Calabria, located at the tip of the Italian boot and facing Sicily across the Strait of Messina, is a unique and captivating Italian destination. This region, both mountainous and coastal, offers a variety of landscapes and activities to suit all tastes. With its 800 km of coastline, alternating between coves and dreamy beaches such as Capo Vaticano, ranked among the 100 most beautiful in the world, Calabria is a real gem for sun, sea and water sports enthusiasts. But Calabria is more than just fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters: it's also a wild and unspoilt hinterland, with natural parks such as Sila, Serre, Aspromonte and Pollino, offering breathtaking scenery and exceptional biodiversity. Lovers of history and culture will not be left out, with numerous historic monuments, churches, monasteries, castles and palaces to discover. Tempted? Follow us on this journey to discover the 17 most beautiful places in Calabria.
1. What to do in Calabria Tropea, the pearl of Calabrian tourism
Considered the pearl of Calabrian tourism, Tropea is a charming town set on a rocky promontory that attracts many visitors. The town exudes a relaxed, nonchalant atmosphere, inviting visitors to relax and stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, which lead to spectacular sea views. Local gastronomy is also a major attraction, with the region's famous variety of red onions. Although well known to Italians and a few foreigners, Tropea remains affordable in terms of price. The town's heyday was during the Angevin and Aragonese reigns, as evidenced by the carved porches and balconies of the houses.
Are you on vacation in Tropéa? We recommend booking this boat trip from Tropea to Capo Vaticano, including swimming and snorkeling breaks.
2. Rossano, one of the region's architectural and artistic treasures
Calabria is one of Italy's off-the-beaten-track destinations, ideal for holidaymakers looking foralternative ways to avoid mass tourism Rossano is one of Calabria's architectural and artistic gems. First, there's the beautiful, unspoilt seafront, followed by Rossano Scalo, a convenient modern town. Finally, there's the historic center, situated 270 meters above sea level on an olive-tree-covered hill on the southern edge of the Sila Greca. The narrow streets, little squares lined with old aristocratic palaces and Byzantine churches create a unique atmosphere that transports you back in time. The Diocesan Museum, with its famous Codex Purpureus, is a must-see. A few kilometers from Rossano, the Monastery del Patire is also well worth a visit.
See also our article dedicated to Holidays in Italy: where to escape the crowds?
3. Reggio Calabria, a beautiful town with an Italian flair
Reggio Cal abria is a magnificent town with a typically Italian or Sicilian atmosphere, with its beautiful Baroque houses, long avenues, balconies and bow-windows, in a mix of slightly dilapidated antiquity and chic buildings. You can stroll along what is considered "the most beautiful kilometer in Italy" (according to writer Gabriele D'Annunzio). The lungomare is delightful and has been renovated, offering a walk with your feet in the water, a long and wide course on the heights for walkers, cyclists and sports enthusiasts. You can admire the athletic curves of the Riace bronzes, breathtaking sculptures from Greek civilization, the centerpieces of the National Archaeological Museum. In short, you're sure to be charmed.
Travelling in a group? Click here to book your private guided walking tour of the city's highlights.
4. What to do in Calabria Visit picturesque Pizzo
Pizzo is one of the province's picturesque tourist towns, set high above the sea. Once a bustling medieval village, Pizzo was enlarged in 1486 when Ferdinand of Aragon decided to build a castle here. It was also here that Joachim Murat, Marshal of the Empire, King of Naples and Napoleon's brother-in-law, was shot in 1815 after being imprisoned for a fortnight. His remains were transferred to the Basilica of San Giorgio, but have never been found. A cenotaph is dedicated to him and his wife, Caroline Bonaparte, in the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris. A must-see in Pizzo is the Chiesa di Piedigrotta, a chapel carved out of the rock by shipwrecked sailors.
Looking for a memorable activity to do during your stay? We recommend booking a tandem paragliding flight in Pizzo: you'll soar 400 meters above the crystal-clear waters of Tropea with a professional pilot.
Looking for a vacation in Italy away from the tourists? See also our article What to do and see in Abruzzo? The 19 must-sees.
5. Gerace, one of Italy's most beautiful villages
This is undoubtedly one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Gerace seems to have remained frozen in medieval time, with its stone buildings seemingly intact. The cobbled streets and stone buildings create an unreal atmosphere, as if you could meet people in medieval costumes at any moment. Enter the upper town via the Porta del Sole. See the Piazza del Tocco, the former seat of the local parliament, and the Piazza Tribuna, the religious center of the town, forming the Curia Episcopalis (Episcopal citadel). Among the noble palaces of the old town, with their courtyards and interior gardens, don't missthe Palazzo dell'Abate Elia (via Zaleuco), with its 14th-century mullioned windows. We also recommend the Piazza delle Tre Chiese, lined with three pretty churches as its name suggests.
6. Bova, a magical place
This magnificent village, situated at an altitude of 915 meters in the Aspromonte National Park, exudes an atmosphere of yesteryear, with its narrow streets and restored stone houses and palaces. To reach this isolated, timeless place, you have to leave the Ionian coast at Bova Marina and take a provincial road offering a landscape similar to that of mainland Greece. Bova is the capital of the Area Grecanica, or Bovesia, a linguistic enclave where the Grecanico dialect, a mixture of Greek and Calabrian, is spoken. On the coast, at Bova Marina, the Parco Archeologico Archeoderi houses the remains of a 4th-century synagogue, the second oldest in Western Europe after Ostia.
Discover the wonders of the Greek village of Bova by booking this private walking tour with a guide. A unique opportunity to discover Bova, one of Italy's most beautiful villages.
7. Scilla, made famous by Homer
It's not for nothing that Calabria is one of those undervalued destinations that should be urgently discovered. Scilla was made famous by Homer and his expression "de Charybde en Scylla", meaning "from one danger to another". This expression refers to the two mythical monsters, Scylla and Charybdis, which threatened ships in the Strait of Messina. Today, the monster's rock has become a charming little village built on a promontory. The fishermen's houses of the picturesque Chianalea district, which slope down to the port, are among the most beautiful on the Tyrrhenian coast. Scilla lives partly from the sea, with a small pebble beach that's very popular in summer and swordfish fishing boats that regularly pass by.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Calabrian Sea by booking this boat tour departing from Scilla. You'll visit some of the most idyllic spots on the coast and enjoy swimming, snorkeling and aperitifs.
8. Catanzaro, regional capital of Calabria
Catanzaro is Calabria's regional capital thanks to its central location. The town was rebuilt in the 19th century, so there's almost nothing truly ancient, with the exception of the small Norman church of Omobono. The earthquakes of 1783 and 1832 destroyed all the ancient monuments, which explains why there are currently numerous construction sites shaping the urban face of the city. Catanzaro is built on a plateau overlooking the confluence of the Fiumarella and Musofalo rivers, offering a beautiful panorama of peaks, ridges and mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. The town itself is a labyrinth of narrow streets that wind up and down.
Discover our article What to do in Italy? 27 must-sees!
9. Castrovillari
One of the most densely populated towns in the region,Castrovillari is an excellent starting point for exploring Calabria's Pollino National Park. Its recent expansion has led to a network of straight and perpendicular streets, while the historic center, with its partially abandoned monuments, small hidden squares and isolated basilica on a hill, occupies an elevated position. The whole town is lively and interesting. Castrovillari is a strategic location, large enough not to feel isolated, and offering many interesting activities and dining options before visiting the park.
10. What to do in Calabria Visit the Pollino calabrai national park
The Pollino National Park is a vast protected area of magnificent scenery, home to exceptional flora and fauna, including rare species such as orchids found nowhere else in Europe. It's also home to golden eagles, vultures, lammergeiers, great horned owls and wild boars. If you're lucky, you may even come across the wolf, of which there are only around 30 specimens left. The streams are teeming with trout, otters and spectacled salamanders.
Now's your chance to book a truly unforgettable white-water rafting experience on the Lao River at Papasidero in Pollino National Park. Test your team spirit and paddling technique on one of three characteristic routes in the heart of Italy's Pollino National Park!
We also recommend this walk through the gorges of the Pollino National Park. A natural trail that will take you to the heart of Italy's largest national park: a wild adventure awaits you!
11. Sunbathing on Capo Vaticano beach
The Capo Vaticano coastline is dotted with over a hundred small beaches and coves, from the Bay of Riaci to the Bay of Santa Maria. These beaches are separated from one another by spectacular rocky promontories that plunge into the sea, and are bathed in turquoise water surrounded by craggy reefs. The crystal-clear water, unspoilt landscape and white sand make these some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. No massive concrete constructions here! Among the most beautiful beaches are Baia di Riaci, dominated by high limestone cliffs, A Casa du Gaiuzzo, a wild cove, Formìcoli, Tono, Ricadi and Praia di Fuoco. The beach at Capo Vaticano, in the province of Vibo Valentia, is also ranked among the most beautiful in Europe, and even among the 100 most beautiful in the world.
Book my boat trip to Capo Vaticano
12. Diamante: an enchanting position on the sea
Diamante is a charming seaside resort on the Calabrian coast, offering breathtaking sea views and a wide variety of coastal landscapes, from long sandy beaches to steep cliffs. The crystal-clear, clean sea is ideal for swimming and water sports. From Diamante, it's possible to reach the small island of Cirella, home to an ancient watchtower and spectacular seabed popular with divers. The town itself is known for its colorful alleyways, adorned with murals by artists from all over the world, creating an open-air art gallery. Finally, Diamante is famous for its Peperoncino Festival, which celebrates the local spicy pepper.
13. What to do in Calabria Go to Santa Severina
Santa Severina is located on a rocky promontory 326 meters above sea level. To get there, you can take the old SS107, which crosses the Marchesato/ The hilly landscape, crossed by the River Neto, is dotted with charming villages such as Scandale and San Mauro. In the town center, you can admire the ancient baptistery (probably dating from the 8th-9th centuries), the 12th-century church of Santa Filomena with its Tardo-Byzantine architecture, the cathedral and the majestic Carafa castle. This military structure, surrounded by crenellated walls, houses an archaeological museum that traces the history of the town and the Neto valley, between Byzantine and Norman remains. Opposite the castle, the piazza del Campo is the center of local life, with its town hall and several bars.
14. Camigliatello Silano, one of Calabria's tourist hotspots
Camigliatello Silano is a summer and winter sports resort in the municipality of Spezzano della Sila. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Calabria, thanks to its natural setting of mountains and dense forests stretching as far as the eye can see, as well as its high-quality facilities and hospitality. Visitors can buy provisions for a picnic in the woods or by the lakes. Camigliatello Silano's popularity is further enhanced by its proximity to the Sila National Park, which offers numerous opportunities for walks and excursions. In winter, it is one of the region's leading winter sports resorts.
15. Morano Calabro, a small town on a hill
At the foot of the Pollino, this small town with its houses leaning against the hill and seemingly clinging to one another offers a delightful sight. Morano Calabro is a maze of alleyways and staircases, with numerous fountains and ancient churches. The town is crowned by the impressive ruins of a Norman-Swabian castle, whose origins date back to Roman times, when a fort was erected in this strategic location to dominate the entire valley of ancient Sybaris. In Morano Calabro, you'll find the atmosphere of authentic Calabrian villages, a little isolated, a little decadent, but with charm intact.
16. Cosenza, in the mountains of Calabria
As the provincial capital, Cosenza is one of Calabria's most important cities. Although it has no outstanding monuments, Cosenza is surrounded by seven hills and crossed by the Crati and Busento rivers, giving it a certain charm. The old town center is located on Mount Pancrazio, dominated by the Norman-Swabian castle. The elegant old facades bear witness to the town's history, which seems to be a strange mix of decadence and wealth. Despite its lack of tourist fame, Cosenza is well worth a visit to discover its unique atmosphere.
Book my audio guided tour of Cosenza
17. What to do in Calabria Taste the region's culinary specialties
A stay in Calabria is an opportunity to sample its traditional Italian cuisine. Calabrian gastronomy is rich and tasty, with dishes based on fresh fish, artisanal cured meats and seasonal vegetables. Calabrian chili, renowned for its spicy flavor, is the star ingredient of the local cuisine and is found in many dishes, such as n'duja, a meat and chili-based sauce, or sardella, a fish and chili-based spread. Pasta lovers won't be left out, withthe famous "fileja ", a long, thick pasta served with a tomato, onion and chilli-based sauce. Fresh vegetables are also a feature of Calabrian cuisine, with dishes such as "peperonata", a pan-fried dish of peppers, onions and tomatoes, or "melanzane alla parmigiana", eggplants au gratin with tomato and parmesan.
How do I get to Calabria?
There are several ways to get to Calabria, depending on your point of departure and transport preferences.
By air, the nearest airports to Calabria are Lamezia Terme and Reggio Calabria, which offer both domestic and international flights. It's also possible to get to Calabria by train, with regular rail services from major Italian cities such as Rome, Naples and Milan.
If you prefer to travel by car, Calabria is accessible from northern Italy via the A3 freeway, which links Salerno to Reggio Calabria. You can also take a ferry from Sicily, with regular connections between Messina and Villa San Giovanni, or between Reggio Calabria and Messina.
Finally, for those who like to travel by boat, it's possible to reach Calabria by ferry from Greece, with regular connections between Patras and Igoumenitsa and the ports of Bari and Brindisi, located in Puglia, close to Calabria.
How to visit Calabria in 3 days?
Visiting Calabria in 3 days can be a challenge, as this region of Italy has so much to offer. However, here's a 3-day itinerary that will enable you to discover Calabria's main sights:
Day 1:
- Start your day in Tropea, a charming coastal town known for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visit the Norman cathedral and the sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, which offer breathtaking sea views.
- Then head for Capo Vaticano, a nature reserve near Tropea. Here you can admire spectacular cliffs and hidden coves accessible only by sea.
- End your day in Pizzo, a medieval town famous for its tartufo di Pizzo ice cream. Visit Castello Murat, with its breathtaking sea views, and stroll through the narrow streets of the old town.
Day 2 :
- Start your day in Reggio Calabria, the region's main city. Visit the National Museum of Magna Graecia, home to an impressive collection of statues and artifacts from Greek times.
- Then head for Scilla, a small coastal town close to Reggio Calabria. Visit Castello Ruffo, with its breathtaking sea views, and stroll through the narrow streets of the old town.
- Finish your day in Gerace, a medieval town in the Calabrian hills. Visit the Norman cathedral and Norman castle, which offer breathtaking views over the surrounding valley.
Day 3:
- Start your day in Cosenza, a university town in the Calabrian mountains. Visit the Castello Svevo, home to a museum of modern art, and stroll through the lively streets of the old town.
- Then head for the Sila National Park, a nature reserve in the Calabrian mountains. Here you can admire pine and beech forests, lakes and rivers, as well as wild animals such as wolves and deer.
- Finish your day in Catanzaro, the capital of Calabria. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Provincial Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from Greek and Roman times.
Of course, this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be adapted to suit your preferences and schedule. However, by following this itinerary, you'll be able to discover Calabria's main tourist attractions in just 3 days
What's the most beautiful town in Calabria?
Some towns are famous for their sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, such as Tropea and Capo Vaticano. Others are known for their historical and cultural heritage, such as Reggio Calabria and its collection of Greek bronzes, or Gerace and its medieval center.
Still other towns are appreciated for their authentic atmosphere and timeless charm, such as Pizzo and its famous artisanal ice cream, or Scilla and its Ruffo castle overlooking the sea.
Where to stay in Calabria?
Calabria offers a wide variety of accommodation options for travelers, from luxury hotels and youth hostels to vacation rentals and campsites.
If you're looking for high-end accommodation, you'll find luxury hotels in the region's main cities, such as Reggio Calabria, Cosenza and Catanzaro. These hotels offer comfortable rooms, modern facilities and quality services to meet the needs of the most discerning travelers.
If you're traveling with your family or a group, you can also opt for a vacation rental. Vacation rentals are available throughout the region, from city apartments to seaside villas. Vacation rentals offer more space and privacy than traditional hotels, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen for preparing your own meals.
Finally, if you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll find plenty of campsites in Calabria, located in picturesque spots along the coast or in the mountains. Campsites offer pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as facilities such as showers, toilets and children's playgrounds.
Tempted by this selection? Take a look at our airfares and book now!
