Castello della Valle in Fiumefreddo Bruzio, one of \u2018Italy\u2019s most beautiful villages\u2019.<\/span> Photograph: Yuriy Brykaylo\/Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAt Palazzo Rossi, on the edge of town, we take a seat at a cafe and sip local craft beer as we admire the view of the active volcano Mount Stromboli, across the water.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should see it in the winter,\u201d Cristina says. \u201cThe air is cooler, so it becomes even clearer. Everything here is completely different in the winter, but most people don\u2019t see it as visitors come mainly in the summer,\u201d she adds with a note of regret.<\/p>\n
The sun starts to sink into the horizon. In the square, a band starts setting up for an evening gig. A waiter brings over a plate of bread and olives to our table, on the house. \u201cThings are quieter but not empty. There are almost as many events as in summer. And you get to see how the locals live during the rest of the year.\u201d Cristina tears off a piece of bread. \u201cAnd, of course, the hospitality never changes \u2013 people are always welcomed with open arms.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sustar\u00eca will return to Lago for its sixth instalment on 1-3 August 2026. There is a winter edition of Felici <\/em>& Conflenti in Calabria on 27-29 December 2025; its next summer instalment is in July 2026<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n