A guide to Calabria

Calabria is worlds away from Italy's glamorous lakes and iconic coastal resorts. It's a place where the evening passeggiata still fills bustling piazzas, family-run trattorias serve generations-old recipes, and ancient villages feel as though time has stood still. But Calabria isn’t just rich in tradition.

From lush national parks and white-sand beaches to historic hilltop villages and vibrant coastal towns, it’s also one of Italy’s most breathtaking regions. And with many travellers favouring the Amalfi Coast or the Tuscan hills over the toe of the Italian boot, Calabria remains under the radar – at least, for now.

From the best things to do to must-try dishes, here's your guide to one of Italy’s most overlooked regions.

Where is Calabria?

Often referred to as the 'toe' of the Italian boot, Calabria is the southernmost region of mainland Italy. Divided into five provinces – Catanzaro, Cosenza, Crotone, Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia – the region spans rugged peaks, rolling countryside and two stunning coastlines, bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east.

Seaside towns, fishing villages and some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches dot the coastline, while inland, mountain ranges including Aspromonte, Pollino, Sila and the Serre are home to national parks and endless opportunities for adventure.

The best time to visit Calabria

The best time to visit Calabria depends on the kind of trip you're planning, as each season offers something different. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with Italians heading to the south for their holidays. You can enjoy long sunny days, warm sea temperatures and a lively atmosphere. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds though, spring and autumn are ideal. With pleasant temperatures and a quieter atmosphere, these seasons are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

How to get around Calabria

The best way to explore Calabria is by car. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to discover the region at your own pace, stopping at beaches, hilltop villages and national parks along the way. A Calabrian road trip also lets you enjoy some of the region's most scenic drives and venture beyond the main tourist routes.

The public transport system here isn't as good as in other parts of Italy, however it's still possible to get around by train if you don't plan on renting a car. Trenitalia operates services along the Tyrrhenian coast, connecting popular destinations such as Paola, Pizzo, Tropea, Scilla and Reggio Calabria. Bus services, however, can be infrequent and unreliable, particularly in rural areas, so it's best not to rely on them.

Top things to do in Calabria

From wandering through hilltop villages to unwinding on powdery white-sand beaches, Calabria is full of memorable experiences. Here are some of our favourites:

Visit beautiful coastal towns

Calabria isn’t short of beautiful coastal towns. Tropea is probably the region’s most famous, perched on a cliff, with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters below. Visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, explore the winding streets of the Old Town, and relax on Rotunda Beach.

Pizzo is another of Calabria’s coastal gems. It's home to fascinating landmarks including Castello Murat, where Napoleon’s brother-in-law was executed, and the cave church of Chiesa di Piedigrotta, carved into the rock beside the sea. Its old town is especially picturesque with cobbled lanes leading to café-lined piazzas. But there’s another reason why Pizzo is a must-visit – its food. The town is the birthplace of Tartufo di Pizzo, a delicious ice cream dessert made with chocolate and hazelnut.

Head further north and you’ll find another favourite of ours, Diamante. Known as the ‘town of the murals’, a simple stroll through the streets is a sight in itself with over 200 murals decorating the walls. Its seafront promenade is the perfect place for an evening stroll at any time of the year but visit in September and you'll see Diamante at its liveliest when the annual Peperoncino Festival takes place, with chilli peppers filling the streets and food stalls selling spicy dishes.

Explore hilltop villages

Dotted throughout Calabria’s mountainous landscape are centuries-old villages sat on steep hillsides. You'll often spot them whilst driving through countryside lanes - the perfect excuse to park up, grab an espresso and soak up the local atmosphere.

Perched between the Ionian Sea and the Sila mountains, Santa Severina is one of the region’s most beautiful villages. Sitting 326 metres above sea level, stunning views are a given. Here you can delve into thousands of years worth of history, by visiting sights like the Santa Severina Castle and the Cathedral of Santa Anastasia.

Nestled within Pollino National Park, the beautiful village of Morano Calabro is a must-visit thanks to its dramatic hillside setting and panoramic views. This medieval village is home to a collection of historic churches, including the tile-domed Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, as well as an impressive Norman Castle. Climb to the top for sweeping views over the red-roofed houses and winding alleyways below.

For hilltop village hopping, Gerace is another destination worth exploring. Known for its medieval architecture and clifftop setting, it’s bursting with history. Admire its many churches, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, browse the local shops and see the remains of the old castle. Before you leave, don’t forget to soak up the views of the Ionian from Porta del Sole.

Relax on stunning beaches

Beyond Calabria’s charming towns and villages, you'll find some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. 

Tropea Beach tends to steal the spotlight and for a very good reason. Its soft sands, crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliff backdrop create a postcard-worthy setting for swimming and sunbathing. But there’s much more to discover beyond Tropea. A little further south, the beaches of Capo Vaticano, including Spiaggia di Grotticelle and Ficara, offer some of Calabria's best swimming spots.

If you're after something a little different, head to Arcomagno Beach in San Nicola Arcella. Its famous for its unique rock arch and hidden cove that can only be reached by foot or by boat.

Meanwhile, on the Ionian Coast, Caminia Beach in Stalettì is beautiful with its white sands, dramatic cliffs and calm waters. Its sheltered setting makes it a favourite with families, as does the Blue-Flag Soverato Beach, with its endless stretch of white sand.

Explore national parks

One of the great things about Calabria is its varied landscapes - you can be sunbathing on the beach in the morning and hiking up a mountain in the afternoon. Along with its beaches, the region is home to three national parks: Sila, Aspromonte and Pollino, where you’ll find rugged peaks, lush forests, glistening lakes and historic villages.

There are so many adventures to be had in all three national parks. Sila is known for its ancient pine forests – you can walk through the wooded paths of I Giganti della Sila, where centuries-old trees tower above. The national park is also home to beautiful lakes such as Cecita and Arvo, where you can paddleboard along the calm waters or take a picnic besides them. And although Calabria might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of skiing, Sila National Park is also home to resorts such as Lorica and Camigliatello Silano making it the perfect place for a winter holiday in Calabria.

Covering Calabria and neighbouring Basilicata, Pollino is Italy’s largest national park. The landscapes here are dramatic with rugged peaks, deep canyons and ancient pine forests that provide the perfect setting for scenic hikes. One of the best activities to do here is white-water rafting on the Lao River.

Further south, Aspromonte National Park is equally impressive with mountains, gorges and forests. It's a paradise for hikers - trek to the Montalto summit for the most incredible views across the region or to the Maesano Falls to see beautiful waterfalls.

Sample Calabrian cuisine

Calabria is a dream destination for foodies. No trip to the region is complete without indulging in the delicious Calabrian cuisine, with its fiery flavours and local ingredients. Better still, dining out here is often far more affordable than in many of Italy’s better-known destinations.

Here are some of our must-trys:

• 'Nduja: a spreadable spicy sausage made with Calabrian chilli peppers that adds a kick to pizzas, pastas and sandwiches
• Tropea onions: sweet and mild red onions, best enjoyed on a classic tonno e cipolla pizza
• Peperoncino Calabrese: a hot chilli pepper often used in pasta sauces or oils - beware, when they say it's hot, it's hot
• Tartufo di Pizzo: a chocolate and hazelnut ice-cream dessert with a twist, that's a must if you're in Pizzo
• Fileja: traditional hand-rolled pasta, often served with 'nduja or ragu
• Swordfish: a meaty fish often grilled and then drizzled with lemon and olive oil - it’s simple, fresh and delicious, especially when served with aubergines

How long to spend in Calabria

With so much to see and do, you could easily spend weeks exploring Calabria. To experience the best of the region, we'd recommend allowing at least 10 days to two weeks. That way you've got enough time to relax along the coast, visit hilltop villages and explore the national parks.

However, if you're only planning to stay in one part of the region, such as Tropea, then you can easily do it in a week or even a long weekend.

Personal recommendation

"Along with Tropea in the Province of Vibo Valentia, the Province of Cosenza is my favourite part of Calabria. Having spent many holidays in the area, I absolutely love its authentic atmosphere, where English is rarely spoken and the warm Italian hospitality makes you feel so welcome.

I recommend basing yourself in Scalea, a vibrant seaside town with a picture-perfect old town (Centro Storico) where narrow, winding alleys lead to a lively piazza - it's especially magical on an evening.

From Scalea, it's easy to explore the beautiful coastal towns of Praia a Mare, Diamante and Belvedere Marittimo - try visit on market day for the best atmosphere. 

The village of Marcellina is another personal favourite, where you can enjoy a cappuccino and a sweet treat at Pasticceria Aronne, one of the best cafes in Calabria. 

Be sure to venture inland too, and visit the gorgeous hilltop villages of Santa Domenica Talao, Verbicaro and Orsomarso for a real taste of local Calabrian life."

Sail to Sicily

From Calabria, it's easy to explore more of southern Italy by ferry. From Reggio Calabria, you can catch a direct ferry across the Strait of Messina to Sicily. The crossing to Messina takes just over 30 minutes, making it ideal for a day trip.

You can also sail from Calabria to the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago just off Sicily's northern coast. Ferries depart from Reggio Calabria to islands including Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea and Stromboli - an easy way to extend your Italian adventure!

Visit Calabria

Venture beyond the classic tourist trail and discover a different side of Italy, where unspoiled landscapes, authentic cuisine and a slower pace of life await. For more travel inspiration, check out our blog or Instagram.