Calabria
Wild and largely undiscovered, Calabria offers dramatic coast, mountain wilderness and honest cooking.
Calabria is the toe of Italy, a rugged region of high mountains and long coastlines that remains one of the country's least-visited corners. For travellers who want the south at its wildest and most authentic, that is precisely the appeal.
The coast is spectacular — Tropea perched on its cliff above turquoise water, Scilla facing Sicily across the strait — while the interior rises into the Aspromonte and Sila mountains. The food is bold and honest: chilli, 'nduja, swordfish and the sweet red onion of Tropea.
What to see and do
- Relax on the cliffs and beaches of Tropea
- Explore the Aspromonte and Sila national parks
- See the Riace Bronzes in Reggio Calabria
- Eat fresh swordfish and spicy 'nduja
- Discover quiet fishing villages like Scilla and Pizzo
When to go
Late spring to early autumn is best for the coast and sea. Summer is warm and lively; the mountains are cooler and green well into the season.