Travel Guide Calabria
It is the tip of the Italian boot, facing Sicily on the other side of the Strait of Messina. Calabria, half sea, half mountain, is a typical and attractive Italian destination. It has 800 km of coastline, alternating coves and beaches, including Capo Vaticano, in the province of Vibo Valentia, ranked as one of the 100 most beautiful in the world. This long beach of fine sand, lined with ancient trees and bathed by a crystal-clear sea with a wealth of wildlife, is one of the jewels of the region. The coasts are an opportunity to practice windsurfing, kitesurfing and diving to discover the seabed rich in sea fans and wrecks of the Second World War. The hinterland offers an immersion in a wild nature. You must see the old town of Catanzaro, the capital of the province, and visit the natural parks of the Sila, the Serre, the Aspromonte and the Pollino. You will be charmed by the "fiumare", typical waterways of southern Italy, the great rocks of the Aspromonte, the "patriarchi vegetali", venerable trees, of the Sila, and you will appreciate the faunal biodiversity of the Serre. In addition, there are many historical monuments, churches, monasteries, castles, palaces... that you can discover with your tourist guide in hand! Southern Italy is also the joy of the table. You can enjoy bruschette with n'duja or sardella, spiced up with the famous Calabrian chili pepper, also present in artisanal cold cuts, pasta and many fish-based dishes. The red onion of Tropea (IGP) is also used in all the sauces, as is the olive oil.
What to visit Calabria?
Suggested addresses Calabria
When to go to Calabria?
When to go to Calabria? You can come to Calabria all year round. If the high tourist season in Calabria revolves around the summer and seaside pleasures, spring and autumn are also very pleasant and all the tourist services remain operational and the prices drop significantly. Religious celebrations around the patron saints of the villages take place from one site to another throughout the summer. This is always very enjoyable. The Holy Week and the Nativity are two other highlights to experience very typical popular moments. In winter, you can ski in the small resorts in the hinterland.
Weather at the moment
Italy's climate is generally very pleasant. However, Italy has three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh alpine climate. The Po Valley has a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the south, especially in Calabria, there is a Mediterranean climate with very hot and dry summers and mild and relatively rainy winters. The inland mountains have a much colder climate than the coast, with snow in winter.
In Calabria, the euro is used. Prices vary greatly depending on the region and the season. On average, prices are close to those in the northern countries for food, accommodation and sightseeing. The food budget, unless you cook yourself or prepare a picnic with market products, is quite high. In restaurants, bread, water and cutlery are added to the bill. However, Calabria remains more affordable than other regions of the country.
No visa is required for Italy and therefore for Calabria, for European Union citizens, Swiss or Canadian citizens. A valid identity card is sufficient to stay in Calabria. Your European social security card is accepted by doctors and pharmacies. Your driver's license allows you to rent a car and drive around.
No sanitary problems specific to Italy. So no worries if you stay in Calabria. Beware of ice cream indigestion though! And of course, protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated in summer. Mosquitoes can also spoil your evenings and nights. Take along some protection. In the mountains, bring appropriate equipment.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Calabria? Our advice & tips
The tours and stays organized in Italy are limited to one or two regions and usually have a theme: culture, hiking in the Dolomites, discovery of Florence and Tuscany, Rome and Lazio, the Venice carnival, etc. Some include flights, others bus transportation from France, Switzerland, etc. Some of them include flights, others include bus transportation from France, Switzerland, etc. So, for Calabria, choose the Calabria stay, 100% seaside or with hikes in the natural parks.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationItaly, and in particular Calabria, is a destination where it is very easy to travel alone, whether it is a question of getting around, making yourself understood or drawing up your own itinerary. Moreover, except in very touristy areas - but there everything is organized so that you don't get lost! - you will always find someone to show you the way, a gas station, a restaurant, an inn...
Domestic airlines are numerous and quite expensive. There are two or three main airlines connecting the main airports of the country. Given the good rail service in the regions, with the exception of Basilicata and central Calabria, the bus is not the most comfortable or fastest way to travel. Renting a car can be an efficient way to get around the hinterland in Calabria. In the city, it is best to use public transportation.
