Welcome to Calabria

This is a place of dramatic landscapes, plains and forests, where within just a short distance it is possible to travel from a sunny beach to the top of a snow-capped mountain. Its rich history comes from the different populations who have arrived here over the centuries, each bringing their traditions and local cuisine.

Calabria really has something for everyone whether you like hiking, diving or sampling Italian cuisine. To help you get started, here is a list of suggestions of the top things to do and see around the region:

The Aspromonte Mountains
More than 65,000 hectares of granite make up this impressive mountain range filled with rivers and canyons. Climb to the summit of Monte Cocuzza (1900m) and enjoy spectacular views of Calabria and Sicily, framed by the Ionian sea on one side and the Tyrrhenian sea on the other.

The Pollino
The Pollino National Park is a place to enjoy outdoor activities including nature trails, canyoning and rafting, or just tour the many medieval villages in the area. The symbol of the park is the Pine Loricato Tree that has grown in this part of the southern Apennines since the time of the last ice age.

La Sila
La Sila is a mountainous park area of 73,000 hectares with plenty to do, including museums and its own steam train. Enjoy a walk along one of the 31 nature trails or take to the ski slopes in the mountain resorts, but keep an eye out for the wolves who roam the high plains.

Tropea and Capo Vaticano
At the top of the list for ‘most beautiful beaches in Europe’, Tropea is the gateway for exploring a coastline of rocky headlands and white sandy beaches. A paradise for divers.

Cosenza
Known in ancient times as the Athens of Calabria, this city has a dynamic atmosphere, and a good range of museums and theatres. Framed by the peaks of the Sila mountains, the picturesque centre is a great place to relax. Try some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

Reggio Calabria
Spend time exploring the centre of the largest and oldest city in Calabria, found at the southernmost tip of Italy’s mainland. Visit the National Museum of Magna Grecia to see the two Greek Warrior Statues, symbols of the city that date back to the 5th century BC.

Monastery of Saint John Theristis
This distinctive orthodox monastery has a unique architectural style, symbolic of the Byzantine monasticism that once flourished in part of Calabria. It is still a working monastery, home to monks from Mount Athos.

Magno-Grecia Calabria
This is a land of ancient Greek myth and legend. Explore the Sibari Archeological Park, or the ancient ruins and temples at Scolacium and Locri, to see the legacies from these ancient times in Calabria’s history. Or join a scuba diving trip and search for shipwrecks and treasure on the seabed.

Shopping and Gastronomy
Red onions, red chilli peppers, ndujia (a spreadable salami), sausages and a good bottle of Cirò are just some of the local specialities of the region. Take a tour of the region from coast to coast to taste local dishes, stopping at the irresistible food market at Silani to stock up on local purchases.