Calabria: The 7 most beautiful places at the tip of Italy's boot

In addition to the Amalfi Coast and Apulia , the most popular travel destinations in southern Italy include islands such as Ischia, Capri , and Sicily . However, many of these resorts are hopelessly overcrowded, especially during peak season. The situation is different in Calabria , at the tip of Italy's boot.

Admittedly, even there, you'll find few secluded coves in midsummer—but the region is only slowly becoming a trendy destination for international tourists. So, now's a great time for a trip to the tip of the boot. We'll reveal our top 7 highlights in Calabria.

The Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) stretches for approximately 55 kilometers along the west coast of Calabria and is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Italy. It runs between Pizzo in the north and Nicotera further south along the Tyrrhenian Sea. The highlight of this coast is the town of Tropea, surrounded by picturesque sandy beaches .

The small town, with a population of just under 6,000, sits perched on a tuff plateau high above the emerald-green sea. The best way to get to know Tropea is to stroll through the labyrinthine alleys of the old town. There you'll find small churches, magnificent palaces, and viewpoints with panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands.

At the end of the bustling main street, you'll find one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Mediterranean: directly opposite the city's landmark, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, perched on a rock overlooking the sea. Tropea also offers culinary delights. The famous Cipolla Rossa di Tropea, a mildly sweet red onion, is a staple in almost every local dish.

Tropea is one of the most picturesque places on the Costa degli Dei.

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In addition to Tropea, the Costa degli Dei offers many other places worth visiting, including Ricadi. From the beaches of Torre Marino and Tono, you can enjoy views of the Aeolian Islands, while the lighthouse at Capo Vaticano is the best spot for sunset. Pizzo, meanwhile, is known for its tartufo ice cream (with a liquid chocolate center), which is a must-try. For history buffs, there are sights such as the Chiesa di Piedigrotta, set in the rock by the sea, or the Castello Murat. This is where the King of Naples was once imprisoned.

We also recommend Zambrone, with its white-sand Paradiso del Sub beach. It's ideal for snorkeling, but also for relaxing—or feasting on fresh fish. Speaking of fish: Nearby Scilla is a picturesque fishing village nestled beneath the Castello Ruffo castle, overlooking the Strait of Messina. The Chianalea district, with its houses seemingly sloping into the sea, is particularly photogenic, earning it the nickname "Little Venice of Calabria."

Nicotera also offers history and panoramic views: an old town with narrow streets, a cathedral, and a medieval castle. From the castle, also called Ruffo, you can enjoy views of the Tyrrhenian Sea – especially beautiful at sunset. Culinary delights include pasta, 'nduja (a spicy spreadable sausage), and fresh seafood.

If you want to visit the southernmost city on the Italian mainland, Reggio Calabria should be on your Calabrian bucket list. Calabria's largest city (with 180,000 inhabitants) is located on the Strait of Messina, overlooking Sicily and Mount Etna. Reggio Calabria is far from mass tourism, yet it offers a wide range of attractions – and is considered one of the oldest cities in Italy: It was founded as early as the eighth century BC.

The best place to start your exploration is the Lungomare Falcomatà promenade, where palm trees provide shade and you can enjoy a stunning view of Sicily. It's considered one of the most beautiful promenades in Italy and attracts many sunset lovers on clear days. Not far away, the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia awaits you, home to one of Italy's most important archaeological finds: the Riace Bronzes, life-size statues of Greek warriors that are over 2,000 years old.

Reggio Calabria is the southernmost city on the Italian mainland.

Source: IMAGO/imagebroker

Other historical highlights include Reggio Cathedral, the Aragonese Castle, and the Chiesa degli Ottimati. But Reggio Calabria also has a modern side, such as Villa Zerbi and the Arena dello Stretto open-air theater. Restaurant menus include local delicacies such as 'nduja, grilled swordfish, bergamot dishes, and, of course, Tartufo di Pizzo.

With approximately 85,000 inhabitants, Catanzaro is the capital of Calabria. It is said to be located at Italy's narrowest point, where the Tyrrhenian Sea is only a few kilometers from the Ionian Sea. Hence, it is nicknamed the "City Between Two Seas." Catanzaro offers travelers an exciting mix of history, art, modern architecture, and Mediterranean flair.

The best way to start your city tour is with a stroll through Catanzaro's old town. There, you'll find sights like the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, whose origins date back to the 12th century. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, with its ornately decorated side chapels, is also a highlight for architecture and art lovers.

In Catanzaro, it is worth visiting the San Giovanni Monumental Centre.

Source: imago images / PHOTOMAX

The Belvedere offers the most beautiful panoramic views, including the Fiumarella Valley and the Gulf of Squillace. At Villa Trieste, meanwhile, you can stroll through gardens with exotic plants and statues of famous Calabrians. Even more greenery awaits at the Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea, a 60-hectare natural area full of works of art. Speaking of art: The San Giovanni Monumental Center, built on the remains of a Norman castle, is now one of the most important exhibition venues in southern Italy. The center houses sculptures, historical exhibitions, and, since 2017, even restored castle dungeons, which have been accessible to the public.

Not far from the city center lies the maritime district of Catanzaro Lido, with its promenade, lidos, restaurants, and clubs. Other sights worth seeing are the Ancora, a memorial to fallen sailors, the historic Tonnina Tower, and the Gutta, a monumental buoy on the shore. You can also indulge in culinary delights in Catanzaro: from hearty pasta china (filled with provola, eggs, and sausage) to spicy murzeddhu (tripe in spicy sauce) to the sweet specialty crocette (stuffed baked figs with walnuts, cinnamon, and candied lemon).

If you're looking for solitude and authenticity, we have a special tip: Santa Severina, perched high on a tuff cliff, is reputedly one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. On clear days, the view stretches far across the Neto River valley. At the heart of the small town stands the Castello di Santa Severina, one of the best-preserved fortresses in southern Italy. The complex, with its four towers and bastions, dates back to Byzantine times and houses an archaeological museum.

Santa Severina is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Source: IMAGO/Zoonar

Afterwards, it's worth taking a stroll through the old town, which boasts two historic quarters: the Byzantine-influenced Grecìa quarter and the Iudìa, the former Jewish quarter. A top attraction there is the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Anastasìa and the Byzantine Baptistery, a circular gem with frescoes from the 10th to 12th centuries, said to be unique in Calabria.

If you visit Santa Severina in early summer, you can experience the Medieval Festival (usually held in early May). Santa Severina becomes a historical stage with music, costumes, and regional cuisine. Particularly popular is the traditional dish sàuza, a mild bean soup with mint, vinegar, and pork belly.

If you enjoy being outdoors, the Val di Neto cycle path is worth a visit. The approximately 38-kilometer route connects six villages in the region and takes you through landscapes full of olive groves, vineyards, and cozy villages.

Located on the border between Calabria and Basilicata, Pollino National Park is Italy's largest national park, covering over 192,000 hectares. Home to rare plants, ancient trees, and wildlife, it is considered a paradise for hiking and geotourism. Several mountain ranges of the southern Apennines dominate the landscape, including the Pollino Massif, the Orsomarso Mountains, and Monte Alpi. Deep valleys, high pastures, karst springs, and geological formations stretch between them. The park's symbol is the laurel pine (Pinus heldreichii).

The Pollino National Park is the largest national park in Italy.

Source: imago images/UIG

The park has been part of the UNESCO European Geoparks network since 2015. This is thanks, among other things, to ancient beech forests such as the Vetusta Faggeta di Cozzo Ferriero and Faggeta di Pollinello, which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. They are among the last remaining untouched beech forests in Europe. A total of 75 geosites have been identified in the park. You can learn more about this diversity at the Vertical Ecomuseum in the Santa Maria della Consolazione monastery complex in Rotonda.

Hiking enthusiasts can climb peaks like Monte Pollino or Serra Dolcedorme (at 2,267 meters, the highest peak in southern Italy) in Pollino National Park, and with a bit of luck, spot golden eagle or wolf tracks. An easy hike leads to the Cascata Paraturo waterfall, among others. There are also opportunities for climbing, rafting, and mountain biking.

Calabria's wildest side is revealed in the Aspromonte National Park in the far south near Reggio Calabria. Founded in 1989, the national park stretches from the Tyrrhenian to the Ionian coast. It owes its name to the Aspromonte massif, whose highest peak, Montalto, reaches 1,956 meters. Hiking it is worthwhile just for the stunning panorama of the vast landscape and both seas. The park's visitor centers offer information on hiking routes and nature tours.

The Aspromonte National Park offers the wildest landscapes of Calabria.

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This national park is characterized by jagged rock formations, deep gorges, and streams. Rivers rush through the steep mountain ranges, forming roaring torrents during the rainy season. A hike to the Cascata di Maesano waterfall (about three hours round trip from Laghetto Rumia) is particularly recommended during this time. In the heart of the park, wolves, wild boars, badgers, and foxes live alongside numerous rare birds of prey, including eagles. On the coast, you'll find Mediterranean vegetation with citrus trees, olive groves, oleander, and many other plant species.

The Aspromonte region also has a lot to offer culturally, including historic villages: Bova surprises with its Norman castle and a Byzantine church, Gerace with its impressive cathedral, and Mammola delights with an extraordinary art project. MUSABA is the name of the open-air museum of modern art there.

Especially if you are visiting Calabria in August, there is one place you should definitely visit: Roccella Ionica on the east coast. Every summer, the town becomes the musical capital of Calabria, hosting two major festivals: Roccella Summer Festival transforms the beach into a large festival square, where stars of the Italian and international music scene take to the stage. In 2025, the festival begins on August 13th.

This party is followed shortly afterwards by the Roccella Jazz Festival, One of the oldest jazz festivals in southern Italy. In addition to open-air concerts, there are also film screenings, readings, and dance and theater projects.

Roccella Ionica becomes the music capital of Calabria in summer.

Source: IMAGO/Zoonar

Roccella is also worth a visit at other times of the year – it has been awarded the Blue Flag for its water quality and the Green Flag as a particularly family-friendly seaside resort. On the long, fine sandy beach, you can swim or relax, but you can also sail, snorkel, or take a boat tour along the Costa dei Gelsomini. And to round off the day, a stroll through the old town's alleyways, with its many places to stop for refreshments, is recommended.

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