We spent our Fourth of July weekend in Calabria, visiting the towns of Scilla, Reggio Calabria, Bova Marina, and Tropea.  We went to the most southern point possible on mainland Italy (not including Sicily), enjoyed two different seas and clear water, spent our days lounging on the beach, and ate a lot of swordfish and chili peppers.  The sea is spectacular and the communities are so mellow and nice in Calabria.  The drive was about 5 hours, long to us for just a weekend, but completely worth it!