Calabria Travel Guide

Introduction

Calabria forms the the "toe" of the Italian Peninsula. The region covers 15,080 km² (5,822 sq mi) and has a population of just over 2 million. Most of the region is mountainous, with a coastline alternating between rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. Calabris is surrounded the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Gulf of Taranto and the Straits of Messina (which separates it from Sicily).

A number of Calabrian dialects are spoken by a large patr of the population. The northern dialects are variants of the Neapolitan language, while the central and southern ones are closely related to Sicilian. In addition, there is a significant Calabrian version of the Griko language (the Greek of southern Italy) and pockets of Occitan (the traditional language of southern France) around Guardia Piemontese, as well as Arbëresh (a dialect of the Albanian language) in the north-east around Vaccarizzo Albanese.

Most of the tourist attractions are located along the coast, with a particularly high concentration at the southern extremity, between Catanzaro (the regional capital) and Reggio Calabria (the largest city). Highlights of Calabria include the scenic seaside resort of Tropea and the abandoned mountain village of Pentedattilo inside the Aspromonte National Park.

Cuisine

Calabrian cuisine reflects its geography. The high, rocky cliffs of its coastline have kept most of the population inland, giving greater emphasis on vegetables and meats, chiefly pork, and more occasionally lamb, mutton and goat. That won't prevent fish and seafood from ending in your plate once in a while, especially swordfish, cod, sardines, shrimps, lobster, sea urchin and squid.

Pasta is the main Calabrian staple. It is typically eggless pasta, made only with durum wheat flour and water. The most common are spaghetti and maccheroni, though regional shapes also exist, like lagane (similar to fettuccine), cannarozzi (big, furrowed maccheroni), schiaffoni (aka schiaffettoni, large, wide and flattened maccheroni, typically filled with ragù), cappelli di prete (priest's hairs), and ricci di donna (lady's curls). Bread is the other main starchy food. It comes mostly in the shape of Greek-style pita bread like focaccia.

Aubergines, tomatoes, artichokes, peppers, onions, asparagus, potatoes, fava beans, chick peas, and mushrooms are all central to the Calabrian diet. The famous red onion of Tropea (cipolla rossa di Tropea) is a variety typical of Calabria that is stronger, sweeter and juicier than other red onions and particularly well suited for jams. About 12% of all Italian olive oil is produced in Calabria, a percentage only surpassed by Apulia. The region is also renowned for its grapes, almonds, figs, and above all bergamot oranges, a variety grown almost exclusively in Calabria.

The fickle Calabrian climate and high humidity have traditionally made the region more vulnerable to crop failure or food moulding. This prompted locals to preserve their food through salting, curing, oiling and smoking. Among them, let's note the soppressata (cured dry sausage), pancetta (salt cured pork belly), spicy sausages like 'nduja (derived from the French andouille) and capicola, and baccalà (dried cod).

Calabrian culinary specialties include alalunga in agrodolce (slice of tuna in sweet vinegar and onion sauce), lagane e cicciari (lagane with chickpeas, garlic, and oil), murseddu (aka mursiello, tripe, calf's liver and pork liver cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and red wine), perciatelli e lumache (long tubular pasta with snails in a tomato sauce), rigatoni alla pastora (with sausage, ricotta, grated pecorino, chilly pepper and basil), and sagna chine (lasagna with meatballs, hard-boiled eggs, artichokes, mozzarella, Parmesan, mushrooms, etc.).

Owing to its mountainous terrain, Calabria is a relatively small wine region, producing only 750,000 hl annually. 90% of Calabrian wines are red, and the vast majority are table wines. The region has 12 DOC quality labels, but no DOCG. The oldest and most famous DOC is Cirò, a very tannic and full bodied red wine produced with the Gaglioppo grapes in the eastern foothills of the La Sila region.

Attractions

Tropea

The gem of the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods), Tropea is famous for its cliffs that drop down to pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters. The town is also famous for its sweet red onions, known as "cipolla rossa di Tropea," which are celebrated in local cuisine and festivals. Historically, Tropea has been influenced by various civilizations, including Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Normans, each leaving their mark on the town's architecture and culture. The old town is a maze of narrow streets lined with elegant 17th and 18th-century palazzi, charming piazzas, and numerous churches, including the Norman-era Cathedral.

Scilla

Located at the northern end of the Strait of Messina, the picturesque town of Scilla is steeped in mythology and maritime traditions. It was said to be the home of the sea monster Scylla, who terrorized sailors in Homer's Odyssey. According to legend, Scylla was a beautiful nymph transformed into a monster by the god Poseidon. The town is divided into two main parts: the historic center with Ruffo Castle perched on a rocky promontory, and Marina di Scilla, a popular beach area. Scilla's coastal district, Chianalea, is often called the "Little Venice of the south" due to its houses built directly over the water, separated by narrow canals. The town is renowned for its swordfish fishing tradition, which is celebrated during the annual Swordfish Festival in August.

Pentedattilo

Pentedattilo is a fascinating, abandoned village. Its name, meaning "five fingers," comes from the distinctive shape of the nearby mountain, which has five peaks resembling fingers. Founded as a Greek colony in 640 BCE, Pentedattilo was once a thriving commercial and military center during the Greek-Roman period. The village is perched on a rocky cliffside, with narrow, steep streets and crumbling stone buildings. The architecture is a blend of medieval and traditional Calabrian styles. The town is infamous for the "Massacre of the Alberti," a tragic event in 1686 involving two noble families, which has led to legends of ghostly screams echoing through the rocks. Pentedattilo was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1783, leading to its gradual abandonment. It remained completely uninhabited from the mid-1960s to the 1980s. Pentedattilo now hosts two important summer events: the Paleariza Festival celebrating Greek culture and the Pentedattilo Film Festival, an international short film competition.

Bova

Perched on a rocky outcrop at the foot of the Aspromonte mountains, Bova offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Known as the capital of Bovesìa, Bova is one of the Greek-speaking villages in southern Italy, preserving an ancient Calabrian Greek dialect. The town boasts a rich archaeological heritage, with approximately 70 Neolithic sites in its territory. Bova's Norman castle, though now in ruins, stands as a testament to its medieval past. The town is also renowned for its traditional cuisine, including macaroni with goat meat sauce, spicy dishes featuring 'nduja (a spicy, spreadable sausage), and locally produced olive oil, wines and liqueurs. Recognized as one of "The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," Bova's charm lies in its well-preserved historic center, featuring noble residences, ancient churches, and narrow alleys that transport visitors back in time.

Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria is located on the "toe" of the Italian Peninsula. Founded around 734 BCE by Greek Chalcidians, it's one of the oldest cities in the region. It was a strategic port city in the Mediterranean, and its proximity to Sicily made it a crucial site for trade and military movements. The city is home to the famous Bronzes of Riace, two ancient Greek warrior statues housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Græcia. Reggio Calabria boasts a stunning seafront promenade, nicknamed "the most beautiful kilometer in Italy," which offers breathtaking views of Sicily and sometimes displays the Fata Morgana, a unique mirage phenomenon visible over the Strait of Messina. The city has survived multiple devastating earthquakes, including a catastrophic one in 1908, which led to its complete rebuilding in a modern urban layout. Reggio Calabria is also known as the "city of bergamot," as this citrus fruit is exclusively cultivated in the region. Despite its rich history and cultural significance, the city faces challenges, ranking among the worst Italian cities for quality of life in terms of environmental and cultural parameters.

Pollino National Park

Pollino National Park, established in 1992, is Italy's largest national park, covering 1,925 square kilometers across the regions of Basilicata and Calabria. It's home to Europe's oldest tree, a 1,230-year-old Heldreich's pine, and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The park boasts impressive biodiversity, including golden eagles, Italian wolves, and the rare Bosnian pine, which is the symbol of the park. From its highest peaks, which exceed 2,000 meters above sea level, visitors can see both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts on clear days. The park also features several Albanian-speaking communities, adding cultural diversity to its natural wonders. Pollino National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, rafting, and rock climbing. Its cultural richness adds another layer, with charming villages, historic monasteries, and local culinary delights, such as pasta made with the region’s famous chili peppers.

Roseto Capo Spulico

Roseto Capo Spulico is a charming coastal town with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. The town's name is derived from its historical cultivation of roses, which were used to fill mattresses for the wealthy in ancient Sybaris. Its iconic landmark is the Castello Federiciano, a medieval fortress perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. The castle, rebuilt by Frederick II in the 13th century, is steeped in mystery and legend, with connections to the Knights Templar and possible housing of the Holy Shroud. The town boasts a Blue Flag beach, recognized for its clean waters and ecological sustainability. Roseto Capo Spulico is also known for its unique geological feature, the "Scoglio anvil" or mushroom-shaped stone, visible from the promenade along the beach. In the heart of the old town, visitors can explore Europe's narrowest alley, the "Vinella degli innamorati," where tradition says a kiss ensures everlasting love. The town's culinary scene is notable, featuring local specialties like cherries, which were crowned "Italy's most beautiful" in 2016, and seafood dishes such as "maccheroncini alle vongole".

Rocca Imperiale

Rocca Imperiale is dominated by an impressive Swabian Castle built by Emperor Frederick II in 1225, which stands atop a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. Rocca Imperiale is part of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" circuit and is famous for its PGI-certified lemons, which are nearly seedless and have an intense, persistent aroma. The town's unique layout resembles a pyramid sloping down towards the plain, with houses arranged in tiers at the foot of the fortress. Rocca Imperiale has served as a natural film set for several movies, including works by director Pupi Avati and the beloved Italian actor Totò.

Gerace

Often called the "Florence of the South," Gerace boasts an impressive architectural heritage, including a Norman castle, a magnificent cathedral (the largest in Calabria), and once housed 128 churches. The cathedral, built in 1045, features columns repurposed from ancient Greek and Roman temples. Gerace is also part of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" list and holds the Orange Flag from the Italian Touring Club, recognizing its exceptional beauty and cultural significance. The town's name derives from the Greek word for "sparrowhawk," and legend has it that a sparrowhawk led fleeing coastal inhabitants to this defensible location in 915 CE. The town hosts an annual event called "Il Borgo Incantato" (The Enchanted Village), an international street art festival that attracts tourists and celebrates local traditions and foreign cultures.

Aspromonte National Park ※

Established in 1989, Aspromonte National Park covers over 76,000 hectares, making it one of Italy's largest national parks. The park boasts remarkable biodiversity, with over 1,500 plant species and a rich variety of fauna, including wolves, golden eagles, and the rare Bonelli's eagle. Its highest peak, Montalto, stands at 1,955 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Calabria and the Sicilian coast. Aspromonte National Park is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a site of significant geological interest. In 2021, it was recognized as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, highlighting its unique geological features. The park is also home to the fascinating "Valle delle Grandi Pietre" (Valley of the Great Stones), known for its large, weather-shaped rocky boulders that form impressive natural monuments.

Other attractions

Catanzaro
Corigliano Calabro
Cosenza
Crotone
La Sila National Park
Locri
Palmi
Paola
Rossano
Sybaris
Stilo