Calabria, the toe of Italy’s boot, is all about rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and ancient villages perched high above the sea. It feels raw and wild, with a dramatic landscape that’s mostly untouched by mass tourism. The natural beauty here is striking—jagged cliffs diving into the sparkling Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, forests covering the mountains, and golden beaches stretching for miles.
Calabria has an ancient soul, with a history that goes back thousands of years. Greek ruins, Norman castles, and Byzantine churches are scattered throughout, telling the story of a land shaped by countless civilizations. But Calabria is also about simple pleasures—sunny afternoons, meals made with fresh ingredients, and a lifestyle deeply connected to nature.
Whether you’re wandering the vibrant streets of a coastal town, hiking through the mountains, or chilling on a quiet beach, Calabria has a unique charm that’s hard to resist. Let’s explore this often-overlooked region and see what makes Calabria one of Italy’s most captivating spots.
Tropea: The Jewel of the Tyrrhenian Coast
If there’s one place that captures Calabria’s coastal beauty, it’s Tropea. Perched high on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea’s white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are breathtaking. The town is a charming maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively piazzas. At the heart of Tropea is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, a stunning church on a rocky promontory with panoramic sea views. The sight of this ancient church against the shimmering water is one of Calabria’s most iconic images.
Wander through Tropea’s old town, where pastel-colored buildings house cozy cafés, artisan shops, and restaurants serving some of the best food in the region. Tropea is famous for its sweet red onions, found in everything from salads to sauces, and for nduja, a spicy, spreadable sausage that’s a true Calabrian specialty. After exploring, head down to the beach to cool off in the turquoise waters or relax on the soft sand with a view of the towering cliffs.
Scilla: A Mythical Seaside Town
Just a short drive from Tropea, along one of Italy’s most scenic coastlines, you’ll find Scilla. This ancient fishing village, with colorful houses cascading down to the sea, is steeped in mythology. According to legend, Scilla was home to the sea monster Scylla, who, along with Charybdis, guarded the narrow Strait of Messina and terrorized sailors in Homer’s Odyssey.
Today, Scilla is a peaceful, picturesque town where you can stroll along the waterfront promenade, lined with fishing boats and seafood restaurants, and admire the beauty of Ruffo Castle, perched high above the town on a rocky outcrop. The small beach of Chianalea, known as the “Venice of the South” for its houses built right on the water, is one of the most charming spots in Scilla. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch of fresh seafood while watching the fishing boats bob in the harbor.
The Aspromonte Mountains: Calabria’s Wild Heart
While Calabria’s coastline is stunning, the region’s interior is where you’ll find its wild, untamed heart. The Aspromonte Mountains, in the southernmost part of Calabria, are a rugged and remote range that feels worlds away from the beaches below. The mountains are part of Aspromonte National Park, a protected area with dense forests, dramatic gorges, and rare wildlife, including wolves, wildcats, and golden eagles.
Hiking in Aspromonte is a journey through nature at its most raw and untouched. Trails wind through thick woods, past waterfalls and rivers, and up to mountain peaks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. One of the most rewarding hikes is to Montalto, the highest peak in the range, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. On a clear day, you can even see the outline of Sicily and Mount Etna in the distance.
The Aspromonte Mountains are also rich in history and culture. Hidden in the hills are small, traditional villages like Gerace, with its medieval architecture and Byzantine churches, and San Giorgio Morgeto, where time seems to stand still. These villages offer a glimpse into Calabria’s rural life, where old traditions are still alive.
Reggio Calabria: The Gateway to Sicily
At the southern tip of Calabria, where the region meets the sea, lies Reggio Calabria, a bustling city that serves as the gateway to Sicily. It’s best known for its Bronzi di Riace, two ancient Greek bronze statues discovered in the sea in the 1970s and now housed in the city’s National Archaeological Museum. These statues, dating back to the 5th century BC, are some of the most important examples of ancient Greek art in the world.
Reggio Calabria’s seafront promenade, the Lungomare Falcomatà, is one of the most beautiful in Italy, offering stunning views of the Strait of Messina and the mountains of Sicily beyond. Lined with palm trees, cafés, and restaurants, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and soaking in the Mediterranean vibe.
While in Reggio Calabria, check out the Aragonese Castle and the city’s cathedral, both offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. And of course, no visit is complete without sampling some local cuisine. Try fileja, a traditional pasta with rich tomato sauce and pecorino cheese, or indulge in pesce spada alla ghiotta, swordfish cooked with tomatoes, olives, and capers.
The Ionian Coast: Ancient Ruins and Pristine Beaches
On the eastern side of Calabria, the Ionian Coast is where ancient history meets unspoiled nature. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the region’s most important archaeological sites and beautiful beaches.
Start your journey in Locri, once one of the most powerful Greek colonies in southern Italy. The archaeological site here is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, including temples, theaters, and city walls. Nearby, the town of Gerace, with its impressive Norman castle and cathedral, offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and is perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Further south, Roccella Ionica is known for its long, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s the ideal place to relax, whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a meal of freshly caught fish at one of the local beachfront restaurants.
One of the Ionian Coast’s hidden gems is Capo Colonna, a headland that juts into the sea and is home to the remains of a temple dedicated to Hera, the ancient Greek goddess. The lone column that still stands is a poignant reminder of the region’s rich history and its connection to the ancient world.
The Flavors of Calabria: A Taste of Tradition
Calabrian cuisine is rustic, bold, and full of flavor. The region is known for its use of simple, high-quality ingredients—local vegetables, fresh seafood, and, of course, nduja, the famous spicy sausage that’s spreadable and packed with heat.
Start your meal with pitta calabrese, a traditional flatbread stuffed with cured meats, cheese, and vegetables. Another local favorite is cavatelli, a handmade pasta often served with rich tomato sauce or broccoli rabe for a more earthy flavor.
With its coastline, seafood is a big part of the local diet, and dishes like swordfish steaks, calamari, and fried anchovies are must-tries. If you’re feeling adventurous, sample stocco alla mammolese, a traditional dish made with stockfish, tomatoes, olives, and potatoes.
For dessert, try torrone di Bagnara, a nougat made with almonds and honey, or pignolata, small balls of fried dough covered in honey or chocolate. And to wash it all down, sip on vino di Cirò, one of Calabria’s most famous wines, or enjoy a glass of limoncello, made from locally grown lemons.
Calabria: A Land of Timeless Beauty
Calabria feels both ancient and timeless. Its rugged landscapes, sun-drenched villages, and pristine beaches remind us of Italy’s raw, natural beauty, while its rich history and deep-rooted traditions keep the past alive.
Whether you’re exploring the winding streets of a coastal town, hiking through the mountains, or enjoying a meal of local, home-cooked food, Calabria invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and connect with the land and its people. It’s a region off the beaten path, but for those who take the time to explore, Calabria offers an unforgettable experience.