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What are the ten places you must see in Calabria?

Calabria is a very special place! One of the most beautiful regions, it offers places with stunning beauty. But 10 of them are must-see places! Today we will know the 10 must-see places in Calabria.

By Ana Patricia Da Silva
SCILLA, The Southern Venice.
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Introduction

Coming to Calabria is to live a unique experience. This amazing region offers really rare places, but 10 of them are must-see places! Today we are going to know the 10 must-see places in Calabria. Let´s go?! What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? So, let’s do it! Here at Your Travel to Calabria you make the trip of your dreams!!! Are you staying in Calabria? Looking for a hotel? Click here and discover best accommodation options in Calabria!

A little more about Calabria

When it comes to tourism, Calabria is always in second place, and still retains wonderful treasures less known by foreigners. Of course, the infrastructure is still insufficient, but the ‘tip of the boot’ deserves to be visited every time of the year. Calabria is the ‘tip of boot’, formed by an area rich in history and traditions, but also by tourist areas and particularly beautiful natural environments. Bathed in the splendid waters of the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, it is separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina. The warm environment, the splendid colors of the sea, the rocky shores alternating with sandy coasts, its wild and mysterious nature, and the intense and genuine flavors of the local cuisine, with the witnesses of its ancient origins, renders Calabria a unique place.

Lets go to know our Calabria?

The 10 must see places in Calabria

We know that the rankings do not satisfy everyone, in any case take these ideas as an invitation to add other places and other experiences in this beautiful and condemned territory. Are you ready to go and get to know the ten most wonderful places of this spectacular land? We begin by describing these magical places, between art and unique villages, to the discovery of a beautiful region: Calabria.

1) What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? TROPEA

When you come to Calabria, there are two places that it is impossible not to visit and not to photograph; I am referring to Tropea and Chianalea di Scilla. They are two scenographic small towns that it is impossible not to immortalize in photos and memories. Calabria is proud of its unique landscape views in the world and Tropea, undoubtedly, represents the column that carries the natural beauties that the South presents to us.

A little more about Tropea…

Tropea is not only fascinating by the beautiful sea that surrounds it, but also by its old town, rich of ancient lords palaces and that typical architectural style, of 1700, that imprisons among its walls travelers who are captured by typical streets that end in every narrow alley in town. A few steps from the old town and you can see a port, surrounded by piers and boats. Also the Benedictine Sanctuary of high medieval origin nestled on a rock overlooking the sea, representing the archetypal emblem of the city. Tropea is a succession of narrow streets, alleys and panoramic angles: after a tour between the Cathedral, the sanctuaries and the noble palaces, we must take a walk along the white sandy beaches and feel the taste of the famous sweet onion. TIPS FROM TROPEA!

Did you know?

Little Tropea, known as “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian”, was elected as the most beautiful village in Italy in the “Il Borgo dei Borghi” contest, held annually by the Italian broadcaster Rai.

2) What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? SCILLA, A VENEZA DO SUL

And what about the splendid Chianalea di Scilla? It is a legendary place, at the gates of Reggio Calabria, where still has space for the echo of the mythical monster that attacked the ship of Ulysses. Legends aside, the Calabrian side of the strait presents a wonderful panorama, where rocks overlooking the sea, waves that skim the rocks and the beautiful villages of Scilla and Chianalea are a neighborhood of Scilla and are considered one of the most beautiful villages of Italy. The small town is also called Venice of the South, for its spectacular houses built directly on the rocks next to the waters and separated by small streets that resemble the canals of the lagoon.

A little more about Scilla…

It is an old maritime village, where the sea always touches the houses of fishermen, so it is called “Little Venice”. The old houses are separated from each other by small sleepers that descend to the sea. Visiting Chianalea means getting lost in the magic of the smells and flavors coming from the kitchens of the picturesque restaurants where the voluptuous taste of traditional cuisine is able to change the lucky of the day. The main activity is fishing and so it is easy to see the fishermen working with the nets. TIPS FROM SCILLA!

3) What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? RIVIERA DEI CEDRI

We start by visiting The Riviera of Cedars (La Riviera Dei Cedri); it is how we call the piece of Calabrian coast where the citrus scents that constitute the region’s pride in the world are cultivated. The coast, with its eighty kilometers of beaches and cliffs, offers many reasons to visit not only the boulevard, but also the little towns around, passing through to the sanctuaries nestled in the rock, by the religious traditions that are lost in the night of the times. A return to these parts is the occasion where one sees an authentic division of Italy, where traditions are felt and respected as few other parts in Italy.

A little more about Riviera dei Cedri…

Among the small towns are: Aieta of Byzantine origin which, besides the splendid view of the Policastro gulf, offers important historical-religious witnesses such as the chapel of Saint Nicholas (San Nicola) and the church of Santa Maria della Visitazione. Then there is Praia a Mare, with its spectacular island of Dino, where you immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful seas of Calabria. Not to mention the small town of Paola, with Francis of Assisi (San Francesco), patron of Calabria, who in 1453 founded the sanctuary; still today a place of solidarity and faith, an imposing complex that, absolutely, must be visited! And finally we must mention a splendid village that overlooks the sea, Scalea, known for its splendid churches, such as Saint Nicholas in Platies (San Nicola), and its sea.

4) What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? COSENZA

Cosenza is situated in a natural frame of hills in the Valley of the Crati at the confluence of the river Busento, which divides the modern part of the city from the old part, that appears on the slopes of the Pancrazio Mountains. There is no better time to visit the city, given its typically Mediterranean climate and the artistic, historical and cultural beauties that are present in there. Embracing the east of Sila, to the west by the mountain of the sea to the north by the Massif of Pollino and to the south of the hills of the Savuto, this valley is the ideal place to reach the diverse areas of the province. TIPS FROM COSENZA!

Watch this video:  Discovering Calabria with Ana Patricia: tour in Cosenza

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A little more about Cosenza…

In less than one hour driving by the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Sea and by the mountains of Sila and Pollino, the city of Bruzia, with its 2,500-year history, is a must-see destination to relive the history of Alaric, the life of Frederick II of Swabia (Stupor Mundi), the Cathedral, the Suevo Castle and all its downtown. It is not only the history, culture and art that makes this city attractive, but also the gastronomy, the traditions, the hospitality and the splendid scenery that will not let you forget this place. In any case today Cosenza, called Milan of the south, has a privileged position regarding to other capitals of Calabria for being, in spite of the many problems that invest it, the most habitable one.

5) What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? PENTEDATTILO

The “floating” town of Pentadattilo – Reggio Calabria! So, Pentadattilo, later, became a fraction of Melito Porto Salvo, in the province of Reggio Calabria, the history began very early, in 600 B.C., thanks also to its strategic position. The village seems to “float” on the cliff of Mount Calvary and is nestled in the rock. Its shape resembles the five-fingered Cyclops hand (hence the name Pentadattilo – penta means five) and its streets were the background of the “Alberti massacre“, a feud between two noble local families. Today it is a fascinating place, full of mystery, and the population has moved, making the village a ghostly place. Italo Calvino said that “its past was written in the streets”, I suggest getting the car and, then, take a walk in there. TIPS FROM PENTEDATILLO!

6) What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? SANTA SEVERINA

It is not many who know another spectacular place: Santa Severina, a Calabrian town in the province of Crotone called “the stone ship”, which with its baptistery, castle and cathedral, represents, maybe, the most important Byzantine proof in Calabria. Santa Severina is an ancient medieval village situated in the center of Crotone province, halfway between the Ionian Sea and the Sila Mountains. The small town rises on a cliff to the center of a vast valley that makes it look like a great stone ship. In addition to being a historical place of particular interest, Santa Severina, which rises from a rocky projection, is also one of the most beautiful medieval villages in all Italy; it will be surprising to stop for a visit, maybe accompanied by a cold coffee or a brioche with ice cream. TIPS FROM SANTA SEVERINA!

7) What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? GAMBARIE

When you talk about Calabria, you automatically think about the sea. The fact that you can ski in the area always makes everyone astonished and, yet, the snow conditions are often better than many other Alpine locations. It is a priceless feeling! In Calabria you can ski on the Pollino, Sila and Aspromonte, for example; Gambarie may be considered the most important mountain town of the province of Reggio Calabria and is among the most important of the south.

A little more about Gambarie…

The landscape is truly spectacular, with centuries-old beech forests, crystal clear creeks and silent mountains. Two modern cable cars take tourists and skiers to the peaks of Mount Scirocco and Mount Nardello. When you return to the city, you can taste so many typical dishes created with mushrooms, cheese, ricotta and meat, all from local farms. TIPS FROM GAMBARIE!

8) What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? REGGIO CALABRIA

Reggio Calabria is the most beautiful Calabrian town, both natural and architectural point of view, is Reggio Calabria; known throughout Italy for the spectacular seafront, its famous for the Corso Garibaldi which is full of trendy shops, bar and restaurants and a wonderful panorama that offers to tourists a unique landscape.

A little more about Reggio Calabria…

This beautiful city is also known for housing the famous Riace bronzes, preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria. The city is nestled in a splendid position on the Stretto di Messina, with a magnificent seafront described by poets and writers. Gabriele D’Annunzio defined it as “the most beautiful kilometer of Italy”. It is, in fact, a happy union of specific and very beautiful plants, monuments and palaces, including villages of later styles and classic art nouveau in a background of rare fascination. TIPS FROM REGGIO CALABRIA!

9) What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? POLLINO NATIONAL PARK

Is is impossible not to visit the National Park of Pollino, the background is majestic, dominated by particular contours of the loricato (Bosnian) pine, tree of incredible beauty, almost a “plant monument”. The Pollino National Park, located between Calabria and Basilicata, is one of the largest parks in Europe and, perhaps, one of the last wilderness areas of the continent. Try to take a walk in one of these reserves in Calabria: the Lao Valley, the Raganello gorges, the Argentino river valley and the Rubbio river valley. It’s really worth it!

A little more about Pollino National Park…

The canyon of Raganello is really scenography; in other countries it would be famous as much as any American canyon. The growth of Pollino leaded to the development of innumerous adventure sports, for example, in the ravines of the Lao river, you can practice rafting, it’s a really attractive idea, or in the Raganello, you can practice canyoneering! These activities you can practice on summer time, but also in the midseason and are very convincing and special experiences. From one of its rooms we can observe the sea floor in real time, thanks to the underwater cameras that will make you descend symbolically in the depths of one of the most enchanting places of the region and, possibly, also of all Italy. TIPS FROM POLLINO NATIONAL PARK!

10) What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? STILO

At this point you have to visit the Cattolica di Stilo, a small centrally planned Byzantine church in the Square at the foot of Mount Consollino, in the province of Reggio Calabria; is a Calabrian treasure visited every year by thousands of Italians and foreign tourists. Stilo is one of the most beautiful and interesting destinations for history and art, the proud of Calabria, belonging to the Byzantine villages; is the town of Tommaso Campanella and of the jewel of Byzantine art, the Cattolica, in southern Calabria. The position where Stilo appears is already a great spectacle. The ancient village is, in fact, arranged in layers on limestone, on a hill of olive trees and vines. TIPS FROM STILO!

BONUS: now we’re gonna see one of my favorite places… CAPO RIZZUTO!!!

How to get to Calabria?

We can easily reach Calabria with airplane, car, train or ferry.

1) How to get there? BY PLANE

The region is endowed with three airports: Reggio Calabria, Crotone and Lamezia Terme Airport.

Read our posts about Airports in Italy:

2) How to get there? BY TRAIN

The railway infrastructure in Calabria extends itself for about 850 km of lines, with 115 stations. The main network is made as following: Tirrenica (Roma/Nápoles – Rome/Naples) – Praia (Beach) – Paola – Lamezia Terme – Reggio Calabria, which, in addition, connects the most important zones of the Calabrian coast between them and the main cities of Campania and central Italy; the connections between the Sicilian railway network and the rest of the national network are very functional. There are ferries services to reach Calabria by the sea. READ THE POST HOW TO GET TO CALABRIA TO KNOW MORE DETAILS!

Did you know that Trenitalia is the main Italian company dedicated to the management of rail transport? Find out here “What is the difference between trains in Italy?“. Buy your ticket online in advance and save a lot, read the Post “How to buy a train ticket in Italy?”.

3) How to get there? BY CAR

For those who prefer to do a road trip, it is possible to reach the places using the highway A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria.

Don’t know where to rent the car?

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IMPORTANT TO KNOW!

Remember that to drive in Italy it is MANDATORY to have the International Driving License, the famous IDP (International Driving Permit). The certificate is not issued in Italian, but it is accepted in English! The IDP lasts 180 days (it depends where you live) and is issued by the Traffic Department of your country (if you have the European Driver License, you don’t need to worry about it!).

A Little more of the Beauties of Calabria

Conclusion

What are the ten places you must see in Calabria? Imagine a place of incomparable beauty, where time seems to have stopped and where the beauty of the sea and the sunsets of summer will warm the desire of the ideal vacations! If this is your wish, you have to come to the splendid land of Calabria, a land of culture, history, traditions, typical flavors… feel like, not only as a traveler, but as a guest.

Are you insecure?

If you feel insecure or don’t have time, and need help organizing your trip, don’t hesitate to contact me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy. And how can I do that? Keep reading this post until the end and you will understand how we make your life and your trip much easier.

Did my post help you? If so, be sure to post your comment below, but if you still have doubts just leave your comment below and I will reply asap!

TRAVELING TO CALABRIA IS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE, BUT BEING A REGION WITH A SMALL TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE FOR FOREIGNERS, IT IS NOT SO SIMPLE TO VISIT THIS AMAZING PLACE WITHOUT ANY HELP, ESPECIALLY IF YOU DON’T SPEAK ITALIAN.

HIRING OUR SERVICES YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ADMIRE EVERYTHING THAT THIS BEAUTIFUL AND SPETACULAR REGION HAS TO OFFER!

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I AM A GUIDE WITH EXPERTISE IN PORTUGUESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN CALÁBRIA, AND I AM SURE YOU WILL LOVE TO SEE THIS AMAZING ITALIAN REGION WITH ME! IT WILL BE AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY!

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Best regards from Calábria

Ana Patricia Da Silva

My name is Ana Patricia, I am Italian-Brazilian, been living for 15 years in Italy, graduated in Librarianship at the State University of Londrina-UEL in Londrina-PR, in Scienze del Turismo at the University of Calabria and have a Master’s degree in Cultural Tourism by the Fondação Garrone, partner of University of Catania in Sicily. I am the only tour guide in Calabria that speaks Portuguese, and also have been qualified as tourist guide in Europe. I am also the creator / founder of Touristico - Consultoria Itália Brasil.

Since 2012, I´ve been working with the enhancement and promotion of Italian territory in general and, since (2015) in a more specific and concrete way, I have been promoting this wonderful region (still little known by many people) called Calabria!

Our website will provide information about the more “tourist-friendly” Calabria and the less touristy – and therefore more authentic – Calabria, the one entrenched among medieval towns! This region has many medieval villages embedded in rocks, often built overlooking the sea, to protect themselves against Saracen invasions or in pleasant panoramic corners where life still happens according to the rhythm of each season.

Come and visit Calabria with me!!!
This region will surprise you! Ana Patricia Tour Guide in Calabria

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