Pentedattilo
|
Latest page update: 3 September 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
Where is
Where is Pentedattilo?
|
The ghost town of Pentedattilo is situated in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria province. It stands at an elevation of 272 metres above sea level and belongs to the Comune of Melito di Porto Salvo.
Places of interest nearby include Bova, Palizzi, the Aspromonte National Park and Reggio Calabria. |
|
Pentedattilo - frazione di Melito di Porto Salvo
|
Comune: Melito di Porto Salvo
Province: Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria Region: Calabria Elevation: 250 metres Highlights: Rocca di Pentedattilo, panoramic views Close by: Bova, Palizzi, Aspromonte National Park, Reggio Calabria Recommended stay: Hotel Medinblu (33 km) |
What People Ask About Pentedattilo
Where is Pentedattilo located?
Why was Pentedattilo abandoned?
Can you visit Pentedattilo?
What is Pentedattilo known for?
How do you get to Pentedattilo?
Related links
Discover
Discover Pentedattilo
Pentedattilo is an abandoned village in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, set on the rugged slopes of Monte Calvario in southern Calabria. Perched high above the Ionian Sea, it is built against a dramatic rocky outcrop whose five towering pinnacles resemble a giant hand, giving the settlement its ancient name. The surrounding landscape of arid slopes, deep valleys, and winding mountain roads creates an isolated and striking setting on the edge of the Aspromonte foothills.
The village is marked by ruined houses, narrow alleys, and the remains of the Castello degli Alberti, recalling its medieval past and long decline following natural disasters and depopulation. Restorations and cultural events have brought renewed interest, but its atmosphere remains that of a ghost village shaped by legend and history. Positioned between Melito di Porto Salvo and the upland routes towards Reggio Calabria, Pentedattilo stands today as one of Calabria’s most evocative abandoned settlements, tied closely to both its geological form and its dramatic past.
The village is marked by ruined houses, narrow alleys, and the remains of the Castello degli Alberti, recalling its medieval past and long decline following natural disasters and depopulation. Restorations and cultural events have brought renewed interest, but its atmosphere remains that of a ghost village shaped by legend and history. Positioned between Melito di Porto Salvo and the upland routes towards Reggio Calabria, Pentedattilo stands today as one of Calabria’s most evocative abandoned settlements, tied closely to both its geological form and its dramatic past.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Pentedattilo
- Ghost village ruins form the central feature of Pentedattilo, dramatically built into the side of Monte Calvario. The name comes from the mountain’s resemblance to a giant hand with five fingers. Most buildings were abandoned after an earthquake in 1783, leaving behind stone houses, narrow alleys and silent courtyards. Restoration efforts have made parts of the village safe to explore.
- Church of Saints Peter and Paul is one of the few restored buildings in the village and dates back to the Byzantine era. The structure includes elements from later Norman and Baroque periods. It’s occasionally used for concerts and religious services. The location offers expansive views across the valley and down to the Ionian Sea.
- Casa del Forestiero is a cultural centre and exhibition space housed in one of the restored dwellings. It often hosts art installations, photographic displays and workshops connected to local traditions. The building is also a point of information for visitors. Its name recalls the hospitality once offered to travellers and pilgrims.
- Hiking paths around Monte Calvario provide panoramic views and access to rock formations, gorges and scrubland. The area is part of the Aspromonte foothills and offers routes of varying difficulty. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking due to the cooler weather. Wildlife in the area includes birds of prey and wild goats.
- Annual Pentedattilo Film Festival is an international event that focuses on short films and independent cinema. Screenings are held in atmospheric outdoor settings around the village. The festival also includes workshops, Q&A sessions and cultural activities. It brings new life to the abandoned town each summer.
Tours and Activities
Pentedattilo Tours and Activities
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Pentedattilo
Pentedattilo has no established hotels, as the village is largely uninhabited and known for its dramatic setting rather than traditional accommodation. Travellers who want hotel facilities with reliable standards and a strong volume of guest reviews generally stay along the nearby Ionian coast and visit Pentedattilo on day trips.
In Reggio Calabria, Hotel Medinblu is a well-regarded choice, appreciated for its central location, elegant interiors and convenient links to both the seafront and the Aspromonte area (€€€). For a coastal base closer to Pentedattilo, Garden Resort Calabria near Melito di Porto Salvo offers wider facilities, outdoor space and easy access to beaches (€€€). Another comfortable option in Reggio Calabria is Torrione Hotel, valued for its modern style, welcoming service and practical position for exploring the city before heading inland (€€).
In Reggio Calabria, Hotel Medinblu is a well-regarded choice, appreciated for its central location, elegant interiors and convenient links to both the seafront and the Aspromonte area (€€€). For a coastal base closer to Pentedattilo, Garden Resort Calabria near Melito di Porto Salvo offers wider facilities, outdoor space and easy access to beaches (€€€). Another comfortable option in Reggio Calabria is Torrione Hotel, valued for its modern style, welcoming service and practical position for exploring the city before heading inland (€€).
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Pentedattilo
Eating out in Pentedattilo is very limited, with just a couple of small places and seasonal bars open at certain times of the year. Food here is simple and rooted in local traditions, with dishes such as pasta with vegetable sauces, cheeses, and cured meats typical of Calabria. Visitors often rely on nearby villages for more consistent options.
For a greater range, Melito di Porto Salvo on the coast offers several trattorie and pizzerias. The city of Reggio Calabria provides a much broader dining scene, with everything from traditional restaurants specialising in regional cooking to modern establishments offering varied menus.
For a greater range, Melito di Porto Salvo on the coast offers several trattorie and pizzerias. The city of Reggio Calabria provides a much broader dining scene, with everything from traditional restaurants specialising in regional cooking to modern establishments offering varied menus.
Photo Gallery
Pentedattilo Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Pentedattilo
- Melito di Porto Salvo (approx. 7 km south of Pentedattilo): A coastal town on the Ionian Sea, Melito di Porto Salvo has a long sandy beach and serves as a local hub for the surrounding villages. It is also a departure point for excursions towards Aspromonte.
- Condofuri (approx. 10 km north of Pentedattilo): Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Condofuri has both a coastal area and an inland historic centre. It is part of the Grecanic area, where traditions and language of Greek origin are still preserved.
- Montebello Ionico (approx. 12 km northeast of Pentedattilo): A hill town overlooking the Ionian coast, Montebello Ionico is known for its medieval castle ruins and narrow streets. Its position offers broad views over the coast and inland mountains.
- Bova (approx. 25 km northeast of Pentedattilo): Considered the cultural heart of the Grecanic area, Bova retains a strong Greek heritage. The village has a castle ruin, historic churches, and panoramic views stretching across the Aspromonte and the Ionian Sea.
- Reggio Calabria (approx. 25 km northwest of Pentedattilo): The provincial capital, Reggio Calabria is known for the National Archaeological Museum housing the Riace Bronzes. The city also has a seafront promenade with views of Sicily and Mount Etna across the Strait of Messina.
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 Pentedattilo
By Rail: Pentedattilo does not have its own train station. The nearest station is Melito di Porto Salvo, located about 7 kilometres away, on the Reggio Calabria–Roccella Ionica–Catanzaro Lido line. Trains operated by Trenitalia connect Melito to Reggio Calabria in approximately 30 minutes. From the station, visitors can reach Pentedattilo by local taxi or private transfer.
By Road: The village is located in the southern part of Calabria, around 30 kilometres southeast of Reggio Calabria. The drive from Reggio takes about 40 minutes via the SS106 and SP20. From Melito di Porto Salvo, the journey is around 15 minutes. Parking is available just outside the historical centre, which is accessible on foot.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The village is located in the southern part of Calabria, around 30 kilometres southeast of Reggio Calabria. The drive from Reggio takes about 40 minutes via the SS106 and SP20. From Melito di Porto Salvo, the journey is around 15 minutes. Parking is available just outside the historical centre, which is accessible on foot.
Nearest International Airports:
- Reggio Calabria Airport: Located approximately 35 kilometres away, with a driving time of around 45 minutes via the SS106.
- Lamezia Terme International Airport: Around 150 kilometres to the north, reachable in about 2 hours and 10 minutes by car.
- Catania Fontanarossa Airport: Situated on the opposite side of the Strait of Messina, approximately 170 kilometres away, including the ferry crossing from Villa San Giovanni. Total travel time is around 3 hours.
Private Transfers
Pentedattilo Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most convenient way to reach Pentedattilo, especially given its remote hillside location and limited public transport links. You’ll be collected from your selected location and driven directly by a local, professional driver—without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.
The nearest airport is Reggio Calabria Airport, located around 30 minutes away by car (approx. 25 kilometres). For those arriving via Lamezia Terme Airport, the journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes (around 135 kilometres). If you’re staying in Reggio Calabria city centre, transfer times are typically around 35 minutes depending on traffic.
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.
The nearest airport is Reggio Calabria Airport, located around 30 minutes away by car (approx. 25 kilometres). For those arriving via Lamezia Terme Airport, the journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes (around 135 kilometres). If you’re staying in Reggio Calabria city centre, transfer times are typically around 35 minutes depending on traffic.
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.
