40 things to do in Calabria

Our top pick of things to do in Calabria

Situated in Southern Italy, Calabria is bordered by Basilicata in the North and is sandwiched between the Ionian Sea in the East, the Strait of Messina in the South West and the Tyrrhenian Sea in the West. It is the 10th largest Italian region in terms of size. It is only really just starting to be discovered by holidaymakers but don’t let that the fact that it remains one of Italy’s least visited regions lure you into thinking that there isn’t much to see and do in Calabria Far from it. Here are 40 things to see and do in Calabria to whet your appetite to want to visit.

1. Explore the treasures at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria
2. Visit the ancient city of Crotone and its Archeological Museum
3. Explore the impressive Castello Aragonese of Le Castella
4. Explore the compact maze of streets of the hilltop village of Bova
5. Watch the sun set at the Spiaggia dell’Arcomagno
6. Enjoy a day at the water park at AcquaPark Odissea 2000
7. Walk through the picturesque village of Scilla and its seaside promenade
8. Admire the stunning views from the lighthouse of Capo Vaticano
9. Soak in the hot springs at the Terme di Sibari in Cassano allo Ionio
10. Visit the Parco Nazionale del Pollino and its diverse flora and fauna
11. See the rock formations at La Serra delle Macchie National Park
12. Explore the beautiful seaside town of Tropea
13. Visit the Roman theatre of Locri
14. Walk across the old stone Devil’s Bridge in Civita
15. Take a scenic drive along the Costiera dei Cedri
16. Visit the historic town of Gerace and its Norman-style cathedral
17. Visit the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Sybaris
18. Take a hike in the Aspromonte National Park and enjoy its unique landscape
19. Marvel at the frescoes of the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni in Fiore
20. Explore the charming village of Stilo and its Norman-style church, the Cattolica di Stilo
21. Take a boat tour of the Aeolian Islands that sit in the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west of Calabria
22. Explore the charming town of Amantea and its medieval castle
23. Take a stroll along the 1.7 km long Lungomare Falcomatà, built along the seafront in Reggio Calabria
24. Admire the views from the Monte Scuro
25. Visit the Castello di Acri
26. Marvel at the statues in the church carved out of rock at the Church of Piedigrotta overlooking the sea in Pizzo
27. Escape the hustle and bustle at the Sanctuary of Saint Francis of Paola
28. Explore the village of Castrovillari and its medieval castle
29. Admire the stunning views from the Monte Consolino
30. Discover the unique cuisine of Calabria and taste the local specialties like ‘nduja, peperoncino, and olive all’ascolana
31. Take a scenic drive along the La Strada dei Monti Calabresi
32. Visit the Parco delle Serre and its diverse flora and fauna
33. Explore the historic town of Lamezia Terme and its historic centre
34. Visit the Parco della Sila and its scenic lakes and forests
35. Admire the stunning views from the Monte Pallastrello in the Serre Calabresi
36. Visit the Castello di Palmi
37. Admire the stunning views from the Monte
38. Sample Calabria’s wine varieties from each of its twelve DOC (controlled designation of origin) regions.
39. Try one of Italy’s best desserts – tartufo – in its birthplace Pizzo
40. Go Snorkelling in the Marinella Di Zambrone (Capo Cozzo)