Reggio  Calabria​

Latest page update: 18 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Reggio Calabria
Reggio Calabria, the largest city in Calabria, combines a seafront promenade, historic landmarks and cultural attractions such as the National Archaeological Museum, home to the Riace Bronzes. The city offers a strong selection of established hotels, many of which are well placed for exploring both the centre and the waterfront.
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Grand Hotel Excelsior is one of the top choices, with spacious rooms, a restaurant and a convenient location close to both the promenade and the museum, praised for comfort and service (€€€). Hotel Medinblu offers boutique-style accommodation in the heart of the city, featuring a rooftop terrace, modern rooms and consistently high guest feedback (€€). Another option is Hotel Continental, a long-established property with sea-view rooms, on-site dining and easy access to the ferry terminal and seafront (€€).

Where is

Where is Reggio Calabria?
The city of Reggio Calabria is the capital city of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria province with a population of 180,369 inhabitants. It's situated on the eastern shore of the Strait of Messina and lies 157 kilometres south of Catanzaro, the regional capital of Calabria.

The main attractions in Reggio Calabria are the Riace Bronzes; a pair of 5th century bronze sculptures housed in the Museo Nazionale della Magna Graecia. Other places of interest include the Castello Aragonese and seafront lined with modern sculptures. 
​The lungomare (seafront) is one of the liveliest areas of the city and affords wonderful views across the sea to Sicily. This is where you'll find most places to eat and drink while the majority of shops are located on Corso Garibaldi which is also the location of the city's cathedral, the Basilica Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo. 
Comune di Reggio Calabria
Province: Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria

Region: Calabria

Population: 169,795​ (in 2024 - source)

​Size: 239 km²

Elevation: 0-31 metres

Highlights: Riace Bronzes, lungomare (seafront)

​Connected to the Italian High Speed Train Network

Close by: ​Scilla, Chianalea, Aspromonte National Park, Bova

What People Ask About Reggio Calabria, Calabria

Is Reggio Calabria worth visiting?
Yes, Reggio Calabria is worth visiting for its seafront promenade, archaeological treasures, and views across the Strait of Messina. It’s the largest city in Calabria and home to the famous Riace Bronzes, two ancient Greek statues on display in the National Museum.
What are the main attractions in Reggio Calabria?
Main attractions include the Museo Archeologico Nazionale with the Riace Bronzes, the Lungomare Falcomatà promenade, the Aragonese Castle, and the city’s cathedral. The town also offers panoramic views of Mount Etna across the strait.
How do I get to Reggio Calabria?
Reggio Calabria is accessible by train, with direct services from Rome and Naples, and is served by Reggio Calabria Airport, located about 5 km from the centre. It is also connected to Messina by regular ferry crossings across the Strait.
What is Reggio Calabria known for?
Reggio Calabria is best known for the Riace Bronzes, two well-preserved Greek statues housed in the city’s archaeological museum. It’s also recognised for its waterfront promenade, vibrant atmosphere, and historical importance in Magna Graecia.
When is the best time to visit Reggio Calabria?
The best time to visit Reggio Calabria is from April to October. The summer months are great for the beach and local events, while spring and early autumn offer comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and coastal walks.
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Discover

Discover Reggio Calabria
Reggio Calabria is the southernmost city on the Italian mainland, located on the Strait of Messina directly opposite Sicily. It lies between the Aspromonte Mountains and the Ionian-Tyrrhenian coastline, creating a landscape of steep hills descending towards a long, curving seafront. The city’s waterfront, known as the Lungomare Falcomatà, is lined with palm trees and neoclassical buildings, often described as one of the most scenic promenades in southern Italy.
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Founded by the ancient Greeks as Rhegion, Reggio Calabria has a long and complex history shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Norman influences. The National Archaeological Museum houses the world-famous Riace Bronzes, two Greek statues that symbolise the region’s classical heritage. Other highlights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Aragonese Castle, and panoramic viewpoints over the strait towards Mount Etna. The city also serves as a key transport hub, with ferries linking the mainland to Messina and easy access to the beaches and villages of the Costa Viola and Aspromonte National Park.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Reggio Calabria
  • Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria is one of Italy’s most important archaeological museums, renowned for housing the Bronzi di Riace—two exceptionally well-preserved Greek bronze statues dating from the 5th century BC. The museum also includes artefacts from Magna Graecia, including ceramics, jewellery, and inscriptions.
  • Lungomare Falcomatà is a wide promenade stretching along the city’s seafront, lined with palm trees, Liberty-style buildings, and gardens. Often called “the most beautiful kilometre in Italy,” it offers views across the Strait of Messina to Sicily and is popular for walks, events, and summer gatherings.
  • Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta is the largest religious building in Calabria and stands near the historic centre. Rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake in a mix of Romanesque and Gothic Revival styles, it features a grand façade, side chapels, and a richly decorated interior. It serves as the seat of the archdiocese.
  • Castello Aragonese is a historic fortress with medieval origins, later reinforced during the Aragonese period. Located in the city centre, it consists of two round towers and defensive walls and is used today for exhibitions and cultural events. It is one of the few major structures that survived the city’s numerous earthquakes.
  • Pinacoteca Civica and Teatro Cilea highlight Reggio’s artistic and cultural life. The gallery houses paintings by artists from Calabria and southern Italy, while the theatre, named after composer Francesco Cilea, hosts concerts, opera, and theatrical performances in a neoclassical building close to the promenade.

Tours and Activities

Reggio Calabria Tours and Activities

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Reggio Calabria
  • Ristorante Trattoria del Pesce Fresco: Located near the seafront promenade, this casual restaurant specialises in fresh seafood, including swordfish, anchovies, and shellfish. The setting is simple and relaxed, with indoor and outdoor seating. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • L’A Gourmet L’Accademia: A fine dining option in the city centre, L’A Gourmet offers creative Calabrian cuisine with modern presentation. The tasting menus change seasonally and are paired with wines from across the region. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Ristorante Bocale: Found in the southern outskirts of the city, Bocale focuses on regional dishes made with fresh local ingredients. The menu includes pasta with nduja, grilled meats, and homemade desserts, served in a modern space with sea views. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Le Rose al Bicchiere: Situated in a restored historic building near the centre, this restaurant combines traditional Calabrian recipes with a refined touch. The wine list is extensive, and the menu includes meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Agriturismo Il Bergamotto: Located in Condofuri (approx. 30 km southeast of Reggio Calabria), this agriturismo serves meals based on seasonal produce grown on-site. Guests can enjoy rustic Calabrian dishes such as stuffed vegetables, homemade pasta, and citrus-based desserts in a rural setting. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)

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Places Close to [Place Name]

Places Close to Reggio Calabria
  • Scilla (approx. 25 km northeast of Reggio Calabria): A coastal town linked to the legend of Scylla from Homer’s Odyssey, Scilla is divided between the fishing district of Chianalea and the beach area of Marina Grande. The Castello Ruffo overlooks the sea and offers panoramic views of the Strait of Messina.
  • Villa San Giovanni (approx. 15 km north of Reggio Calabria): Known as the main port for ferries crossing to Sicily, Villa San Giovanni is an important transport hub. The town also has a seafront promenade and views of Messina across the strait.
  • Pentedattilo (approx. 25 km east of Reggio Calabria): An abandoned village set dramatically against a mountain shaped like five fingers, Pentedattilo is one of Calabria’s most atmospheric sites. The ruins of houses and churches can be explored, and cultural events are sometimes held there.
  • Gambarie (approx. 35 km northeast of Reggio Calabria): Located in the Aspromonte National Park, Gambarie is a mountain resort popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. It offers views that stretch as far as Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands on clear days.
  • Palmi (approx. 35 km northeast of Reggio Calabria): A town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palmi is known for its cultural festivals and archaeological remains. Nearby attractions include the Costa Viola coastline and the Monte Sant’Elia viewpoint.
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

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Reggio Calabria
​Reggio Calabria's transport system includes local buses while the main train station, called Reggio di Calabria Centrale, is situated in the city centre. Using public transport you can take a direct train to Scilla, an attractive seaside town with a journey time of just 26 minutes, or even closer, the port of Villa San Giovanni which is where the ferries cross between Sicily and Calabria.

There are two airports to consider for the city; it has its own airport (Reggio Calabria Airport) close to the city centre but this only deals with domestic flights. For international flights you can use Lamezia Terme Airport which around an hour and a half away by car.

Nearby places of interest include Scilla, Chianalea, Aspromonte National Park and the ghost town of Roghudi.
Public transport: ​​central train station, local buses

By train: ​​Villa San Giovanni - 17 minutes, Scilla - 26 minutes
By car: Catanzaro - 1 hr 39',​​  Cosenza - 1 hr 59', Crotone - 2 hrs 42'

Fly to: ​​Reggio Calabria Airport (4 km), Lamezia Terme (133 km)

Private Transfers

Reggio Calabria Private Transfers
A private transfer to or from Reggio Calabria offers a direct and comfortable way to travel along the southern tip of mainland Italy. With door-to-door service, it's an efficient solution for reaching this part of Calabria without the hassle of multiple transport connections.

Reggio Calabria is located at the very southern edge of the Calabrian peninsula, facing Sicily across the Strait of Messina. It lies about 130 kilometres south of Catanzaro and around 10 kilometres from Villa San Giovanni, the main ferry port for Sicily crossings. The city is served by Reggio Calabria Centrale railway station, with direct services to cities such as Lamezia Terme and Naples. The nearest airport is Reggio Calabria Airport, just 6 kilometres from the centre, while Lamezia Terme Airport is approximately 130 kilometres away (1 hour 40 minutes by car).
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To arrange a private transfer to or from Reggio Calabria, please fill out the form below with your journey details.

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