Gerace
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Latest page update: 18 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Gerace
Gerace, a hill town in Calabria famous for its Norman cathedral and medieval streets, offers mainly small guesthouses and agriturismi within its historic centre. For established hotels, the best options are found in nearby towns along the Ionian coast.
In Locri, Hotel President provides modern rooms, on-site dining and close proximity to the beach, often praised for comfort and convenience (€€). In Siderno, Grand Hotel President offers a wider range of facilities including pools, a spa and a private beach area, attracting consistently positive reviews (€€€). Also in Siderno, Hotel Mediterraneo is a seafront property with comfortable accommodation and a central location, well regarded for value (€€).
In Locri, Hotel President provides modern rooms, on-site dining and close proximity to the beach, often praised for comfort and convenience (€€). In Siderno, Grand Hotel President offers a wider range of facilities including pools, a spa and a private beach area, attracting consistently positive reviews (€€€). Also in Siderno, Hotel Mediterraneo is a seafront property with comfortable accommodation and a central location, well regarded for value (€€).
Where is
Where is Gerace?
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The hill town of Gerace is situated within the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria province and has a population of around 2,550.
It stands at an elevation of 500 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include the towns of Locri, Siderno, Marina di Gioiosa Ionica and Roccella Ionica. |
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Comune di Gerace
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Province: Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria
Region: Calabria Population: 2,313 (in 2024 - source) Size: 35 km² Elevation: 500 metres Close by: Locri, Siderno, Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, Roccella Ionica Recommended accommodation: Palazzo Candida |
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One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: La Rupe dello Sparviero (The Sparrowhawk Cliff) |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Listed since: 2015 1 of 6 in Calabria listed by Touring Club Italiano |
What People Ask About Gerace, Calabria
Is Gerace worth visiting?
How do I get to Gerace?
What are the main attractions in Gerace?
When is the best time to visit Gerace?
How long should I stay in Gerace?
Related links
Discover
Discover Gerace
Gerace is a historic hill town in the province of Reggio Calabria, set on a limestone plateau overlooking the Ionian coast and the plain of Locri. Surrounded by rugged hills and olive groves, it rises more than 500 metres above sea level, offering wide views towards the Aspromonte Mountains and the sea below. The medieval layout of the town has been preserved, with narrow lanes, stone archways, and a network of stairways connecting its upper and lower quarters.
The town is noted for its remarkable concentration of churches, the most prominent being the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the largest and oldest in Calabria. Other highlights include the Norman Castle, the Church of San Francesco, and several noble palaces reflecting centuries of local craftsmanship and trade. Once an important Byzantine and Norman centre, Gerace remains one of the best-preserved medieval towns in southern Italy. Its proximity to Locri and the archaeological remains of Locri Epizefiri makes it a key stop for exploring the cultural and natural landscape of the southern Ionian region.
The town is noted for its remarkable concentration of churches, the most prominent being the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the largest and oldest in Calabria. Other highlights include the Norman Castle, the Church of San Francesco, and several noble palaces reflecting centuries of local craftsmanship and trade. Once an important Byzantine and Norman centre, Gerace remains one of the best-preserved medieval towns in southern Italy. Its proximity to Locri and the archaeological remains of Locri Epizefiri makes it a key stop for exploring the cultural and natural landscape of the southern Ionian region.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Gerace
- Centro Storico di Gerace perches on a hillside in the Aspromonte mountains, its streets weaving through medieval stone buildings, narrow alleys, and small piazzas. The town offers views across rolling hills and valleys. Small squares reveal fountains and shaded benches. Walking here provides a glimpse into a place where history and mountain landscapes meet.
- Cattedrale di Gerace stands as a prominent landmark, a Norman cathedral with Romanesque and Byzantine architectural features. The cathedral’s interior contains frescoes and religious artworks reflecting Gerace’s spiritual heritage. It remains central to local worship and cultural life.
- Castello Normanno-Svevo overlooks Gerace, a medieval fortress with thick walls and towers. The castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. Visitors can explore its ruins and learn about the town’s defensive history. It remains a key attraction.
- Piazza San Francesco serves as Gerace’s social hub, bordered by traditional houses, cafés, and shops. The square hosts markets, festivals, and community gatherings. Its cobblestones and mountain views create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to experience village life and customs.
- Guided cultural and nature tours in Gerace lead visitors through historic streets, religious sites, and nearby Aspromonte trails. Local guides share stories of ancient traditions, architectural heritage, and regional history. Tours often include tastings of local cheeses, wines, and Calabrian dishes. Exploring reveals Gerace’s blend of heritage and natural beauty.
Tours and Activities
Gerace Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Gerace Photo Gallery
Calabria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Calabria
1. Tropea
2. Pizzo
3. Scilla
4. Sila National Park
5. Le Castella
6. Capo Vaticano
7. Pentedattilo
8. Santa Severina
9. Riace Bronzes
10. Altomonte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Calabria
1. Tropea
2. Pizzo
3. Scilla
4. Sila National Park
5. Le Castella
6. Capo Vaticano
7. Pentedattilo
8. Santa Severina
9. Riace Bronzes
10. Altomonte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Calabria
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Gerace
By Rail: Gerace does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Locri, about 10 kilometres away, on the Taranto–Reggio Calabria line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Locri to Reggio Calabria in about 1 hour and 20 minutes and to Catanzaro Lido in roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Locri, buses and taxis provide frequent services to Gerace.
By Road: Gerace is situated in southern Calabria, about 90 kilometres south of Catanzaro. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS106 and SP1. From Reggio Calabria, the distance is around 100 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A2 and SS682. The town lies inland from the Ionian coast, accessible by winding regional roads, with parking areas located below the historic centre and near the main entrances.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Gerace is situated in southern Calabria, about 90 kilometres south of Catanzaro. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS106 and SP1. From Reggio Calabria, the distance is around 100 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A2 and SS682. The town lies inland from the Ionian coast, accessible by winding regional roads, with parking areas located below the historic centre and near the main entrances.
Nearest International Airports:
- Lamezia Terme International Airport: Located about 110 kilometres northwest of Gerace, with a drive of around 2 hours via the SS280 and SS106. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
- Reggio Calabria Airport: Situated roughly 105 kilometres southwest, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes by car via the A2 and SS682. It provides regional and national connections.
- Crotone–Sant’Anna Airport: Approximately 120 kilometres north, with a journey time of around 2 hours via the SS106. It serves a limited number of domestic routes.
Private Transfers
Gerace Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and stress-free way to travel to or from Gerace, providing a direct connection without the need to drive or use public transport. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional local driver.
Reggio Calabria Airport is the most convenient for arrivals and departures, with good road links connecting to the inland area of Locride. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Locri, Siderno, and Roccella Ionica, or to other towns and villages across southern Calabria.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Reggio Calabria Airport is the most convenient for arrivals and departures, with good road links connecting to the inland area of Locride. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Locri, Siderno, and Roccella Ionica, or to other towns and villages across southern Calabria.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
