The 10 most beautiful places in Calabria (tip!) - This is Italy (2024)

Do you want to discover an unknown part of Italy? Then why not go to Calabria, that southern region in the toe of the Italian boot? Calabria has a coastline of more than 800 kilometers, which ranges from the steep cliffs of the Costa degli Dei on the Tyrrhenian Sea to the beautiful white sand beaches of the Ionian coast.

Calabria: rugged nature and a rich history

The interior of this region is rugged, mountainous and unexpectedly green. And Calabria has a rich history, which can be found in the buildings left behind by the Greeks and Romans, among others.

It has so much to offer that it is difficult to make a choice from all the sights. So what should you really not miss if you want to look around this region? An overview of the 10 most beautiful places in Calabria that you must see.

1. Sila National Park

The La Sila National Nature Reserve is everything you would not expect in a Mediterranean region like Calabria. The Sila mountain range, from which the park gets its name, could easily be called the 'Calabrese Alps'. Including alpine meadows with grazing cows, rivers and mountain lakes.

The range is surrounded by ancient pine forests, where you have the chance to glimpse wolves, the symbol of the park, wild boars and deer.

2. Tropea

Tropea is arguably one of the prettiest towns in Calabria, perched on a rock overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Legend has it that Hercules founded the city on his return journey from Spain.

Meander through the streets of the historic center of the city and be amazed by the buildings, churches and shops you will encounter along the way.

Do you have no problem climbing a lot of stairs? Then the Sanctuary of the Santa Maria dell'Isola, which is located just outside the city on a high rock in the sea, is something you should not miss!

Afterwards you can relax in the sun on the snow-white beach of the city. The nearby beaches of Capo Vaticano are also highly recommended!

3. Scilla

Scilla is the center of swordfish fishing. The most characteristic part of this white town is Chianalea: the fishing village that is connected to the rest of the city by only one road.

The small fishermen's houses border on the sea, so that the fishermen can pull their boats out of the water right in front of their door.

From the Belvedere of Piazza San Rocco in the town itself, you have a wonderful view of the castle, the beach of Marina Grande and the Strait of Messina, which separates Calabria from Sicily.

If you have the chance, watch the sunset. The purple-colored sky is really something spectacular!

4. Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria may not be the best place to live, it is indeed the most elegant city in Calabria. Rich in history, beautiful buildings and art.

The National Archaeological Museum is worth a visit, if only to see the famous bronzes of Riace found offshore in 1972.

By the way, you can only say that you have been to Reggio Calabria if you have seen the two symbols of the city: the Cathedral and the Castello Aragonese. W

By the way, how about a walk on the longest boulevard in Italy, where there is plenty to do, especially in the evening?

And do you love shopping? Then the Corso Garibaldi is the shopping street that you should not miss.

5. Penteddattilo

Pentedattilo is a small village in the Aspromonte Mountains. The village, which dates back to 600 BC, is built against the mountain Monte Cavalario.

This mountain was once shaped like a huge five-fingered hand ('penta' and 'daktylos' in Greek) – unfortunately a few of which have broken off – and that gave Pentadattilo its name.

It is what you might call a 'ghost town': the inhabitants moved away, not only to look for work elsewhere, but also because of earthquakes and floods.

In recent years, hard work has been done to boost tourism and bring the village back to life.

6. Stilo and La Cattolica

Stilo was built at the time when Calabria was part of the Great Greece and became known in the Byzantine period.

The historic center is truly medieval and surrounded by city walls. You will find a lot of churches and the one that you absolutely should not miss when visiting Silo is La Cattolica.

This small church is one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture in southern Italy. It was built in the 10th century and is in perfect condition.

7. Race

When exploring Calabria, you can't miss Gerace, another town built against a mountainside. It was founded in the 9th century by people from the surrounding areas, fleeing the Saracen raids.

The old town of is a mix of Byzantine architecture with Cistercian Gothic. The Cathedral is one of the beautiful buildings that you come across while walking through the narrow streets.

And of course you can't skip the Castle. It is located on the highest part of the hill and in the past was only connected to the rest of the city by the drawbridge.

8. The Archaeological Park Scolacium and the Roccelletta of Borgia

Interested in antiquity and excavations? Then visit the archaeological park of Scolacium in Borgia, just south of Catanzaro Lido.

The archaeological finds in the park are remnants of the ancient Greek colony of Skylletion, which later became the Roman Scolacium became.

Besides the remains of ancient buildings from the Greco-Roman and Norman times, you can also see excavated ceramics and statues.

At the entrance of the park is the Roccelletta of Borgia. This basilica is a wonderful mix of architectural styles, including Roman, Byzantine and Arabic architecture.

9. The Aragonese Fortress Le Castella of Isola di Capo Rizzuto

The Aragonese fortress Le Castella, according to folk tales, is all that remains of the seven castles that once dominated the archipelago at Isola Capo Rizzuto.

Le Castella is located in the sea and is only connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. From the fortress you have a beautiful view over the Ionian Sea and the surrounding nature.

Thanks to underwater cameras in one of the rooms, you can even view the seabed of one of the most beautiful places on earth!

10. The Doge's Palace of Corigliano Calabro

The castle of Corigliano Calabro is one of the most beautiful castles in Italy. In clear weather you could even see Taranto from the tower.

It was built by the Norman king Robert Guiscard in the 11th century and walking through the castle gives you the feeling of going back in time.

Frescoed ceilings, halls of mirrors, antique furniture, but also the terrible torture chambers: every detail evokes the atmosphere of the time when the castle was built and inhabited.

As if you are not only taking a journey through a piece of undiscovered Italy, but also a journey into the past!

Would you like to discover the most beautiful places in Calabria yourself?

Would you like to discover the rugged nature and rich history of this relatively unknown part of Italy for yourself? We can well imagine that!

An additional advantage: the prices for accommodations are not nearly as high as in the popular areas with many tourists. If you search for a while, you will find real gems among the holiday homes, apartments, hotels and other accommodations.

View the best and cheapest accommodations in Calabria now.

How about this stay on the beach with the crystal clear waters of Calabria?

Camping in Calabria

Are you more of a camping type? No problem. In Calabria you will find some of the most beautiful campsites, often located directly on the beach. From small-scale, atmospheric campsites to large villaggios with lots of entertainment for young and old.

View most beautiful campsites in Calabria in this article.

Your most beautiful places in Calabria?

Have you been to Calabria yourself and have you discovered more beautiful places here? Share your experiences in a comment below this article! We are very curious about what beautiful things you have seen.

Would you rather go to the heel of the Boot than to the toe of the Boot? Then take a look at this article with the 10 most beautiful places in Apulia (puglia). Apulia was the destination of 2017, 2018 and 2019 and will certainly attract many interested people in the coming years.

Do you want something different from the other tourists? Then take a look atthe most beautiful places in Basilicata.

More beautiful places all over Italy can be found here: the most beautiful places in Italy.