Calabria is a region in southern Italy, south of Naples. The region actually forms the southwestern tip on the front of the Boot of Italy. It is bordered to the north by the Basilicata region, to the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea and to the east by the Ionian Sea.
What should you see in Calabria?
These are the eight most beautiful places in Calabria.
- Tropea. The most popular (and therefore most touristy) place in Calabria is Tropea. ...
- Scilla. Scilla is a fishing village where they mainly focus on swordfish fishing. ...
- Capo Vaticano. ...
- Reggio Calabria. ...
- Gerace. ...
- National Park Sila. ...
- Diamante. ...
- National Park Il Pollino.
- 1. Tropea:
- The most popular (and therefore most touristy) place in Calabria is Tropea. This is mainly due to the perfect location of this city. Tropea is located on a rock by the sea, between the cliffs. The view from the cliffs is amazing and the sea water is clear and blue. You can enjoy the view here all day long, but snorkeling is also recommended!
- 2. Scilla:
- Scillais a fishing village where they mainly focus on swordfish fishing. The most beautiful part of this town is the old part: Chianalea di Scilla. This is the real fishing village. The fishermen's houses are all on (or in) the sea, so that they can easily get on the water with the boat. The village is also called Little Venice because of the many narrow canals here that separate the houses.
- 3. Capo Vaticano:
- Capo Vaticano is a cape on the Tyrrhenian Sea where you can find the most beautiful beaches. Everywhere you have beautiful views of the cliffs and the sea. The largest sandy beach in this area is Spiaggia di Tonno. The area around Capo Vaticano is also a good destination if you do not want to encounter many other tourists.
- 4. Reggio Calabria:
- The city of Reggio Calabria was once the capital of Calabria. It is a historic city with lots of beautiful architecture and museums. The two most famous attractions in this city are the Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle. You can also enjoy a nice walk along the pleasant boulevard or go shopping here. And the Calabria region has an airport, so it is also a good starting point for your trip through Calabria.
- 5. Gerace:
- Gerace is a medieval village in the province of Reggio Calabria (not to be confused with the city of the same name). It is built against a mountainside, so you really feel like you are going back in time. You can get lost in the small alleys here and there are many historic buildings to visit. You should definitely not miss the Cathedral!
- 6. National Park Sila:
- Calabria is mainly known for the most beautiful beaches, but inland you can also find beautiful, rugged nature. Such as in the Sila National Park, in the Sila Mountains. If you like walking, this is the place for you. You can go for a tough hike through the mountains or for a relaxing walk through the relatively flat area along the lakes. With a bit of luck you can also spot wolves here!
- 7. Diamante:
- Diamante is located on a bay and here too you can find beautiful beaches. The boulevard is full of cozy terraces where you can enjoy people watching. The city is also known for its many murals. The best time to come to Diamante is in September when they celebrate the Peperoncino Festival. In other words, a festival that is completely dedicated to the red pepper, with fun parties and, above all, lots of food.
- 8. National Park Il Pollino:
- Il Pollino is the largest National Park in Italy and spreads over Calabria and Basilicata. Four rivers flow through this park and you can take a boat trip on the river between the canyons. There are also many hiking trails in the park for all levels. You can also hike to the top of Monte Dolcedorme. On clear days you can even see Sicily from there.