Calabria is the long wild "toe" of the Italian peninsula. This region is almost completely surrounded by the clear turquoise waters of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. The Apennine mountains plunge directly and fiercely into the sea. The air feels sunny and far removed from typical tourist routes.
The driving routes are spectacular, cruising the coastline and climbing into high national parks. You can explore the forested Sila National Park or visit the stunning clifftop town of Tropea . The region is full of historical layers. From the settlements of Magna Graecia to Byzantine ruins. You'll encounter breathtaking coastal views and the powerful presence of the mountain range.
Look for the unique soft sausage nduja, chili peppers and strong red wines. This region delivers the raw and genuine spirit of Southern Italian life. Driving here, you escape the busy north and find yourself among welcoming locals. This is for you to experience authentic flavors of Italy’s wild south.
Calabria highlights
- Tropea Known as the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian”. Tropea will impress you with wild cliffs, turquoise waters and the iconic Santa Maria dell’Isola monastery. Its historic center is full of charming alleys, gelaterias and sunset viewpoints.
- Scilla This seaside village combines myth and beauty with its old fishermen’s quarter (Chianalea) built right on the water. Expect narrow lanes, wooden boats and crystalline sea views straight from a postcard.
- Reggio Calabria & the Riace Bronzes Reggio Calabria’s waterfront is beautiful, but its archaeological museum is the real star. Here you’ll find the Riace Bronzes; two extraordinary ancient Greek warrior statues considered among the finest in the world.
- Pentedattilo A ghost village clinging to a mountain shaped like a hand. Pentedattilo is quiet and full of legends. It has become a cultural hub with small events and artisan workshops.
- Sila Endless forests, lakes and fresh mountain air make the Sila plateau a paradise for hiking, biking and wildlife spotting. In winter, it even provides skiing and cozy chalet stays.
- Pizzo Stop at this charming coastal town. It is famous for its historic castle and the rich, local specialty ice cream called Tartufo di Pizzo.
- Stilo & The Cattolica Stilo is home to the Byzantine Cattolica. It's a tiny 10th-century church with red domes and remarkable interior paintings. It’s one of Italy’s most unique and photogenic spiritual sites.
The local Four
History of Calabria
The history of Calabria begins with the Greeks. Greek culture dominated the coast for centuries, making this peninsula a center for philosophy and trade. The Romans eventually conquered the region, using its dual coastline for naval power and connecting roads.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Calabria became a vital outpost of the Byzantine Empire. Greek traditions, language and the Orthodox rite flourished here for hundreds of years. Later, Norman conquerors built spectacular defensive castles to secure the territory.
You can explore the prominent ruins of Greek temples and the formidable defensive structures of the Normans. Even today, traces of Greek language survive in some remote villages. Driving the coastline is like traveling a historical corridor remembering the great civilizations of the Mediterranean.