Itinerary ● Captivating Calabria.
Want to experience Italian culture at its most undiluted? Look no further than the potent and passionate peninsula (within a peninsula): Calabria.
The too-often overlooked "toe" of Italy, is a region defined by rolling hills and the country’s finest sandy coasts. Venture off the beaten track for a rewarding adventure; rich in culture, cuisine, community and scenery.
Reggio Calabria ● 2 nights.
Our Calabrian adventure kicks off in the region’s largest city; a place that hums with energy. Take a promenade passeggiata along Lungomare Falcomatà, a source of local pride. On a clear day, you can view Sicily glistening across the Strait of Messina.
Reggio is steeped in history, but enjoys a vibrancy in the current day with plenty of lively spots.The Lugomare includes Arena dello Stretto, the city’s beating heart; a local’s meeting point. Contemporary art can be seen including a trio of intriguing outdoor sculptures by Italian artist Rabarama.
An imposing symbol of the city, Castello Aragonese domineers with its large battlements which offer panoramic views.
As the sun dips below the horizon, find a trattoria and dive into a plate of fresh seafood straight from the sea that unfolds before your eyes.
Scilla ● 1 night.
A hop, skip, and a jump away, Scilla epitomises seaside charm. A gorgeous sandy beach (🔽 Below) beckons, backed by rolling hills. High above the town, Castello di Ruffo affords incredible views. As with all of Calabria, food is impeccable. The local delicacy, swordfish is a must-try. Wander the quaint streets of Chianalea, a fishing hamlet with an authentic feel.
Capo Vaticano ● 1 night.
Our coastal journey continues as we point our compass towards Capo Vaticano. En-route, make a stop at Spiaggia d'Ulivarella. A little slice of paradise, turquoise waters lap against a cluster of dramatic rock formations just off-shore. Take a dip, soak up the sun, then onwards we go.
Arriving at Capo Vaticano, prepare for views that will etch themselves into your memory. Head straight for the Capo Vaticano Belvedere (📷) for a panorama of its weaving coves and the distant Aeolian Islands.
Its centrepiece, Spiaggia di Grotticelle looks gracious from above and greets with fine sand and calm waters. The seclusion of Praia di Fuoco adds to its allure. A tiny cove with awesome snorkelling, access this hideaway by water taxi or pedal boat.
Tropea ● 2 nights.
An endlessly scenic coastal drive leads to Tropea, the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian. Detour to Spiaggia di Riaci for a photo op on this iconic beach, complete with a unique castle-like rock.
A timeless jewel in Calabria's crown, Tropea is enchanting in its beauty. Its historic center — a treasure trove of artisan shops, tempting gelaterias, and traditional trattorias — is perched high above a rocky monolith; rows of townhouses etched into its dramatic cliffside overlooking the sea.
Picturesque Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Isola, clings another outcrop, which houses magical sea caves below.
Famed for its glorious white-sand beaches, the town flaunts a convivial atmosphere, with tourists drawn to turquoise waters like moths to a flame. An attraction in itself, the "cipolla rossa di Tropea" is a sweet red onion which elevates local dishes.
💡 Neighbouring Parghelia is noted for its sparse beaches.
Cosenza ● 1 night.
Time to head inland — but not before one last toast to the Coast of the Gods. Marinella di Zambrone is a gem of a beach, more typically white sand and blue waters.
Slinking above the sea, Pizzo is a pleasant town where you can enjoy a signature dessert known as "Tartufo di Pizzo". Hypnotic Chiesetta di Piedigrotta, a church carved entirely into a sea cave, conceals a fascinating origin story. A local shopkeeper, devoted to its legend, carved several sculptures into the stone.
In Cosenza, you'll feel a shift in pace. Explore atmospheric Cosenza Vecchia (old town) with its winding alleys and ancient palazzi. Duomo di Cosenza and Castello Normanno-Svevo are testaments to its cultural value.
Diamante ● 2 nights.
Your journey continues north to the vibrant coastal town of Diamante. On the road, a couple of historical insights can be enjoyed. The stellar location of Castello della Valle (📷) allows for vast views of the sea, a reminder of its Renaissance-era elegance, ravaged during the Napoleonic Wars. Pilgrims pay respect to the Calabria’s patron saint at Santuario di San Francesco da Paola.
Diamante is a town that truly embraces art. Stroll the streets and be admire many murals (📷) which adorn its alleys; an open-air art gallery with emotive illustrations. After your walk, unwind on the beach (📷). Famed for its production of chilli peppers ("peperoncino"), those with a palate for spice will appreciate its presence in many local dishes.
Your second night allows for a nice day trip to nearby San Nicola Arcella (📷). Don’t miss the magical secret cove of Arco Magno, a mystical place worthy of its links to tales of sirens seducing sailors. Off the coast, Isole di Dino is a veritible playground for watersports, where kayakers weave through its inlets and stunning sea caves.
Rossano ● 1 night.
As you drive east, invest time at Castello Ducale di Corigliano Calabro. Delve into the Calabria’s historic nobility and the grandeur they called home.
Rossano itself is a town rich in history. Home to some of the most pertinent religious sites in all of Italy, namely the Duomo di Rossano — which houses preserved frescoes — is best known for the discovery of priceless Byzantine gospels, now housed in the Museo Diocesano e del Codex.
Scattered through the streets are other reminders of Byzantine rule, with prominent architectural sites among which the Oratorio di San Marco shines.
Le Castella ● 1 or 2 nights.
Bound for your final stop, a recontré with coast, pass through some of Calabria’s most captivating scenery. Venture into the heart of Sila National Park to marvel at the Giganti della Sila (📷). These towering pines have stood for centuries, emenating an ethereal atmosphere. Step back in time as you enter the remarkable medieval village of Santa Severina (📷), complete with imposing castle, charming streets and papal heritage.
Finally, arrive in Le Castella, a place dominated by its iconic Aragonese Castle (📷), a stunning red fortress perched on a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. Explore its ancient walls and soak in the show-stopping surrounds. Spend your days relaxing to round off your unforgettable traverse through Calabria in style.
There’s activities to be had, too. The sea here is a protected haven for marine life, featuring underwater Roman ruins — a snorkeller’s delight. As the sun sets on your trip, admire the entrancing silhouette of the castle illuminate; sipping a well-earned cocktail.
-
Reggio Calabria: Malalbergo 🟢 ● Hotel Medinblu 🟡.
Scilla: B&B La Veduta 🟠.
Capo Vaticano: Villaggio Il Gabbiano 🟠.
Tropea: NoOne Guesthouse 🟡 ● Palazzo Mottola 🟠 ● Villino Eleonora🟠 ● Villa Paola 🟣.
Cosenza: Epoca Home 🟡.
Diamante: Villa dei Mercanti 🟢 ● Hotel Ferretti 🟡.
Rossano: Domus Purpurea 🟢 ● Palazzo Cherubini 🟠.
Le Castella: Praia Art Resort 🟠.
Key: 🟢 (€) 🟡 (€€) 🟠 (€€€) 🟣 (€€€€)