Calabria… home. Surprisingly, despite the fact that we spend most summers here, there are still so many places within the region that we haven’t visited. We spend most of our days with family in the province of Reggio Calabria but we had had a few adventures too. Discover some of our favourite places in the area below:
- Tropea, VV
Tropea is absolutely incredible. Not only does it have white sand beaches, crystal clear water and great beach services, it also has an amazing cave, and so many fish and other sea life to see around the rocks. When we visit, we always spend an entire day here, eat lunch at the beach and then in the evening we walk up to the town and explore the colourful streets. There’s something about the dried chillies, garlic and red onions hanging from stalls and shops that makes us smile.
Once you’re up in the town, you’re greeted with the breathtaking view of the Santuario di Santa Maria dell’isola and the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea.
Fun fact: onions from Tropea are famous throughout Italy because they are so delicious. There have been many times we’ve come home with ‘cipolle di Tropea’ in our suitcases!
- Scilla, RC
This town and beach is close to our home in the south and is somewhere we visit often. In the day the beach is equipped with several ‘lidi’ where you can rent a spot to soak up the sun or stay in the shade of your parasol. There are also parts of the beach open to all at no cost. As well as the beach there are plenty of restaurants, kiosks, ice cream parlours and more.
Up at the top of the town is a huge square where in the evening families will gather to relax and chat while their children play. Sometimes there are shows hosted in the square too. Once again the view from the top is something incredible. Well worth a visit.
- Gambarie, RC
Calabria can get VERY hot, especially from July through to September. If you are visiting and need a break from the heat of the seaside towns, head on up to Aspromonte, Calabria’s mountain range where thanks to its altitude and greenery, it’s much cooler. One of our favourite places to visit in the mountains is Gambarie. There are lots of activities you can do up there including horse riding through the forest, adventure climbing and more. The main reason we visit though is for the absolutely delicious sandwiches you can get up there.
- Reggio, RC
Reggio Calabria is the largest city in Calabria with strong ties to the Sicilian city of Messina, and is at the heart of the ‘Magna Graecia’ or Greek speaking areas of Southern Italy. It is a city where history and the modern world clash, thanks to a the damaged caused by a catastrophic earthquake in 1908, which caused the people of Reggio to rebuild everything.
Arguably some of the most interesting things to see in the city are the beautifully preserved Riace Bronzes, original Greek statues dating back to the 5th century BC. The statues were found in the Ionian Sea in 1972 and they can now be found at the National Archaeological museum in the city.
Reggio is also well known for once being voted ‘il chilometro più bello d’italia’ or Italy’s most beautiful 1 kilometre stretch. The promenade is not only very beautiful and well kept, but it is also home to many great clubs, pubs and restaurants. In the summer months, many families will come in the evenings from surrounding towns and villages for an after dinner stroll to enjoy the evening together.
The city is also home to the very well renowned ice cream parlour ‘Sottozero’ – more on this on our food recommendations page – our check out our reel from our most recent visit here:
- San Lorenzo, RC
- Chianalea, RC
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