Calabria is usually not the first place that tourists head to in Italy, but it’s one of the country’s most fascinating regions.

If you’re looking to do something more adventurous and visit this beautiful region in Italy, check our recommendations on the things to do in Calabria.

12 Fantastic Things To Do In Calabria

See The Castello Aragonese

The Aragonese castle is one of the most notable landmarks of Calabria.

Although referred to as Aragonese, its origins date to a much older date.

It is believed that the castle has already existed in 536, on a place of the preexisting Roman stronghold.

However, thanks to Ferdinand I of Aragon, in 1458 the castle was expanded to its largest size ever.

Nowadays it’s mostly used for art exhibitions.

Walk Along The Lungomare Falcomata

One of Reggie’s highlights is walking along this promenade filled with shops, restaurants, and benches along the way. The views of Sicily and Etna are terrific.

Calabria has some of the cleanest air in Europe, so you’ll enjoy the fresh breeze while walking along this promenade. There are also a lot of tropical trees and monuments lined along it.

Gabriele D’Annunzio, an Italian writer, poet, and journalist called Lungomare Falcomata “the most beautiful kilometer of Italy”.

There’s a Greek theater, known as the Arena of the Strait, which hosts cultural events during the Summer months.

When you’re starting to feel tired, get ice-cream in one of many gelateria shops, sit on a bench and enjoy the lovely views.

See Art at the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia

This is one of the best museums in the Calabria region.

It’s well known for housing a collection from sites in Magna Grecia – a description given by the Romans to the coastal areas of Southern Italy.

The museum has a rich collection of jewelry, coins, medals, and the bronze tables.

A marble head of Appolo from Ciro and the Head of the Philosopher from Porticello are the most popular exhibits.

Relax at Beaches

If you’re looking for an off the beaten path summer destination, Calabria is the place to go.

With many amazing beaches, beautiful villages and fantastic food, there’s no wonder why Calabria is becoming a popular place for holiday seekers.

Some of the best beaches are:

CAMINIA– Surrounded by cliffs, this pebbled sand beach is one of Calabria’s hidden gems.  It’s ideal for relaxing and swimming in the pristine waters.

PRAIA A MARE– This beach lies on the Tyrrhenian coast and is famous for Dino Island – a World Heritage site, known for its six sea caves.  It’s a fantastic place for swimming and scuba diving.

If you get tired of the water (if that’s even possible ;)) you can go trekking in the nearby Pollino National Park.

CAPO RIZZUTO– Famous for its red sand beaches, Capo Rizzuto is another fascinating place to visit in Calabria.

SCILLA– Scilla is one of Calabria’s most popular beaches, which is buzzing with tourists during Summer months.

There’s a castle above the beach, which offers amazing views of the Sicilian Coast.

TROPEA– You might mistake this beach for the Caribbean, thanks to its spectacular white-sand beaches and turquoise blue water.

What makes this beach even more beautiful are the dramatic cliffs that rise above it.

See the Reggio Calabria Cathedral

This Roman Catholic Cathedral was a former archiepiscopal seat of the Archdiocese of Reggio Calabria.

It was damaged by an earthquake in 1908 and rebuilt in modern Gothic and Romanesque styles.

The interior of the cathedral houses many beautiful art pieces, done by the artists from South Italy.

Do Some Shopping At Corso Garibaldi

Corso Garibaldi is a famous pedestrian street in Reggio Calabria.

It’s a beautiful area with traditional architecture and a number of different shops which are worth exploring.

Here you can stock up on designer clothes, books, shoes and more!

Eat Gelato

No trip to Italy would be complete without trying gelato.

One of the best places to try gelato in Calabria is Da Cesare in Reggio Calabria.

Explore Pentedattilo

Pentedattilo is a ghost town which used to be a separate commune until 1811.

The town dates back to 640 BC, and it was founded by the Chalcis.

Nowadays, it’s one of the most picturesque towns in Calabria.

If you love off the beaten path destinations, you shouldn’t miss Pentedatillo.

The town was completely abandoned in the 60’s, while in the 80’s it started to attract volunteers from a number of European countries.

Eat Pizza

When in Calabria, you have to try Calabrian pizza.

What makes it different than other types is the minimal amount of cheese which is in the crust and not on top.

This pizza is also characterized by multiple toppings such as mushrooms, olives, onions etc.

Visit the Aspromonte National Park

Aspromonte National Park is one of the most important natural attractions in Calabria.

It lies along the sea and it has mountain peaks with more than 2,000 meters in height.

It is most famous for its biodiversity and wildlife.

The wolf, wild boar, and dormouse are typical inhabitants of Aspromonte’s forests.

The park has several nature trails which are suitable for hiking and mountain biking.

Explore the Scilla Village

This little fisherman village is known as the Venice of Calabria.

Visitors have a couple of options here – relaxing on the beach, discovering the old settlement or seeing the castle Ruffo.

The village is proud of its fishing heritage and one of the most popular dishes in Scilla’s restaurants is swordfish.

Drink Wine in Ciro Village

This small village is famous for the production of wine, oil, and citruses.

The wines from this region are mostly red and they consist of at least 95% of the Gaglioppo grape.