Rende Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the rural hill town in Calabria
Table of Contents
Rende
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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 Rende
Rende, situated just outside Cosenza in northern Calabria, has a stronger hotel base compared to many smaller towns in the region, with several well-rated options suitable for both leisure and business stays.
Italiana Hotels Cosenza Rende provides modern rooms, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and convenient access to the A3 motorway as well as the university area (€€). Best Western Premier Villa Fabiano Palace Hotel offers spacious accommodation, a wellness centre with spa facilities, and an indoor pool, making it one of the more established choices in the area (€€€). Marconi Hotel Rende is a practical option near the main road connections, with comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and positive guest feedback on service and location (€€).
Italiana Hotels Cosenza Rende provides modern rooms, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and convenient access to the A3 motorway as well as the university area (€€). Best Western Premier Villa Fabiano Palace Hotel offers spacious accommodation, a wellness centre with spa facilities, and an indoor pool, making it one of the more established choices in the area (€€€). Marconi Hotel Rende is a practical option near the main road connections, with comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and positive guest feedback on service and location (€€).
Where is
Where is Rende?
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The town of Rende is situated within the Province of Cosenza and has a population of 35,526 inhabitants. That number swells to around 60,000 when the students at Calabria's biggest university are in residence.
The University occupies the lower, modern part of the town, while the more picturesque area is the centro storico (old town), which sits in an elevated position above the modern town. |
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Comune di Rende
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Province: Cosenza
Region: Calabria Population: 36,657 (in 2024 - source) Size: 54 km² Elevation: 480 metres Highlights: centro storico, university, Monastero Santa Chiara Close by: Cosenza, San Lucido, Paola, Fiumefreddo Bruzio Recommended accommodation: Marconi Hotel |
What People Ask About Rende, Calabria
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Discover
Discover Rende
Rende is a modern and historic town in the province of Cosenza, located in the Crati Valley in northern Calabria. The old town, known as Rende Vecchia, stands on a hill overlooking the valley, with narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. Below, the modern district of Commenda di Rende has developed into a commercial and residential centre, forming part of the wider urban area that includes nearby Cosenza.
The upper town preserves landmarks such as the Castle of Rende, originally of Norman origin, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, both reflecting its long history. Rende is also home to the University of Calabria, one of the most important educational institutions in southern Italy, which has helped shape its cultural identity and economy. The town’s position near the Sila foothills and its proximity to Montalto Uffugo, Cosenza, and Acri make it a key point of connection between the Calabrian mountains and the Crati plain.
The upper town preserves landmarks such as the Castle of Rende, originally of Norman origin, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, both reflecting its long history. Rende is also home to the University of Calabria, one of the most important educational institutions in southern Italy, which has helped shape its cultural identity and economy. The town’s position near the Sila foothills and its proximity to Montalto Uffugo, Cosenza, and Acri make it a key point of connection between the Calabrian mountains and the Crati plain.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Rende
- Centro Storico di Rende spreads across a hillside overlooking the Crati River, its streets lined with historic buildings, narrow alleys, and small piazzas. The town blends medieval and modern influences, offering views over surrounding hills and valleys. Small squares reveal fountains and quiet cafés. Walking here provides insight into a place where history meets contemporary life.
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Sibaritide in Rende showcases archaeological finds from the ancient Greek colony of Sybaris and the surrounding region. The museum offers insights into local history from prehistoric times through antiquity. It remains a key cultural institution attracting history enthusiasts.
- Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola stands in the town centre, its façade marked by classical lines. Inside, visitors find religious artworks and frescoes reflecting Rende’s spiritual heritage. The church continues to serve as a place of worship and community gathering.
- Piazza della Resistenza serves as Rende’s social hub, bordered by cafés, shops, and municipal buildings. The square hosts markets, festivals, and daily social activities under the Calabrian sky. Cobblestones and views of the hills create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to experience local culture and everyday life.
- Guided cultural and historical tours in Rende lead visitors through historic streets, museums, and nearby archaeological sites. Local guides share stories of ancient Greek settlements, medieval developments, and modern growth. Tours often include tastings of Calabrian wines, cheeses, and traditional dishes. Exploring reveals Rende’s mix of heritage and vibrant urban life.
Tours and Activities
Rende Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Rende 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 Rende
By Rail: Rende has its own train station, Castiglione Cosentino, located on the Paola–Cosenza line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect the town to Cosenza in about 10 minutes and to Paola in roughly 35 minutes. The station is well connected to the main urban area, with local buses and taxis providing easy access to different parts of Rende, including the university district.
By Road: Rende is situated in northern Calabria, adjacent to Cosenza, about 3 kilometres northwest of the city centre. The drive takes around 10 minutes via the SS107. From Paola, the distance is approximately 35 kilometres, with a journey time of about 40 minutes via the SS18 and SS107. The town lies close to the A2 motorway, offering convenient road access, and parking is available throughout the modern districts and near the historic centre.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Rende is situated in northern Calabria, adjacent to Cosenza, about 3 kilometres northwest of the city centre. The drive takes around 10 minutes via the SS107. From Paola, the distance is approximately 35 kilometres, with a journey time of about 40 minutes via the SS18 and SS107. The town lies close to the A2 motorway, offering convenient road access, and parking is available throughout the modern districts and near the historic centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Lamezia Terme International Airport: Located about 70 kilometres south of Rende, with a drive of around 1 hour via the A2 motorway. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
- Reggio Calabria Airport: Situated roughly 190 kilometres south, taking about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car via the A2 motorway. It provides regional and national routes.
- Naples–Capodichino International Airport: Approximately 300 kilometres northwest, with a journey time of around 4 hours via the A2 and A3 motorways. It offers frequent national and European connections.
Private Transfers
Rende Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Rende, offering a direct journey without the need to drive or rely on public transport. You’ll be met by a professional local driver and taken straight to your destination in comfort.
Lamezia Terme International Airport is the most practical option for arrivals and departures, with easy road access to the area. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Cosenza, Amantea, and Paola, or to other towns and business centres across northern 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.
Lamezia Terme International Airport is the most practical option for arrivals and departures, with easy road access to the area. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Cosenza, Amantea, and Paola, or to other towns and business centres across northern 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.
