Visiting Calabria: What are the best things to do and see in this region of southern Italy?
A little Italian getaway planned? So head south of the boot: Calabria! This gentle region, bordered by the Mediterranean, faces Sicily and can be visited without counting, as you wish. Protected from mass tourism, it allows you to discover an authentic Italy, in complete tranquility.
Beach, idleness and water sports enthusiasts will delight in the region’s 800 kilometers of coastline. Mountain, hiking, and nature lovers will find their happiness in the hinterland and its various national parks. As for history, old stones, and culture enthusiasts, they will marvel at the many historic buildings and monuments scattered throughout the small picturesque villages of the region.
This part of Italy, of great beauty, with varied landscapes, and rich in an exceptional historical and culinary heritage, promises you a well-filled stay, punctuated by discoveries and memorable activities. There are plenty of luxury villas at reasonable prices to book, which guarantees you an unforgettable stay.
There are so many things to do and see in Calabria. But we have all tried to put together a (non-exhaustive) list of the essentials to discover. Are you ready to discover them in 2022?
Rossano
An unmissable place to see in Calabria, Rossano is a little-known town in the region, but well worth the detour. A true treasure of authenticity, it has a historic center rich in history, where pretty little alleys meander, marked out by magnificent palaces and lively squares. Its diocesan museum is a real marvel.
Catanzaro
Are you coming to visit Calabria? Impossible to miss its capital: Catanzaro! You will undoubtedly appreciate its dynamic atmosphere and its varied architecture. The various monuments it holds are worth a look, such as the Norman church of Omobono , the oldest monument in the city.
Its nature and surrounding landscapes are also to be discovered, to enjoy a breath of fresh air and a fabulous panorama of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Crotone
Crotone is one of the major cities of the Calabrian region. Pythagoras chose to take up residence there, thus contributing strongly to its cultural growth.
The city is divided into two parts, the new and the old, meeting in Piazza Pitagora . Once there, do not miss to visit the sublime Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta , or the castle of Charles V , medieval fortress and symbol of the city. Without forgetting the National Archeological Museum or the fabulous gardens of Pythagoras .
Capo Vaticano cove
Wondering what to see in Calabria? Well, your choice will quickly be made when you learn that Capo Vaticano cove is ranked among the 100 most beautiful in the world. A true jewel of the region, this incredible premonitory, located on the Tyrrhenian coast, stretches from the gulfs of Santa Eufemia to that of Gioia Tauro.
At the bottom of its cliffs strewn with Mediterranean plants, stretches a fine sandy beach, bathed by a crystalline sea. The show continues underwater, where there are exceptional marine flora and fauna, to be discovered by diving.
Gerace
Gerace is a must-see if you are going to visit Calabria. This small hilltop village, in addition to being one of the most beautiful medieval villages in the region, enjoys an absolutely incredible 360 ° view. On one side the Ionian Sea and its coasts, on the other the Aspromonte massif. Prepare to be charmed!
Dino Island
You cannot come and visit Calabria without taking a tour of Dino Island. Located north of the Tyrrhenian Calabrian coast, facing the town of Praia a Mare, it is a real little natural paradise that awaits you.
Accessible by swimming or by boat, you can discover its lush nature thanks to a path that crosses its 50 hectares of land. The crystal clear waters that surround it hide sublime underwater caves, very popular with divers. A real treasure not to be missed under any circumstances!
Pizzo
Pizzo is a small town overlooking the sea that is worth a visit if you are going to visit Calabria. Located in the southwest of the region, it is popular with tourists but has kept all its authenticity. Its cobbled streets, lined with small shops, emerge a lively atmosphere and a very pleasant sweetness of life.
The Sila massif
What to do in Calabria? Discover the Sila massif! Located in the north, between the towns of Cosenza, Catanzaro, and Crotone, this World Heritage-listed national park is a true gem of nature.
A multitude of trails are available to you to discover a wild and unspoiled nature, where the flora and fauna are of great diversity. On your way, you will come across magnificent lakes and rivers to cool off, and authentic villages to eat, or chat with the locals.
Reggio di Calabria
Reggio di Calabria is the largest city in the region of Calabria. As a result, it offers a wide range of activities and things to see, starting with its fabulous and interesting archeological museum. The University, but also the Aragonese castle are also to be discovered.
But what certainly makes the reputation of the city is the magnificent boulevard that runs along its entire bay: the Lungomare Falcomata. Some describe it as “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy”, because of the palm trees, statues, and palaces that follow one another along the splendid stretches of beach.
The Aspromonte massif
If there is one unmissable thing that should not be missed when 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 peak, Montalto, rises to 1,956 meters.
Tropea
It is impossible to visit Calabria without taking a tour of the city of Tropea, the photo of which appears on many postcards. Situated along a cliff overlooking the beach, the town has a delightful historic heart, completely renovated. But the city’s must-see attraction is undoubtedly the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola , located on a rocky promontory facing the city, offering incredible panoramic views.
Stilo and his Cattolica
Located at the top of a hill, in the province of Reggio Calabria, Stilo is a small village with astonishing architecture, to discover absolutely. You will be amazed by its medieval historic center and the treasures it contains, 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 frescoes and Byzantine mosaics.
So, did we make you want to visit Calabria? Don’t wait any longer, go and discover it and tell us about your experience!
Name- Julien Chbib
Bio- Julien is the founder of Julius Homes. His interest in hiking, skiing, and adventure holidays made him bring together the choicest accommodations around the globe to make holidays relaxing and comfortable.