The 16 things to do in Calabria

Visiting Calabria: what are the best things to do and see in this region of southern Italy?

A little planned Italian getaway? Then head south of the boot: Calabria! This sweet region, bordered by the Mediterranean, faces the Sicily , and visit without counting, according to your desires. Protected by mass tourism, it allows to discover an authentic Italy, in all tranquility.

Beach, farniente and water sports enthusiasts will delight 800 kilometres of coastline in the region. Mountain, hiking and nature lovers will find their happiness in the hinterland and its different national parks. As for the enthusiasts of history, old stones and culture, they will marvel at the many historical buildings and monuments scattered throughout the picturesque villages of the region.

This part of Italy, of great beauty, with varied landscapes, and rich with an exceptional historical and culinary heritage, promises you a well-filled stay, punctuated with memorable discoveries and activities.

There are a lot of things to do and see in Calabria. But we still tried to draw up a list (non-exhaustive) of the must-sees. Are you ready to find out?

1. Rossano

An unmissable place to see in Calabria, Rossano is a little-known town in the region, but it is worth a visit. A true treasure of authenticity, it has a historic centre rich in history, where snake pretty little streets, paired with magnificent palaces and lively squares. His diocesan museum is a real wonder.

2. Catanzaro

Are you visiting Calabria? We can't miss his capital: Catanzaro! You will certainly appreciate its dynamic atmosphere and its varied architecture. The various monuments it holds are worth a look, like the Norman church of Omobono , the oldest monument in the city.

Its surrounding nature and landscapes are also to be discovered, to enjoy a bowl of fresh air and a fabulous view of the surrounding mountain ranges.

3. Crotone

Crotone is one of the major cities in the Calabraise region. Pythagoras chose to elect residence there, thus contributing greatly to its cultural growth.

The city is divided into two parts, the new and the old, joining on the Piazza Pitagora . Once on site, do not miss visiting the sublime basilica-cathedrale of Santa Maria Assunta , or Charles V castle , medieval fortress and city symbol. Without forgetting National Archaeological Museum or the fabulous Pythagoras gardens .

4. Capo Vaticano

Are you wondering if you can see in Calabria? Well, your choice will be quickly made when you learn that the cove Capo Vaticano is ranked among the most beautiful 100 in the world. A true gem of the region, this incredible premonitory, located on the Tyrrhenian coast, extends from Gulf of Santa Eufemia to that of Gioia Tauro .

At the bottom of its cliffs full of Mediterranean plants, a fine sandy beach, bathed by a crystalline sea. The show continues under water, where there is an exceptional marine fauna and flora, to be discovered in diving.

5. Gerace

Gerace is a must if you are going to visit Calabria. This small, perched village, in addition to being one of the most beautiful medieval villages in the region, enjoys an absolutely incredible 360° view. On the one hand the Ionian Sea and its coasts, on the other Massif d’Aspromonte . Get ready to be under the charm!

6. Island Dino

You can’t come to visit Calabria, without a tour on Dino Island. Located north of the Calabraise Tyrrhenian coast, facing the city Praia a Mare , it is a true little natural paradise that offers itself to you.

Accessible to swimming or by boat, you can discover its lush nature thanks to a trail that runs through its 50 hectares of land. The crystal clear waters around it hide sublime underwater caves, very popular with divers. A real treasure not to be missed under any pretext!

7. Pizzo

Pizzo is a small town overlooking the sea that is worth a visit if you are going to visit Calabria. Located southwest of the region, it is taken by tourists, but has kept all its authenticity. From its paved alleys, paired with small shops, a lively atmosphere and a very pleasant lifestyle.

8. The Sila massif

What to do in Calabria? Go to discover the Sila massif! Located in the north, between the cities of Cosenza, Catanzaro and Crotone, this national park is a real gem of nature.

A multitude of trails are available to you to discover a wild and preserved nature, where fauna and flora are of great diversity. You will cross beautiful lakes and streams on your way to refresh yourself, and authentic villages to restore you, or exchange with the premises.

9. Reggio di Calabria

Reggio di Calabria is the largest city in the Calabria region. Therefore, it offers a wide range of activities and things to see, starting with its fabulous and interesting archaeology museum . L’ University , but also Aragonese castle are also to be discovered.

But what certainly makes the city’s reputation is the beautiful boulevard that runs along its entire bay: the Lungomare Falcomata . Some describe it as “the most beautiful kilometre of Italy”, because of palm trees, statues, and palaces that follow along the beautiful stretches of beach.

10. The Aspromonte massif

If there is a must-see thing not to be missed by visiting Calabria, it is the Aspromonte massif. This national park, a true paradise for hikers, is bordered on one side by the Ionian Sea, and on the other by the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its highest summit, the Montalto , ass to 1 956 metres .

11. Tropea

It is impossible to visit Calabria without making a tour by the city of Tropea, whose photo appears on many postcards. Located along a cliff overlooking the beach, the city has a lovely historical heart, completely renovated. But the must-see attraction of the city is undoubtedly the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola , located on a rocky promontory facing the city, offering an incredible panoramic view.

12. Stilo and Cattolica

Located at the top of a hill, in the province of Reggio Calabria, Stilo is a small village with amazing architecture, to be discovered. You will be amazed by its medieval historic centre and its treasures, such as the ruins of a castle and its many churches. Among them, there is one that stands out, and makes the reputation of the village: the Cattolica di Stilo and its magnificent Byzantine frescoes and mosaics.

13. Amantée

The city of Amantée is an obligatory tourist pass if you are going to visit the Calabria. Its old town is located the highest in height, thus offering a breathtaking view of the new city below, with the sea as a backdrop. You will also discover the ruins of an ancient medieval castle, and the monastery of San Bernardino da Siena classified as a national monument.

The “new” part is home to a succession of modern buildings, which blend perfectly with other baroque buildings, with numerous bars and restaurants. From the port you can go on a day trip, to discover the Eolian Islands.

14. Scolacium Archaeological Park

If there is something impossible to do in Calabria, it is the archaeological park of Scolacium. Located in the municipality of Borgia, near Catanzaro Lido, you will discover the remains of one of the first cities founded by the Greeks.

15. Scilla

What are you looking for in Calabria? We take you to the gates of Sicily, towards the charming and steep city of Scilla. From the top of its rocky promontory where it is perched, it dominates the sea and the famous rock of Charybde , illustrating a guardian monster of places in Greek mythology.

Once on site, do not miss visiting the beautiful Spirito Santo Church , which will offer you an exceptional panorama over the beach of Scilla . The Castello Ruffo is also to be seen.

16. Culinary specialties

Visiting Calabria is also testing, tasting, and savouring all the culinary specialties that the region offers.

The fundamental ingredient is the famous calabrais pepper! Used in many dishes in its original form, or infused in the oil, it is very present in the handicraft cutlery, pasta, pizza, or fish-based dishes. Among the typical dishes of the region to be tested, do not miss:

• typical _Nduja_a spicy pork sausage to spread;
• the _Soppressata_a dried sausage;
• l_Alici ripieni_, stuffed anchovies ;
• the Sardella, a spicy dough based on sardines, olive oil and pepper.

Not to mention the pasta and pizza that will make you forget all those eaten in France before! One thing is certain, visiting Calabria, it is also making her taste buds waltz...

How to get to Calabria?

Do you want to visit Calabria and ask yourself how to get there? Here are our tips:

By plane

To visit the Calabria, you can fly to the airport Lamezia Terme or Reggio Calabria , the two cities in the region that have an airport. According to your city of departure, you will make a stopover Rome or Milan . Think of using a flight comparison as Ulysses , to get air tickets at the best price!

Once on site, you will need to rent a car to discover the region as you like, and at your own pace.

By train

Do not have a car to visit Calabria would be a shame because you would be obliged to make the impasse on many magical places, only accessible by car.

However, if so, know that the train company Trenitalia serves Tropea from Lamezia. Count about 4,50€ for 50 minutes travel. Another line connects Tropea and Scilla in 1h20 , for 4,80€ . Finally, from Scilla, join Bagnara in 6 minutes , for 1,20€ .

By car

It is quite possible to reach Calabria by car from France. If you have a lot of time in front of yourself! Since Calabria is located all the way south of the country, you will have to cross it entirely to reach the region. Count it. 1 500 kilometres to Reggio Calabria since Marseille .

From Naples , count about 4h road (375 kilometres), and 3h45 (325 kilometers) since Bari .

The easiest remains obviously car rental at the airport!

Where to stay in Calabria?

If you choose to visit Calabria, many choices are available to you in terms of accommodation. The beautiful seaside resorts along the coast, such as Reggio Calabria, Tropea and Amantea, offer numerous accommodations, from the chicest to the most authentic.

Do not hesitate to lose yourself in the small villages of the center, looking for a warm guest room for a unique experience.

And to find the best prices, think about getting you helped by one Compare hotels online, which can be used according to your budget! Also think about taking a look at housing Airbnb , which will allow you to be completely independent, and to live as a local.

So, did you want to visit Calabria? Don’t wait anymore, go to discover it and tell us your experience!