Vibo Valentia
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Latest page update: 16 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Vibo Valentia
Vibo Valentia, set on a hilltop above the Tyrrhenian coast, is better known for its historic centre than for its seaside, but it still offers several established hotels with full facilities. These provide convenient bases for exploring both the town and the nearby coastline of the Costa degli Dei.
501 Hotel is the largest property in town, with spacious rooms, a pool, restaurant and views over the surrounding landscape, often noted for its range of amenities (€€). Close to the centre, Hotel Vecchia Vibo offers traditional styling, comfortable accommodation and a convenient location for exploring the old town (€€). Another option is Hotel Muraglie, a smaller but established choice with modern rooms, good service and easy access to the heart of the city (€€).
501 Hotel is the largest property in town, with spacious rooms, a pool, restaurant and views over the surrounding landscape, often noted for its range of amenities (€€). Close to the centre, Hotel Vecchia Vibo offers traditional styling, comfortable accommodation and a convenient location for exploring the old town (€€). Another option is Hotel Muraglie, a smaller but established choice with modern rooms, good service and easy access to the heart of the city (€€).
Where is
Where is Vibo Valentia?
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The city of Vibo Valentia is the capital of the Province of Vibo Valentia with a population of 33,455 inhabitants.
Situated close to the Tyrrhenian Coast, it lies 70 kilometres south west of Catanzaro, the regional capital of Calabria. Founded around the 7th century BC, the city's original name was Hipponion (Greek), later modified to Hipponium (Latin). The name changed 500 years later to Vibo Valentia but it was changed in the 13th century to Monteleone. |
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Indeed, Monteleone di Calabria was its name as recently as 1928 before it reverted to Vibo Valentia. Of Calabria's five provincial capitals, Vibo Valentia has the smallest population. It sits in an elevated position, 476 metres above sea level, and can be reached via a steep road that leads up to it from the coast.
The city centre has a small number of shops and few places to eat with the most pleasant area that around its park, Villa Comunale. At the northern end of the attractive park is the impressive cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria Maggiore e San Leoluca). The most famous landmark in Vibo is the eleventh century castle (Castello Normanno Svevo), which stands guard over the city from its hilltop perch.
The city centre has a small number of shops and few places to eat with the most pleasant area that around its park, Villa Comunale. At the northern end of the attractive park is the impressive cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria Maggiore e San Leoluca). The most famous landmark in Vibo is the eleventh century castle (Castello Normanno Svevo), which stands guard over the city from its hilltop perch.
Comune di Vibo Valentia
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Province: Vibo Valentia
Region: Calabria Population: 31,032 (in 2024 - source) Size: 46 km² Elevation: 476 metres Highlights: Villa Comunale, Castello Normanno Svevo, Duomo Close by: Vibo Marina, Pizzo, Briatico, Capo Vaticano, Tropea |
What People Ask About Vibo Valentia, Calabria
Is Vibo Valentia worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Vibo Valentia?
How do I get to Vibo Valentia?
What is Vibo Valentia known for?
When is the best time to visit Vibo Valentia?
Related links
Discover
Discover Vibo Valentia
Vibo Valentia is a hill town in Calabria, located a few kilometres inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea. It stands on a plateau overlooking the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia, with views stretching across the coastline and the surrounding countryside of olive groves and rolling hills. The town’s elevated position gives it a strategic and scenic outlook, while its historic centre retains a compact layout of narrow streets and stone buildings reflecting its medieval past.
The Norman-Swabian Castle, now housing the Archaeological Museum of Vibo Valentia, dominates the skyline and preserves artefacts from the ancient Greek city of Hipponion, which once stood on the same site. Other notable landmarks include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore e San Leoluca and several Baroque churches and palaces. Vibo Valentia serves as the main administrative and cultural centre of the area, while its coastal district, Vibo Marina, provides direct access to the sea and ferries to the Aeolian Islands. Its location also places it close to Tropea and the scenic beaches of the Costa degli Dei.
The Norman-Swabian Castle, now housing the Archaeological Museum of Vibo Valentia, dominates the skyline and preserves artefacts from the ancient Greek city of Hipponion, which once stood on the same site. Other notable landmarks include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore e San Leoluca and several Baroque churches and palaces. Vibo Valentia serves as the main administrative and cultural centre of the area, while its coastal district, Vibo Marina, provides direct access to the sea and ferries to the Aeolian Islands. Its location also places it close to Tropea and the scenic beaches of the Costa degli Dei.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Vibo Valentia
- Castello Normanno-Svevo is a hilltop fortress overlooking the town and the surrounding coastline. Originally built by the Normans and later expanded under the Swabians and Aragonese, the castle includes towers, defensive walls, and panoramic viewpoints. It houses the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, with artefacts from the ancient Greek city of Hipponion.
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale Vito Capialbi is located within the castle and features exhibits from prehistoric to Roman times. Highlights include pottery, bronze items, and grave goods from the necropolis of Hipponion. The museum also provides insight into the region’s Greek and Roman past.
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria Maggiore e San Leoluca stands in the historic centre and dates back to the 11th century, though it has been rebuilt several times. It features a neoclassical façade, a richly decorated interior, and the chapel of San Leoluca, the city’s patron saint.
- Centro Storico di Vibo Valentia includes narrow streets, historic palazzi, and small squares set on a ridge between the coast and the inland hills. The town has a mix of medieval and 18th-century architecture, with churches, civic buildings, and viewpoints over the plain and sea.
- Parco Urbano and Public Gardens offer green space within walking distance of the centre, with shaded paths, fountains, and seating areas. The park is used for concerts, outdoor exhibitions, and seasonal events and provides a break from the urban setting with views toward the surrounding countryside.
Tours and Activities
Vibo Valentia Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Vibo Valentia 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 Vibo Valentia
In terms of public transport, a system of local buses is in operation with the main destinations of interest being those along the coast. The city shares its railway station with Pizzo and the station, called Vibo Valentia-Pizzo, is located 7 kilometres outside the city, a ten minute car journey away.
Despite the inconvenience of the station being located outside the city, it does have an unusually useful list of destinations that can be reached from it. Heading south for example, you can take a direct train to Reggio Calabria with a journey time of 1 hour and 12 minutes, with stops along the way at Scilla and Villa San Giovanni among the most notable. Heading north in the opposite direction there are direct connections to Salerno, Naples and Rome.
The most convenient airport for Vibo Valentia is Lamezia Terme Airport which is just 35 kilometres away, a drive of around 35 minutes.
A short drive from Vibo Valentia are some of Calabria's best seaside locations. The towns of Tropea (45 minutes) and Pizzo (15 minutes) are both worthy of a day out in their own right while also of note are the the beaches at Capo Vaticano. One of the region's quirkiest sights is also close by: the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta, a church carved out of rock at the back of a beach on the approach to Pizzo.
Despite the inconvenience of the station being located outside the city, it does have an unusually useful list of destinations that can be reached from it. Heading south for example, you can take a direct train to Reggio Calabria with a journey time of 1 hour and 12 minutes, with stops along the way at Scilla and Villa San Giovanni among the most notable. Heading north in the opposite direction there are direct connections to Salerno, Naples and Rome.
The most convenient airport for Vibo Valentia is Lamezia Terme Airport which is just 35 kilometres away, a drive of around 35 minutes.
A short drive from Vibo Valentia are some of Calabria's best seaside locations. The towns of Tropea (45 minutes) and Pizzo (15 minutes) are both worthy of a day out in their own right while also of note are the the beaches at Capo Vaticano. One of the region's quirkiest sights is also close by: the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta, a church carved out of rock at the back of a beach on the approach to Pizzo.
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Public transport: train station 7 km outside city, local buses
By train: Reggio Calabria, 1 hour 12 minutes |
By car: Catanzaro - 53 minutes, Cosenza - 1 hour 15 minutes
Fly to: Lamezia Terme Airport, 35 mins by car (35 km) |
Private Transfers
Vibo Valentia Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a practical way to reach or leave Vibo Valentia without relying on train schedules or local buses. You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel, airport, or another location and driven in comfort straight to your destination.
From Vibo Valentia, the drive to Lamezia Terme Airport takes around 40 minutes (approx. 40 kilometres), while Reggio Calabria Airport is about 1 hour 30 minutes away (approx. 110 kilometres). Transfers to Tropea, Pizzo, or Catanzaro generally take under an hour.
To check availability or request a personalised quote, simply fill out the short form below.
From Vibo Valentia, the drive to Lamezia Terme Airport takes around 40 minutes (approx. 40 kilometres), while Reggio Calabria Airport is about 1 hour 30 minutes away (approx. 110 kilometres). Transfers to Tropea, Pizzo, or Catanzaro generally take under an hour.
To check availability or request a personalised quote, simply fill out the short form below.
