Holidays in Calabria are perfect if you are looking for a hidden, untouched and quieter region of Italy, with beaches that rival the Bahamas. Situated within the toe of Italy, this long peninsula is bordered by the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east, and has waters so blue you’ll want to dive right in.
The interior of Calabria is carpeted in the pine forests of Sila National Park, alongside the undulating mountains of Pollino and Aspromonte that separate it from the rest of Italy. It’s precisely this separation that makes Calabria such an intriguing and untouched place to visit.
Experience a slower pace and the Italian simple rustic way of life in this beautiful coastal destination.
You’ll find beaches that rival the Caribbean, with water so blue that you’ll want to dive straight in. Many Italian families favour the region for its 300 miles of sun-soaked white sands and pebble beaches for their summer retreats, but it remains under the radar to the rest of the world. Explore golden cove beaches, such as those around beautiful Tropea, which appear between terracotta-coloured fishing villages, olive groves. and vineyards.
As the leading Italian holiday specialists, we’re here to help you discover Calabria and guide you to places only locals know about.
This includes secret spots such as Arco Magno, where you can watch the sun set between an arch-shaped natural rock wrapped around a pebbly beach.
There are also shipwrecks from World War II dotted around the coast of Reggio Calabria, which make for an exhilarating scuba diving experience.
No holiday in Calabria would be complete without tasting the region’s seafood, and there’s no better setting than the coastal town of Tropea. Make sure to time it right for a sunset dinner.
Unwind with days of leisurely beach hopping along Tropea’s aptly named the Coast of the Gods by day, before taking romantic evening strolls, gelato sampling, and indulging in seafood dinners by night. If you’re feeling more adventurous then your holiday in Calabria will uncover a land strewn with ancient settlements, castles, monasteries and palaces. Hike around Pollino National Park, breaking for an aperitivo in traditional villages.
Tropea is Calabria’s most popular destination, famous among Italians for its arcs of golden sands and terracotta topped town, which appears to blend into the cliffs. Once you’ve spent enough time on the beach, climb to the top of Santa Maria dell’Isola monastery, a rocky promontory with spectacular views over the town and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Meander around the historic centre, dipping in and out of eateries, past coloured palazzi and through delightfully cool piazzas for a cappuccino.
History lovers will want to take a trip to see the famous Riace bronzes - two warrior statues dating back to the 5th Century BC – which take pride of place in the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria. A swimming stop at Capo Vaticano beach is also a must.
It’s easy to reach Naples by direct train from Reggio Calabria and then Sorrento or Pompeii. Alternatively, head south to Sicily by train or car for the volcanic Aeolian Islands, Mount Etna and the medieval city of Syracuse.
Flights to Calabria arrive into Lamezia Terme Airport (SUF) from London Stansted and take approximately 3 hours. Please call our Italy Experts in order to book flights to Lamezia.
Located down in southern Italy, Calabria enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summer and mild winters. June to September is the best time to experience the beaches, with average temperatures soaring to the high 20s, often not cooling down until October.
At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.
You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.
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