Exploring Calabria – Discover Southern Italy

Tucked away in the toe of Italy’s boot, Calabria is a region of dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, traditional villages and everyday Italian life. Bordered by the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, this southern region offers beautiful beaches, historic towns and a slower pace of life away from Italy’s busiest tourist destinations. While places such as Tropea attract visitors for their spectacular scenery, much of Calabria retains a distinctly local atmosphere, where small communities, family-run businesses and long-held traditions remain part of daily life.

Is Calabria Worth Visiting?

Looking for somewhere in Italy that feels a little less touristy and more connected to local life? Calabria is well worth considering, particularly if you enjoy exploring smaller towns, discovering quiet stretches of coastline and experiencing places that haven’t been shaped entirely around tourism. It may not have the famous landmarks of Rome or the crowds of the Amalfi Coast, but that’s part of its appeal. From clifftop villages and beautiful beaches to mountain landscapes and traditional Italian food, Calabria offers plenty for travellers willing to venture beyond the usual tourist routes.

Our Experience Exploring Calabria

Our journey through Calabria took us along both sides of the region, from Pizzo and Tropea on the Tyrrhenian coast to our base near Melito di Porto Salvo in the south. We also crossed the Strait of Messina for a day in Sicily before continuing north towards Montegiordano and Rocca Imperiale.

Travelling in our Lease Car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, although our GPS occasionally had other ideas! One thing that really caught our attention was the incredible number of road tunnels throughout Calabria. We felt we’d driven through more tunnels here than anywhere else in Italy.

It gave us a real appreciation for Italian engineering, particularly how roads have been constructed through challenging terrain. We often found ourselves admiring the tunnels and thinking about how much excavation would have been required to build alternative routes across the landscape.

Between the unexpected detours, unusual accommodation and memorable meals, Calabria gave us plenty to talk about long after we’d moved on.

Table of Contents

• Is Calabria Worth Visiting?
• Our Experience Exploring Calabria
• Where Is Calabria?
• Exploring Pizzo and Tropea
• Our Stay Near Melito di Porto Salvo
• Exploring Reggio Calabria and the Local Area
• A Day Trip to Messina, Sicily
• Exploring Montegiordano and Rocca Imperiale
• Where to Stay in Calabria
• Getting to and Around Calabria
• Best Time to Visit Calabria
• Practical Tips for Visiting Calabria
• Final Thoughts on Exploring Calabria

Where Is Calabria?

Calabria sits at the southern end of mainland Italy, forming the toe of the country’s famous boot. It borders Basilicata to the north, while the Strait of Messina separates it from Sicily, making the island an easy addition to a southern Italy itinerary.

The region has two distinct coastlines, with the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east. This makes it possible to explore different sides of Calabria, from the coastal towns around Pizzo and Tropea to the quieter southeastern shores near Melito di Porto Salvo.

For travellers exploring southern Italy, Calabria can be a natural continuation of a journey through regions such as Campania, Basilicata or Puglia. Its location also makes it a convenient starting point for visiting Sicily, whether for a day trip or a longer stay.

Exploring Pizzo and Tropea

Travelling along Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coastline brought us to two of the region’s best-known seaside towns, Pizzo and Tropea. Although both are popular destinations, each has its own character, making them worthwhile stops when exploring this part of southern Italy.

Pizzo – A Coastal Town Famous for Gelato

Perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Pizzo is a charming historic town known for its coastal views, traditional streets and famous Tartufo di Pizzo. This delicious frozen dessert is made with layers of gelato, usually chocolate and hazelnut, with a rich chocolate centre.

Naturally, we couldn’t visit Pizzo without trying its famous gelato! It’s one of those simple pleasures that makes travelling through Italy so enjoyable, discovering a local speciality and taking the time to appreciate where it comes from.

There are a few things that make Pizzo worth exploring:

• Tartufo di Pizzo: The town’s famous gelato dessert and a local speciality worth trying.
• Historic centre: Wander through narrow streets, traditional piazzas and charming old buildings.
• Coastal views: Enjoy beautiful outlooks across the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Pizzo is a lovely place to slow down, enjoy a little exploring and experience the simple pleasures of southern Italy.

Tropea – Calabria’s Famous Clifftop Town

Further along the coast, Tropea is one of Calabria’s most recognisable destinations, with its historic buildings perched dramatically above the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The town is particularly famous for its spectacular coastal setting, with sandy beaches below towering cliffs and the beautiful Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola standing on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea.

We spent time exploring the town and enjoying its beautiful coastal views before settling in for a delicious pizza accompanied by a glass of local wine. Sometimes the simplest experiences are the most enjoyable, and sitting down to a good meal in such a beautiful setting was certainly one of them.

A few things worth knowing when visiting Tropea:

• Historic old town: Explore the narrow streets, shops and traditional buildings perched above the coastline.
• Coastal scenery: Take in the spectacular views of the beaches, cliffs and Santa Maria dell’Isola.
• Parking: Finding a space proved difficult even though it wasn’t particularly busy when we visited. Allow extra time, especially during summer.

Although Tropea attracts more visitors than many of Calabria’s smaller towns, the combination of its historic streets, spectacular coastal scenery and relaxed dining makes it a wonderful place to explore.

Our Stay Near Melito di Porto Salvo

Continuing south, we made our way towards Melito di Porto Salvo, a coastal town overlooking the Ionian Sea, not far from the southern tip of mainland Italy.

We chose accommodation near Melito di Porto Salvo as our base for exploring this part of Calabria. Compared with Pizzo and Tropea, the area felt less focused on visitors, which suited the way we like to travel.

There were several advantages to staying here:

• Location: A convenient base for exploring southern Calabria and the coastline towards Reggio Calabria.
• Local atmosphere: An opportunity to spend time in a part of Italy where tourism wasn’t the main focus.
• Access to Sicily: Close enough to Reggio Calabria to make a day trip across the Strait of Messina possible.

We enjoyed having somewhere to return to after exploring, rather than constantly moving between accommodation. It also meant we could make plans according to what interested us each day.

Our stay eventually led to one of our favourite food experiences in Italy, although we had to cross the water to Sicily to find it!

Exploring Reggio Calabria and the Local Area

With our accommodation near Melito di Porto Salvo, Reggio Calabria was within easy reach, giving us access to the city and transport connections across the Strait of Messina.

Located at the southern end of mainland Italy, Reggio Calabria is an important regional centre, with shops, restaurants, historic buildings and a waterfront overlooking Sicily.

What to See in Reggio Calabria

For travellers spending time in the city, several attractions are worth considering:

• Lungomare Falcomatà: The city’s waterfront promenade, with views across the strait towards Sicily.
• National Archaeological Museum: Home to the famous Riace Bronzes, two ancient Greek bronze statues discovered off Calabria’s coast.
• Historic centre: Explore the main shopping streets, piazzas and cafés.
• Reggio Calabria Cathedral: One of the city’s principal landmarks, located in the historic centre.

Exploring the Southern Coast

The area between Reggio Calabria and Melito di Porto Salvo includes coastal settlements, beaches and smaller communities along the Ionian Sea.

Having our own transport meant we weren’t restricted to the main tourist destinations. We could explore the surrounding area and return to our accommodation without having to organise a different place to stay each night.

Reggio Calabria also became our departure point for a day trip to Messina, where we decided to leave the car behind and travel by train and ferry instead.

A Day Trip to Messina, Sicily

One of the unexpected highlights of staying in southern Calabria was the opportunity to visit Sicily for the day. With the island sitting just across the Strait of Messina, it seemed too good an opportunity to miss, especially when we were already so close.

Rather than driving, we decided to make the journey using public transport. We caught the train from near Melito di Porto Salvo to Reggio Calabria, then took a ferry across the strait to Messina. It was a lovely way to travel, leaving the car behind and enjoying the experience of crossing from mainland Italy to Sicily.

Exploring Messina

Arriving in Messina gave us our first taste of Sicily, a city with its own history, architecture and character. With only a day to explore, we focused on enjoying the city rather than trying to squeeze too much into our visit.

Some of Messina’s best-known attractions include:

• Piazza del Duomo: The city’s main square, home to its beautiful cathedral.
• Messina’s Astronomical Clock: An impressive mechanical clock tower beside the cathedral, famous for its moving figures.
• Historic streets and cafés: An opportunity to wander, enjoy the atmosphere and sample Sicilian food.

A Meal Worth Remembering

One of the absolute highlights of our day in Messina was discovering Osteria del Campanile, where we enjoyed what turned out to be one of the most memorable meals of our travels through Italy.

The food was exceptional, and we both agreed it deserved a 10 out of 10. When you’ve spent months travelling through Italy and enjoying its incredible food, that’s saying something!

Sometimes the best travel memories come from an unexpected restaurant rather than a famous landmark, and Osteria del Campanile was certainly one of those discoveries.

Exploring Montegiordano and Rocca Imperiale

After our time in southern Calabria, we continued north along the Ionian coastline towards Montegiordano, in the province of Cosenza. We decided to spend two nights in the area before continuing our journey through Italy.

Our accommodation was particularly memorable, a castle-like Airbnb that was quite different from the other places we’d stayed. It was one of those interesting finds that made us appreciate having the flexibility to choose accommodation outside the usual tourist centres.

Montegiordano – Between the Village and the Coast

Montegiordano consists of two main areas: the older village inland and Montegiordano Marina, located along the Ionian coastline.

The area provided a convenient stopping point on our journey north and gave us time to explore nearby places without rushing.

A few things worth knowing:

• Montegiordano village: The historic settlement, located inland above the coast.
• Montegiordano Marina: The coastal part of town, with access to the Ionian Sea.
• Getting around: A car is particularly useful for exploring inland villages and accommodation away from public transport.

Rocca Imperiale – Exploring a Historic Village

One of our outings took us to Rocca Imperiale, a medieval village built into the hillside near the border with Basilicata.

Its narrow streets, traditional buildings and castle overlooking the village made it an interesting place to explore.

Some of the main attractions include:

• Castello Svevo: A medieval fortress associated with Emperor Frederick II.
• Historic village: Narrow lanes, stairways and traditional houses built along the hillside.
• Viewpoints: Views across the surrounding countryside and towards the Ionian coastline.

For us, Rocca Imperiale was another example of the places we might have missed without our own transport. It wasn’t somewhere we’d travelled to Italy specifically to see, but it became part of what made our journey through Calabria memorable.

After two nights around Montegiordano, we continued our travels north.

Where to Stay in Calabria

Choosing where to stay in Calabria depends on which parts of the region you want to explore and how you plan to travel. Calabria covers a considerable distance from north to south, so selecting the right accommodation base can make a big difference to your journey.

During our travels, we stayed near Melito di Porto Salvo in the south and later spent two nights around Montegiordano. Using different bases worked well for us and meant we weren’t constantly travelling back over the same routes.

Choosing the Right Base

Here are several areas worth considering:

• Tropea: A popular choice for beaches, restaurants and exploring the western coastline.
• Pizzo: Suitable for a shorter coastal stay, with a historic centre and nearby attractions.
• Reggio Calabria: Convenient for city sightseeing, public transport and ferry connections to Sicily.
• Melito di Porto Salvo: An option for exploring southern Calabria while staying outside the main tourist centres.
• Montegiordano: A useful stopping point along the northern Ionian coastline, particularly when travelling towards Basilicata.

Our Accommodation Advice

We found that staying in more than one location made exploring Calabria much easier, particularly given the distances between some destinations.

If you’re travelling without a car, consider accommodation close to a railway station, as many coastal towns have train connections. For places further inland, check local transport options carefully before booking.

We’d also recommend checking parking arrangements if you’re travelling by car, particularly when staying in historic town centres.

Getting to and Around Calabria

Getting around Calabria is relatively straightforward if you plan your route carefully. Trains connect many of the region’s coastal towns, while having a car gives you greater flexibility to explore inland villages and places away from the main transport routes.

We travelled through Calabria in our Lease Car, which allowed us to visit places such as Pizzo, Tropea, Melito di Porto Salvo, Montegiordano and Rocca Imperiale without relying on public transport schedules.

Travelling Around Calabria by Train

Calabria has railway lines running along much of its coastline, making train travel a practical option for visitors who prefer not to drive.

Some useful connections include:

• Pizzo and Tropea: Accessible by rail, although you may need local transport or a walk to reach the historic centres.
• Reggio Calabria: A major railway hub with connections to other parts of southern Italy and onward ferry services to Sicily.
• Melito di Porto Salvo: Connected to Reggio Calabria by regional trains.
• Montegiordano Marina: Has a railway station, but reaching accommodation and villages further inland can be difficult without a car.

Check Train Schedules before travelling, particularly when visiting smaller towns where services may be less frequent.

Exploring Calabria by Car

For us, having a car was the easiest way to explore Calabria, particularly when visiting smaller villages and staying outside the main tourist centres.

However, driving wasn’t always straightforward. Our GPS occasionally took us on unexpected detours through narrow streets and unfamiliar roads, which certainly made some journeys more interesting than planned!

A few things we learned along the way:

• Allow extra travel time: Some roads are narrow or winding, particularly when heading inland.
• Check parking before arriving: Popular towns such as Tropea can be challenging, even outside the busiest tourist periods.
• Don’t rely entirely on GPS: Check your route before following directions into narrow village streets.
• Watch for ZTL zones: Some Italian town centres have restricted traffic areas where unauthorised vehicles can be fined.

Arriving in Calabria

Calabria can be reached by train, car or air, depending on where you’re travelling from.

• By train: Long-distance rail services connect Calabria with cities such as Naples and Rome.
• By car: The A2 motorway provides a major north-south route through the region, with other roads connecting coastal towns and inland areas.
• By air: Calabria’s main airports are Lamezia Terme, Reggio Calabria and Crotone, although available flights vary.

Our advice is to choose transport based on the places you want to visit. If you’re mainly exploring coastal towns, trains may be all you need. However, if you want to discover smaller villages, stay in rural accommodation or explore at your own pace, having a car can make a real difference.

Best Time to Visit Calabria

The best time to visit Calabria depends on whether you’re planning a beach holiday, exploring historic towns or travelling around the region. Spring and autumn are particularly good choices for sightseeing, with generally pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors than during the peak summer months.

Calabria enjoys a Mediterranean climate along much of its coastline, with hot, dry summers and milder winters. However, conditions can vary considerably between coastal areas and the mountainous interior.

What to Expect Throughout the Year

• Spring (March to May): A good time for exploring towns, walking and sightseeing without the intense summer heat. Sea temperatures may still be cool for swimming.
• Summer (June to August): The busiest season for coastal destinations, particularly July and August. Expect hot weather, busier beaches, higher accommodation prices and more competition for parking.
• Autumn (September to November): A lovely time to visit, especially in September and early October when the sea can still be warm enough for swimming and the summer crowds begin to disappear.
• Winter (December to February): Generally quieter along the coast, although some seasonal accommodation, restaurants and tourist services may close or operate reduced hours.

Our Recommendation

If you’re planning to explore several parts of Calabria rather than spending your entire holiday at the beach, May, June, September and early October are worth considering.

These months generally offer a good balance of weather and opportunities to explore without the busiest summer crowds. Just remember that August is a major holiday period in Italy, so popular coastal towns such as Tropea can become particularly busy.

Whatever time of year you choose, checking local weather conditions and seasonal opening hours before travelling will help you make the most of your visit.

Practical Tips for Visiting Calabria

A little preparation can make travelling through Calabria easier, particularly when visiting smaller towns or exploring independently.

Here are a few practical things worth knowing before you go:

• Carry some cash: Although card payments are common, cash can still be useful for smaller businesses, parking and local purchases.
• Learn a few Italian phrases: English isn’t always widely spoken in smaller communities, so knowing basic greetings and expressions can be helpful.
• Check restaurant opening hours: Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, and some businesses operate reduced hours outside the main tourist season.
• Be prepared for summer temperatures: July and August can be particularly hot. Carry water, use sun protection and plan outdoor activities around the heat.
• Check beach facilities: Some beaches have organised lidos with paid sun loungers and umbrellas, while others have public areas. Facilities and availability vary.
• Check seasonal opening times: Attractions, accommodation and transport services may operate differently outside the main holiday season.
• Keep some flexibility in your plans: Weather, transport schedules and unexpected closures can affect your itinerary, particularly when exploring several parts of the region.

Final Thoughts on Exploring Calabria

Looking back on our time in Calabria, it’s the variety of experiences that we remember most. From enjoying a simple pizza and glass of local wine in Tropea to discovering an unforgettable restaurant across the water in Sicily, there were plenty of moments that made this part of our Italian journey memorable.

Travelling independently also reminded us that some of the most enjoyable experiences aren’t necessarily the ones you plan. An unusual place to stay, a village we’d never heard of or an unexpected detour could turn an ordinary travel day into something worth remembering.

Calabria gave us the opportunity to experience Italy at our own pace, without feeling we needed to tick off a long list of famous attractions. And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a journey worthwhile.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your “Tohu” guide you “Trust the Journey” and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 💳 Travel Money – Send, spend and manage money internationally with Wise, with easy currency conversion and a handy option for travellers.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide, perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.