Calabria, Italy: 13 Amazing Things to Do in Calabria

Steve Cummings

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Calabria, Italy
credit: depositphotos

Do you fancy taking a vacation in Italy? Have you thought about going to the North, like so many Americans? Why not consider taking a trip to a less-known region? It's a bit cheaper than the main tourist places in Italy, which is perfect for frugal travelers.

Although you may have your heart set on some of the more popular destinations, you should consider heading to Calabria. 

“Where?” you ask. Well, if you look at Italy as a boot, as many people do, Calabria is the toe of that boot. This destination is not very popular among Americans, but it should be.

It boasts stunning beaches spread out across 500 miles of coastline, and this region is set between two of the most beautiful seas in the Tyrrhenian and Ionian. Calabria has three national parks and countless historical sites of interest that point to Italy's tumultuous history and heritage.

In the following article, we will talk about 13 things to do in Calabria that may make you want to change your mind about where you head for your summer vacation.

1. Tropea

Tropea
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One of the best things to do in Calabria is to take in Tropea's wonder and awe-inspiring atmosphere, historic sites, and scenery. The lovely little town sits on the majestic Tyrrhenian Sea and features crystal-clear water that would not look out of place in the tropics, some of the most pristine beaches, and truly dramatic rock formations. Once you've managed to stop gazing in reverence at the scenery, you should take a trek into the pedestrian-only center, where you will find many historical points of interest and a selection of great little shops, cafes, and restaurants.

One thing that will become abundantly clear if you spend time in Tropea is it is famous for red onions. These are everywhere and prepared in all eateries in a stunning number of ways, including the iconic sweet and tangy marmalade, considered by many to be the authentic taste of Calabria. For a sense of the history of this town, head to Santa Maria dell' Isola. This Benedictine sanctuary sits on a steep hill and involves 300 steps. This is the most famous landmark in Tropea, and although the 300 steps may feel like a lot of work, it's worth it for the views from Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands to the Strait of Messina.

2. Civita

civita calabria
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You may not have realized many thriving Albanian communities exist in Italy. One of the oldest is Civita, and a trip to this village is one of Calabria's more culturally intriguing activities. This village was home to Albanians fleeing from Balkan invasions by the Ottoman Empire when the locals had Islamic conversion enforced upon them. Nowadays, the Arbëreshë people keep their traditions alive through dance, song, and festivals. This is an excellent place for Albanian food in Calabria.

In Civita, you can also visit the Devil's Bridge, which connects the town to the outside world. This is one of the best things to do in Calabria, which shows its diversity.

3. Gambarie

Within a dense area of Aspromonte National Park, you will find a pretty little hamlet of a township or village called Gambarie. What began as a settlement for foresters and hunters in the 1920s has evolved over the last hundred years. For one thing, it has become one of the most popular sporting locations during wintertime in the south of the country. So, if you are looking for things to do with children in Calabria and your family are skiing fans, this is one place you will want to visit.

There are a total of five runs and two ski lifts here. One beginner, intermediate, and three advanced, and look over onto Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands, and the Strait of Messina, offering gorgeous vistas while you take the slopes. It is quite a unique experience to be on the slopes skiing until your heart's content one moment and then back on a beach within a short drive.

If that wasn't enough, the spectacular Maesano and Amendola waterfalls are also within the Aspromonte National Park.

4. Gerace

Gerace
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This is one of the most beautiful villages in this part of wonderful Italy. Although the largest cathedral found here is not the most picturesque building you are likely to come across, with a fortress-like feel, the inside of the church is much more attractive. 

From the columns taken from Locri's ancient temples that line the aisles to the 18th-century Baroque polychromatic marbled altar, this is a gem of 18th-century Baroque architecture.

The Diocesan Museum has fantastic exhibitions, like a 12-century reliquary cross made from gilded silver, sapphires, and emeralds. In Gerace, you should also look at the Ionian Sea through the Gate of the Sun, known as Porta del Sole to locals.

5. Squillace

Squillace
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If you are looking for exciting things to do, Calabria is where you can get a sense of its heritage, and there are plenty of places to visit. If you are a pottery fan, you may have seen the DOC label that refers to pieces with appointed origins. Squillace is one of just 33 towns in Italy where the pottery has this labeling. The craft here follows the sgraffito styling and is etched and englobed. It first started to be made around the 1500s and was handmade by Pignatari, the name for potters in the town. The name comes from the clay or terracotta pot used to cook beans over open fires, called pignata.

Many workshops lining the street lead up to the town's 11th-century Norman castle, which looms over Squillace.

6. Serra San Bruno

Serra San Bruno is home to Serre Regional Park, located within the splendid grounds of Certosa di Santo Stefano del Bosco. This relaxing and serene location is a must if you want things to do near Calabria. It was established in 1091 by Saint Bruno of Cologne. It was a charterhouse reconstructed following an earthquake in 1783 and is a fully functioning Capuchin monastery.

Although you can't visit the monastery, the Gregorian chants from within the building can be heard throughout its museum. You are allowed access to its small church that, in the 11th century, was dedicated to Santa Maria del Bosco. Here, you can offer your respects to the saint close to the grotto he called home for the final ten years of his life. There is a small pond with a statue of the saint knelt in penance, ideal for figurative and literal reflection.

7. La Cattolica

La Cattolica in Stilo
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Another of the essential things to see in Calabria is La Cattolica in Stilo. This 10-century-built structure made from bricks with five tiled domes on top is undoubtedly one of the most striking and recognizable of the city's landmarks. It is currently a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status and is a nod to the area's Basilian-Byzantine past. Nearby is the Monastery of San Giovanni Theristis, another point of interest worth exploring.

8. Arcomagno

Arcomagno
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As noted at the outset of our guide, Calabria's coastline is famous for its rock formations, coves, cliffs, and other natural structures. One of the top things to do in Calabria, if you want to get a sense of the majesty of these rock formations, is visit Arcomagno, which means a large arch, in the San Nicola Arcella area. Be aware it can take some time to get there to see the arch and the three hidden caves that go with it; it is more than worth it for the trek along the rocky beach and past the sparkling, crystalline turquoise-hued water. This is especially true on the warmer days because the sun doesn't tend to water the coves, meaning the water is refreshingly cool.

9. Scilla

Scilla
Credit: Depositphotos

There are many places to sample the best food in Calabria, but you should visit Scilla to understand how the region got its rich seafood cuisine. Pronounced as Shiela, this is a pretty little fishing village that sits on the Tyrrhenian. According to the celebrated poem of Homer, The Odyssey, Scilla was home to a six-headed sea monster that guarded the Strait of Messina. At the top of the rocks that are the town's foundations, you will see Castello Ruffo, which also offers some of the best views of one of the best Italian beaches.

10. Badolato

Badolato
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All history buffs looking for things to do in Calabria should take a trip to Badolato. This walled, medieval village sits 800 feet above the stunning Ionian Sea, which was first established during the Norman rule to offer protection against invasion.

While many towns have less attractive counterparts out to sea built following the Second World War in cement and connected with ascending, winding roads to the older villages, you will get a genuinely traditional Italian village experience if you head up the hills. Walk along narrow, cobblestone-covered streets where locals hang out laundry, smell the strong scent of onions cooking, and hear the tuneful chime of the local church bells.

11. Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria
Credit: Depositphotos

Looking for great things to see in Calabria, Reggio Calabria, just across the Strait of Messina, was built following an earthquake in 1908, giving it a modern feel that many Italian cities don't have. The Lungomare Falcomata promenade was once reportedly referred to as “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy” by the famous author Gabriele D'Annunzio. Whether they did or did not say it, the Art Nouveau palazzi from Zani, Giuffre, and Spinelli and the palm trees that line it are stunning. You can also benefit from spectacular vistas of Mount Etna's waters.

This is a must if you want to take pictures for your Instagram or photo album or to have memories.

12. Torre Camigliati

For things to do with children in Calabria, Camigliatello Silano, found in the North of Calabria, is the best place. You can explore the amazing Sila National Park, which also features the La Nave della Sila. This beautiful museum is dedicated to celebrating Calabrian emigration. However, one of the best things this part of Calabria has to offer is the incredible, oasis-like Torre Camigliati. This baronial hunting lodge was originally built in the 18th century but has been restored since then and is based on a 200-acre private woodland estate.

Perfect for taking some time out from the bustling parts of Calabria, this is a natural gem you could miss if you didn't know it was there.

13. Le Castella

Le Castella
Credit: Depositphotos

Among the top things to do in Calabria is climbing the iconic Le Castella, which is a must. This 15th-century Aragonese fortress looks like it is floating on its own island within Isola di Capo Rizzuto. However, the climb to the top rewards you with amazing views through the windows, known as the wolf's mouth of bocca di lupo, historically used for spotting enemies trying to invade.

Aside from the castle, Italy's largest protected marine area is found here, extending from Isola di Capo Rizzuto to Capo Colonna. Many beautiful marine creatures like dolphins, seahorses, and awe-inspiring stony coral reefs live nearby.

Final Thoughts

If you are heading to Italy this year and have particular things to do in Calabria, we hope this article proves helpful. There are many things to see in Calabria, whether traveling solo, with your better half, or with a whole family of all ages. We hope the above proves Calabria, the strangely ignored part of Italy by most Americans, offers a spectacular Italian vacation experience where you can get all you can from more expensive places that are overcrowded in the northern part of the country.

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