Calabria: What to Do and See in Summer
With its 800 km of coastline, Calabria is a true wonder of the outdoors. Renowned and beloved by travelers for its dreamy beaches and sea, this pearl of Southern Italy truly has so much to offer, from villages that take you back in time to protected areas and breathtakingly beautiful natural parks, from castles reflected in the water to archaeological treasures that reveal its ancient and mysterious soul. Here's what to do and see this summer in this region that can fulfill every desire.
TropeaTropea is the perfect destination if you're seeking natural wonders and a cultural heritage that has earned the city the nickname "the little Athens of Calabria." This splendid village sits in a scenic location on a high tuff promontory straddling the gulfs of Gioia and Santa Eufemia, rising like a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea. It's a popular destination among travelers for its white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the evocative caves that are part of the famous Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods).
A visit to the historic center offers breathtaking views, such as the splendid panorama of the coast and the Santa Maria dell'Isola rock, as well as precious architectural treasures, such as the splendid 18th and 19th-century noble palaces perched on the cliff overlooking the beach below. Among the main attractions is the large rock on which the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola stands, a place of unique beauty, at the center of stories and legends, reached by a staircase carved into the rock. The view from the lush garden surrounding the sanctuary is magnificent, stretching along the entire coast and reaching as far as the Aeolian Islands and the Sicilian coast, with Stromboli, Vulcano, and Mount Etna looming on the horizon.
Capo Rizzuto IslandDon't be fooled by the name: Isola di Capo Rizzuto , in the province of Crotone , isn't actually an island. It's not surrounded by sea, but sits on a beautiful promontory along the eastern coast of Calabria, overlooking the Ionian Sea. A favorite summer destination with vacationers, thanks to its 34 kilometers of coastline alternating enchanting coves, sandy beaches, and breathtaking seabeds, it boasts unmissable attractions. Starting with the Aragonese Castle of Le Castella , a splendid hamlet of the village, built on an islet connected to the mainland by a thin strip of land, which emerges and is accessible only at low tide. Thanks to its unique location, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Italy.
Also not to be missed is the Sanctuary of the Madonna Greca , built on the site of a Norman monastery and dedicated to the patron saint of Isola di Capo Rizzuto, considered the oldest of the Byzantine Madonnas venerated in Calabria. Another pride of this place is the "Capo Rizzuto" Marine Protected Area , the largest in Italy. It is defined by eight promontories, the first of which is Capo Colonna, with a temple dedicated to the goddess Hera Lacinia, while Punta Le Castella represents the last. In the square of the Sanctuary of the Madonna Greca, you can visit the Aquarium , which houses 22 tanks in which you can admire the flora and fauna of the protected area, a small reserve where marine habitats have been recreated, with full respect for the living organisms.
Chianalea of ScillaScilla is a popular destination for Italian and international visitors, and Chianalea is one of its most precious gems, considered the authentic heart of Tyrrhenian Calabria . Known as the "Little Venice of the South," it is dominated from above by the Ruffo di Scilla Castle, perched on a promontory overlooking the Strait of Messina.
This small fishing village, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," has retained its timeless charm, from its narrow streets where fishermen gather to weave their nets, to its houses huddled together, seemingly defying the force of the sea, to its breathtaking landscape. The ideal destination for discovering the authentic soul of Calabria, perfect for lovers of scuba diving, fishing, and trekking.
Grotticelle Bay in RicadiIf you love snorkeling and diving, Grotticelle Bay , in the village of Ricadi – in the province of Vibo Valentia – is an unmissable stop on your trip to Calabria. Nestled in the enchanting setting of Capo Vaticano, along the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) , it offers crystal-clear waters rich in underwater wonders to be admired with mask and snorkel. It's also the perfect destination for nature lovers, thanks to the lush Mediterranean vegetation you pass through to reach the spectacular coves.
This natural wonder extends for one kilometer and lies within a protected bay, north of the Capo Vaticano promontory and south of Santa Maria Beach. A panorama of the Aeolian Islands stretches before you. The splendid beaches of Grotticelle, ranked among the most beautiful in the world, are also equipped with umbrellas and deckchairs, and facilities for swimmers. The wide, jagged bay culminates in the Scoglio del Palombaro, the extreme point of Capo Vaticano, with a lighthouse that has always indicated the safe route to sailors.
Arcomagno of San Nicola ArcellaA must-see for nature lovers and breathtaking scenery, the Arcomagno is a fascinating geological formation located along Calabria's Tyrrhenian coast, on the Riviera dei Cedri , nestled in the Gulf of Policastro. We are in San Nicola Arcella , in the province of Cosenza. Here, the relentless action of the sea waves, which over the centuries have eroded the coastal rock, has created a spectacular and unique landscape.
The arch, which extends for about 50 meters between majestic walls, holds a hidden treasure: an enchanting little beach, originally known as the "Grotta d'u Saracinu." A veritable miniature amphitheater, characterized by a crescent-shaped strip of sand and pebbles lapped by breathtakingly colored water. It is also known as Aeneas' Beach, because myth has it that the hero passed through here after the fall of Troy.
Calabria Parks Cycle PathNestled between Aspromonte, Sila, Pollino, and the Serre mountains, the Calabria Parks Cycle Route offers cycling enthusiasts 545 km of authentic discovery and new experiences amidst the landscape and eco-sustainability. Those who love cycling through breathtaking landscapes should definitely not miss it.
The Apennine itinerary combines low-traffic roads, cycle paths, and trails. The route starts in Laino Borgo and ends in Reggio Calabria, covering a total length of 545 km. It passes through the Pollino and Sila National Parks, the Serre Regional Natural Park, and the Aspromonte National Park. The journey is divided into 12 stages , each covering 31 to 58 km, with three different difficulty levels—easy, intermediate, or difficult—the most challenging being the rugged Apennine landscape. Along with the main route, the cycle path also offers a variant that reaches Lake Angitola, in the Serre Park, on stage 9, which connects Girifalco to Serra San Bruno.
Archaeological area of Capo ColonnaIf you're a history buff, a visit to Capo Colonna , one of Calabria's most famous archaeological sites, is a must. The park, located 10 km from Crotone, extends over approximately 50 hectares, occupying the easternmost tip of the promontory, known in ancient times as "Lakinion akron." The ancient Greek-founded place of worship for the goddess Hera Lacinia now includes the archaeological area, enclosed by Roman-era walls, a wooded area with Mediterranean scrub, symbolizing the forest sacred to the goddess, and the museum area.
The most important building in the sanctuary is the large Doric temple of Hera Lacinia, built around 480-470 BC, near the edge of the cliff. Traces of its foundation pits and part of the eastern stylobate, with a single surviving column, remain, which has become the emblem of the Park and the promontory. In the sacred area are the remains of an older archaic place of worship, from which come the precious votive objects of the so-called Treasury of Hera, some of which are preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Crotone .
Falcomatà Seafront in Reggio CalabriaIf your destination is Reggio Calabria , you can't miss a stroll along the Falcomatà Promenade (known to the people of Reggio as Via Marina), the jewel in the crown of the city's historic center. It's called "the most beautiful kilometer in Italy" —a phrase mistakenly attributed to Gabriele D'Annunzio—due to the Fata Morgana optical phenomenon, visible only from the Calabrian coast. This phenomenon is the origin of the myth, which allows you to see close-up images of Sicily reflected in the sea.
Built after the 1908 earthquake, it consists of four streets that stretch along the Reggio Calabria coastline: Lungomare Matteotti, Corso Vittorio Emanuele III, and Viale Genovese Zerbi. The avenue is lined with Art Nouveau buildings, including Palazzo Zani, Palazzo Spinelli, and Villa Genovese Zerbi, and is enriched with features that trace the city's history, including numerous commemorative monuments and archaeological sites dating back to the Greco-Roman era. Between the sea and the promenade, with its Art Nouveau parapet and streetlights, stands the Arena dello Stretto, a Greek-style theater that hosts cultural events and entertainment, especially during the summer months.
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