Andiamo! Citalia Magazine Spring/Summer 2023

Top 5 Things to Do in
Calabria
Slow down in the southwest of Italy! The wonderful sun-kissed region
of Calabria is a hidden marvel, brimming with everything you could wish for
in a summer holiday. Yet Calabria remains one of Italy’s quieter regions,
located right at the toe of the boot-shaped peninsula.
From fabulous beaches, a fascinating world of ancient history dotted in
both sleepy villages and archaeological sites, to an epic food and wine
scene, and great parks of natural beauty, there truly is something to
keep all the family happy in Calabria. Your Personal Travel Planners can
create a bespoke itinerary that speaks to you - but here are a few ideas
to get you started.
1
Grace the National Parks
Step into Calabria and at times you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a
bucolic Renaissance painting. There are three national parks across
the region, but our favourite is Monte Pollino National Park. Go on
charming walks through the flora and fauna-filled hills and valleys at
your own pace, coming across bridges, streams and quaint villages
along the way. You can also go cycling and rafting! The wildest part is
the canyon Gole del Raganello, home to waterfalls and natural pools,
and you may also uncover the Garden of the Gods, an ancient forest
of loricate pines.
More enchantment lies in Calabria’s beautiful Sila Natural Park, one
of Italy’s oldest national parks and home to a rich array of native plant
life and threatened species, including wolves, otters, and wild cats.
Between the mountains and the plains, there’s a wild and divine spirit
here. You can enjoy a number of outdoor activities, or simply tuck into
a picnic in a picture-perfect spot.
2
Delve into Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece profoundly influenced Calabria, and even today
you can take a step back into antiquity and witness many classical
treasures in an array of museums and archaeological sites. Right on
the Ionian coast is the ancient city of Kroton (Crotone), which at one
time was the cradle of civilisation. Its claim to fame is that it produced
great doctors, Olympic athletes, and the great mathematician,
Pythagoras.
Venture further south into ancient Rome with a trip to Scolacium
Archaeological Park, which houses the remains of this elite civilisation.
Go with a guide who will show you around the theatres and
amphitheatres, roads and streets, and innovative waterways.
Slightly more off-the-beaten track, you might also want to head even
further south to the medieval city of Stilo, which may feel like you’ve
stepped back in time with its perfectly preserved Old Town. One
of the highlights here is the Byzantine Church and an 11th century
Norman castle.
3
Discover the Riace Bronzes
Speaking of antiquities, in the coastal city of Reggio Calabria you’ll
find the National Archaeological Museum. In this great building lies
treasure that we’re sure Indiana Jones would like to get his hands on:
the ancient Riace Bronzes.
These life-size statues of naked, bearded Greek warriors are one of
the greatest artefacts from ancient Greece, and are believed to date
back to around 450 BC. They were discovered by a lucky diver in the
1970s, just off the coast of Riace.
Reggio Calabria, incidentally, is located at the exact centre of the
Mediterranean and is known as the city of bergamot - there’s even
an entire museum dedicated to this citrus fruit’s traditions! While in
Reggio Calabria, visit another crucial emblem: its Aragonese castle, a
fortress with circular towers.
4
Venture to a Ghost Town
If you have a penchant for the supernatural, then be sure to add
Pentedattilo to your itinerary. Located on a cliff and named for
the fact it looks like a giant hand with five fingers, this town was
abandoned in the 1960s. It’s teeming with mystery as it has always
seemingly been tinged with misfortune, from ancient feuds and a
massacre to earthquakes and landslides. If you’re looking for a surreal
yet captivating experience, this is the place, and if you feel daring, you
can even go rock climbing here.
5
Explore the Coast
Did we mention how spellbinding Calabria’s coastline is? To the west
lies the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, while to the east is the Ionian Sea.
Both offer deep blue waters and 300 miles of pure white sands that
rival those found in the Caribbean. Our favourite spots are around
the city of Tropea, considered the pearl of Calabria, where you’ll find
golden coves, fishing villages, and bustling marinas.
Go sailing or on boat trips to the nearby Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO
World Heritage site, or the volcanic islands of Stromboli and Vulcano,
which are home to open-air spas. You can also unwind in Tropea’s
surrounding olive groves and vineyards.
We also suggest you head to Scilla, which is just over an hour’s drive
from Tropea and seemingly almost touches Sicily. Scilla is home
to a pocket of beautiful fishing villages, including Chianalea, which
is known as the Venice of the South. Come in time for sunset for
romantic moments, before bobbing into a local trattoria to enjoy a
feast of fish dishes, including the local speciality of swordfish.
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