla – a small seaside village that is truly picturesque. In the village core stands the Ruffo castle, from where every corner of the village is visible. On one side of the village, the houses are built right over the water. In fact, we were told, the lowest floor of these houses is not used and is actually built at a gradient to help the sea water flow out in bad weather.

This part of Scilla has just one narrow road winding through it and the houses are set very close together, creating a very rural feel. The cobbled paths and architecture merge so that visitors feel they have discovered a part of Italy that is as yet unspoilt.

The other side of Scilla is slightly more commercial – bars and restaurants line the pebble beach that is so popular with the locals.

Guisy Manfredi, who accompanied the press group, explained that the infrastructure in the area needs improvement to encourage tourism. “Despite its aesthetic beauty, this part of the region is not yet equipped for tourists and has not yet been marketed,” she said, adding that this should change in the near future with greater investment in the area.

Locri is also worth a visit. There one can see the remains of Magna Grecia temples in the Antiquarium. Several temples have been discovered where, as the guide explained, the people of Locri held a special place for the Greek goddess Persephone, who they believed brought with her the fine weather of spring and summer.

Gerace, another town in the south of Italy, exudes culture and history with many churches packed with art and heritage. In one particular square, one can see three churches, each from a different period in history and belonging to a different faith.

Once again, the cobbled streets make for a pretty picture and make visitors feel as though they have stepped in on an untouched part of Italy. Set high in the hills, Gerace boasts beautiful views of the valleys beneath.

The restaurants we were taken to were of the highest calibre and class. Eating fresh fish and seafood by the sea, cooked to perfection by Italian chefs, can be described as one of the ultimate culinary experiences.

Although we were presented with masses of food, as plate after plate was placed before us, we all could not help but eat. The delicate flavours and healthy cooking methods were indeed very tempting and could subtly convince you to continue eating way after you were full.

Italian ice cream and sorbets are legendary, made with real fruit and fresh ingredients. And cold iced lemon is just the thing you need after a large meal – just to aid digestion!

Reggio Calabria is also the region where bergamot is grown. A fruit that is a cross between an orange and a lemon, it is processed by the locals into a variety of products – from jam to Bergamotto, an after-dinner drink and essential oil. These products are the pride and joy of the locals since it is a fruit unique to the area.

In other words, a truly remarkable experience.

Angele Spiteri Paris was the guest of Air Malta