Things to see in Calabria
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 1 December 2023
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One of the lesser-known regions of Italy, Calabria nevertheless has a wealth of interesting and beautiful places to visit from its beaches to large national parks and charming hill towns.
In terms of things to see in Calabria, the first and only place to start is by the sea. Calabria has an enormous coastline that stretches across two seas: the Tyrrhenian Sea on its western coast and the Ionian Sea along its east and south coasts. The two seas meet on the Strait of Messina which separates Calabria from the island region of Sicily, while to the north, Calabria is bordered by the region of Basilicata. |
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The pick of the seaside towns
There are dozens of seaside towns in Calabria and three of the most famous are situated on the west coast. Tropea is characterised by the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola which sits atop a huge rock separating two glorious beaches where the water is of the brightest azure colour. The old town is situated on a hill overlooking the beaches and it's from here that you can really take in the best views. Just a short distance up the coast from Tropea you'll find the town of Pizzo. In a similar way to Tropea, Pizzo has an elevated, historic centre where you can explore the shops, eat at a number of restaurants on the main piazza and then gaze down on to the beautiful beaches below.
Further down the coast from Tropea and Pizzo lies the town of Scilla, (pronounced a little like the name Sheila). Another large seaside town, Scilla is split into two sections separated by Castello Ruffo which sits on a promontory overlooking both sides. To the west of the castle is a beautiful stretch of beach, while on the other is the borgo (small town or village) of Chianalea which is included in the list of Calabria's Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy).
I've just picked out three seaside towns here but there are so many others waiting to be discovered. If you click through to the Calabria by the Sea section you'll find every location along the various coastlines categorised by Seaside Towns, Beach Resorts and Beaches.
Further down the coast from Tropea and Pizzo lies the town of Scilla, (pronounced a little like the name Sheila). Another large seaside town, Scilla is split into two sections separated by Castello Ruffo which sits on a promontory overlooking both sides. To the west of the castle is a beautiful stretch of beach, while on the other is the borgo (small town or village) of Chianalea which is included in the list of Calabria's Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy).
I've just picked out three seaside towns here but there are so many others waiting to be discovered. If you click through to the Calabria by the Sea section you'll find every location along the various coastlines categorised by Seaside Towns, Beach Resorts and Beaches.
National parks
Another great feature of Calabria is its collection of national parks of which there are three. When you consider Calabria's location in southern Italy it would be reasonable to expect a rather arid landscape interspersed with the beaches but that's certainly not the case in Sila National Park which reaches almost 2,000 metres above sea level at its highest point and consists of a mixture of forest, plains and beautiful lakes.
Pollino National Park which borders Basilicata to Calabria's north is an area of mountains, hills and small villages connected by scenic roads that wind their way through the landscape, while Aspromonte National Park is situated in the southern area of the region and shares a similar terrain to that of Pollino.
Pollino National Park which borders Basilicata to Calabria's north is an area of mountains, hills and small villages connected by scenic roads that wind their way through the landscape, while Aspromonte National Park is situated in the southern area of the region and shares a similar terrain to that of Pollino.
Inland hill towns
Calabria's interior is speckled with a series of fascinating hill towns; usually tucked away in what were originally strategically defensive positions.
Many of these hill towns are situated just a little way back from the coastline and have their own seaside areas; two examples of this are the towns of Belvedere Marittimo and Belmonte Calabro. There are further towns deeper inside the interior with some of the best examples being Santa Severina, Altomonte and Oriolo.
Many of these hill towns are situated just a little way back from the coastline and have their own seaside areas; two examples of this are the towns of Belvedere Marittimo and Belmonte Calabro. There are further towns deeper inside the interior with some of the best examples being Santa Severina, Altomonte and Oriolo.
Archaeological sites of Magna Graecia
Along with the other southern Italian regions of Campania, Puglia, Sicily and Basilicata, Calabria once formed an integral part of the historical area known as Magna Graecia. As such, there are some fascinating archaeological sites all across the region including Capo Colonna just outside the city of Crotone.
The most iconic archaeological artefacts however are now to be found in the city of Reggio Calabria where you'll find the Riace Bronzes; two life-sized bronze statues that were fished out of the sea at Riace in 1972 and date back to 450 - 500 BC. The bronzes are on display at Reggio Calabria's National Museum of Magna Graecia where they are meticulously preserved.
The most iconic archaeological artefacts however are now to be found in the city of Reggio Calabria where you'll find the Riace Bronzes; two life-sized bronze statues that were fished out of the sea at Riace in 1972 and date back to 450 - 500 BC. The bronzes are on display at Reggio Calabria's National Museum of Magna Graecia where they are meticulously preserved.
Major Cities and Towns of Calabria
Piazza Bilotti, Cosenza
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Calabria by the Sea
Briatico, Calabria
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Scenic Locations of Calabria
Morano Calabro
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National Parks of Calabria
Arvo Lake, Sila National Park
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Religious Sites of Calabria
Chiesetta di Piedigrotta, Pizzo
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Archaeological Sites of Calabria
Capo Colonna, Calabria
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Ferry Ports of Calabria
Gioia Tauro, Calabria
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Provinces of Calabria
Tropea, Vibo Valentia Province
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