Why plan a trip to Calabria?
When you hear of Italy, you think of Rome’s ancient ruins, Venice’s canals, or maybe Florence’s beautiful artsy streets. But imagine this: if I told you that one of the most authentic, breathtaking, and culturally rich regions of Italy lies in the far south, waiting to be discovered? Welcome to Calabria — a region of sun-baked coastlines, historical villages, and flavors that linger long after the trip is done.
If you want to see a side of Italy untainted by the excesses of mass tourism, dramatic landscapes, traditional ways, and Mediterranean elegance, then you should definitely put Calabria in your travel calendar.
Situated on Italy’s toe, it sits in a unique position between two seas, the Ionian on the eastern side and the Tyrrhenian on the western side. And the nice thing about it is that each coast has an entirely different experience to share.
The Tyrrhenian coast has rough cliffs, great vistas, and beautiful villages. Destinations such as Tropea boast towering cliffs with old churches on top and beaches with waters that are as clear as glass. Close by is Capo Vaticano, which is a must-visit while in area. Famous for its sea vistas and hidden coves, it’s the ideal getaway for beachgoers and trekkers alike. If you are heading in this direction, remember this handy guide to things to do in Capo Vaticano — you will be spoilt for choice.
Alternatively, along the Ionian coast lie huge sandy beaches and peaceful, crystal water. It is less busy, more laid back, and best suited to those looking to unwind by the sea without the busier resorts located farther north.
Ancient history you can still feel
Calabria is one of the oldest parts of Italy, with deep roots in Magna Graecia, the ancient Greek world. You’ll find evidence of this everywhere: from the ancient ruins at Locri Epizefiri to the archaeological park in Sibari. But the greatest jewel of ancient Calabria is the Riace Bronzes. These two life-sized Greek statues, dating approximately to the 5th century BC, were discovered from the sea and now lie in the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria. To look at them closely is an incredible experience – they are two of the finest pieces of classical Greek art to have survived.
Villages steeped in time
If you want to experience Italy the way it once was – stone streets, hilltop towns where time no longer exists, and views of the surrounding hills – Calabria delivers in spades.
Travel to Gerace and you’ll see its medieval churches and sweeping views across the Ionian coast. Stop off also in Stilo and visit Cattolica di Stilo, a 10th-century Byzantine church. Or you may also venture to Pizzo, renowned for its castle that clings to the cliffside and local specialty, tartufo gelato.
On the land, Morano Calabro and Civita are villages caught in time, with stone houses and unchanged tradition for centuries. Civita particularly retains its Albanian roots, with characteristic dialects, cooking, and rituals.
A land of living traditions
One of the most wonderful things about Calabria is that it holds on to its traditions. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Grecanic region – a cluster of mountain hamlets such as Bova and Gallicianò, where locals continue to speak Greko, a dialect traceable to ancient Greek. There, one hears traditional music, witnesses artisans weaving and carving wood, and tastes recipes handed down through generations.
Another unforgettable tradition is the Varia di Palmi, a UNESCO-listed festival held every August. Imagine a massive wooden structure, symbolizing the Virgin Mary, being carried through the streets by hundreds of people. It’s intense, deeply spiritual, and one of those experiences you’ll talk about for years.
Castles with views
Calabria is scattered with ancient castles, many dramatically perched above the sea or clinging to rugged cliffs.
Castello Ruffo di Scilla, which sits atop the fishing village of Scilla, is probably the region’s most iconic sight. From its walls, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Strait of Messina, and even Sicily on a particularly clear day.
Further to the south, Castello Aragonese in Le Castella seems to be rising alone on its own island, shooting vertically out of the Ionian waters. A definite must to see at sunset, the castle glows against the sea.
Incredible value and fewer crowds
Perhaps Calabria’s biggest selling point is its cost. Compared to hots like Amalfi Coast or Tuscany, you’ll get lower hotel rates, cheaper (and maybe even superior) meals, and significantly thinner crowds. It’s even easy to find yourself a private beach, a tiny trattoria, or a charming old and historical piazza without the hoopla you’d find elsewhere in high-summer.
Calabria is tough, honest, and beautiful in a somehow reassuringly coarse sort of way. It’s a region where ancient Greek temples lie quietly by the sea, where villages cling to mountainsides, and where food still tastes as if someone’s nonna prepared it especially for you.
If you’ve already been to Rome, Venice, and Florence — or haven’t yet — leave room on your itinerary for Calabria. It’s Italy at its most soulful, wild, and unforgettable.
