Reggio Calabria Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Reggio Calabria, from cultural and natural attractions to food and drink scene. Plan your itinerary and learn about local culture and customs.


Introduction to Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria is a hidden gem in Southern Italy that offers a perfect mix of cultural and natural attractions. Known for its museums, historical sites, and outdoor adventures, this city is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an authentic Italian experience. Located on the toe of the Italian boot, Reggio Calabria is the biggest city in Calabria and is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and crystal-clear waters. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Reggio Calabria.

List of Places to Visit in Reggio Calabria

Here is a list of the top attractions and things to do in Reggio Calabria:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Reggio Calabria boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage that is showcased through its museums and historical sites. Here are some of the top places to visit:

  • National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria - This museum houses one of the most significant collections of ancient Greek artwork, including the stunning Riace Bronzes.
  • Cathedral of Reggio Calabria - This stunning cathedral dates back to the 9th century and is known for its beautiful architecture.
  • Castello Aragonese - Located on a hill overlooking the city, this castle offers panoramic views of Reggio Calabria and the surrounding area.

Natural Attractions of Reggio Calabria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Reggio Calabria’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring, with crystal clear waters and majestic mountain ranges. Here are some of the top natural attractions:

  • Aspromonte National Park - This stunning national park covers over 650 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
  • Scilla Beach - This picturesque beach with its crystal-clear waters is one of the most beautiful in Italy.
  • Pentedattilo - This abandoned medieval village is perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea and offers stunning views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria offers some incredible hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to explore its natural beauty. Here are some of the top options:

  • Aspromonte National Park - The national park offers many different hiking trails ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging.
  • Strada Provinciale 22 - This scenic road offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean, and the surrounding mountains are ideal for a bike ride.

Best Things to Do in Reggio Calabria: Activities and Tours

Reggio Calabria offers a variety of activities and tours that allow visitors to experience the city’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top options:

  • Cooking Class - Learn how to cook traditional Italian dishes with a local chef.
  • Horse Riding - Take a guided horse-riding tour through the stunning Aspromonte National Park.
  • Wine Tasting - Discover the famous Calabrian wines by taking a guided wine tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Reggio Calabria

Here’s a sample itinerary for spending a week in Reggio Calabria:

Day Activity
1 Explore the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria
2 Visit the Cathedral of Reggio Calabria and Castello Aragonese
3 Hike in Aspromonte National Park
4 Spend a day at Scilla Beach
5 Take a guided horse-riding tour
6 Discover traditional Calabrian cuisine with a cooking class
7 Spend a day wine tasting in the surrounding vineyards

Food and Drink Scene of Reggio Calabria

Calabrian cuisine is known for being simple but incredibly delicious, with a focus on fresh seafood, locally sourced vegetables, and pasta. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • ‘Nduja - A spicy, spreadable sausage made from pork.
  • Pasta with swordfish - Fresh pasta served with fresh swordfish, tomatoes, and garlic.
  • Coda alla Vaccinara - Oxtail stew served with celery, carrots, and tomatoes.

Local Beverages

  • Ciro - A famous Calabrian red wine made from the Gaglioppo grape.
  • Bergamot liqueur - A sweet liqueur made from the bergamot fruit, which is native to Calabria.

Where to Stay in Reggio Calabria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Reggio Calabria offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the top options:

  • Grand Hotel Excelsior - A luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of the city.
  • B&B Casa Blanca - A comfortable and affordable bed and breakfast in the city center.
  • Hostel H24 - A modern and stylish hostel that offers dorms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Reggio Calabria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Reggio Calabria can find a variety of souvenirs and local products to bring home as a reminder of their trip. Here are some of the top options:

  • Bergamot products - Buy locally made products using the bergamot fruit, such as soaps, perfumes, and candles.
  • Ceramics - The town of Seminara is famous for its ceramic production, and visitors can buy a variety of ceramic products.
  • ‘Nduja - Take home a jar of spicy, spreadable ‘nduja sausage, which is a staple of Calabrian cuisine.

Local Culture and Customs of Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria is a city with a unique culture and traditions. Here are some of the things visitors should know before visiting:

  • Family is important - Family is central to the Calabrian way of life, and visitors will find warm and welcoming locals.
  • Respect religious customs - Calabria is a religious region, so visitors should respect local religious customs and traditions.
  • Take your time - In Calabria, life moves at a slower pace, so visitors should take their time to enjoy the laid-back way of life.

Best Time to Visit Reggio Calabria

The best time to visit Reggio Calabria is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. July and August are the busiest months as it is the peak tourist season. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the shoulder season of May and June or September and October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Reggio Calabria

Here are some of the things visitors should do and shouldn’t do while in Reggio Calabria:

Do:

  • Try local cuisine - Reggio Calabria’s cuisine is delicious, so make sure to try the local dishes.
  • Visit local markets - The city’s markets offer a glimpse of daily life in Calabria.
  • Respect local traditions - Visitors should respect local traditions, particularly religious customs.

Don’t:

  • Be loud and obnoxious - Calabrians value peace and tranquility, so visitors should avoid being too loud or obnoxious.
  • Underdress - Visitors should dress appropriately when visiting churches or historical sites.
  • Ignore local customs - Visitors should respect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria is considered to be a safe city for tourists. However, visitors should take normal safety precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings, not leaving valuables unattended, and not walking in deserted areas at night.

Health in Reggio Calabria

Visitors to Reggio Calabria should have standard travel vaccinations up to date, and follow general precautions such as drinking bottled water and using insect repellent.

Getting to Reggio Calabria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Reggio Calabria is accessible by air, train, and bus.

Airports Near Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria has its own airport (REG), but it only operates domestic flights. The nearest international airport is Lamezia Terme Airport, which is about two hours away by train or car.

Bus Stations Near Reggio Calabria

The city has two bus stations: Piazza Garibaldi and Via Archimede.

Other Options

Travelers can take a train from Naples or Rome, with direct high-speed trains available.

How to Get Around in Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria is a relatively small city, and it is easy to get around on foot. However, visitors may also use the city’s bus system, which is affordable and reliable.

Where to Go Next from Reggio Calabria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Reggio Calabria is an ideal starting point for exploring the rest of Calabria. Here are some top destinations:

  • Tropea - This charming town on the Tyrrhenian Sea is known for its beautiful beaches and historic buildings.
  • Pizzo - A picturesque town famous for its Tartufo ice cream and stunning beaches.
  • Cosenza - This medieval city nestled in the Calabrian hills boasts many beautiful churches and historic sites.

Conclusion

Reggio Calabria is truly a gem in Southern Italy. Its unique blend of cultural and natural attractions along with its warm and welcoming locals, make it an ideal location for any traveler seeking an authentic Italian experience. Use this guide to start planning your trip, and don’t forget to take your time to savor all that Reggio Calabria has to offer.

Lungomare Lungomare The ''Bronzi di Riace'' The ''Bronzi di Riace'' Lido Comunale Lido Comunale