Calabria

Calabria is a region in the south of Italy. One of the least-known of Italy’s 20 regions, Calabria is one of the most southern, and forms the ‘toe’ of the country’s boot on a map. Neighbouring regions include the island of Sicily, just 3km at its closest point from Calabria on the mainland and accessible with a short ferry ride across the Strait of Messina from Reggio di Calabria. In the north of Calabria, the region borders Basilicata, another undiscovered gem in Italy’s south, and isn’t far from Campania – home to Naples and the famous Amalfi Coast.

Due to its long geography, forming the long and pointy ‘toe’ peninsula, Calabria is lucky enough to have almost 800km of coastline (in a region of just 15,000 km²) – the highest ratio of any Italian region. Combine this with three mountain ranges and five provinces packed with historical gems, and you’ll find plenty to discover.

To get to Calabria, most travel by plane. If you are already travelling in Italy, you could also choose to take the train from other destinations across the country.

Calabria is comprised of 5 provinces, with Catanzaro as its capital, and has three airports (including Reggio Calabria and Crotone) yet the main international airport is located at Lamezia Terme.

Lamezia Terme airport has direct flights to 39 destinations across 12 countries, as well as domestic flights to Italian cities such as Rome in 1 hour 10 minutes – which makes transfer flights to any destination across the world easy.

How do I get to Calabria Italy from the US?

Flying into Lamezia Terme airport is often the best route into Calabria when travelling from the US. Choose a route from major US airports and connect in either Rome or Milan.

It is also possible to travel to Naples airport and journey down to Calabria. If you are visiting the northern regions of the Pollino or Praia a Mare, this is a good option. It is approximately a 3 hour drive to northern Calabria from Naples International Airport. 

How do I get to Calabria Italy from the UK?

If you’re looking for direct flights to travel to Calabria from the UK, Ryanair flights are available from London Stanstead to Lamezia Terme airport 3 days a week all year round, increasing to 5 days a week during August.

How do I get to Calabria Italy from Europe?

Germany is the most popular destination for flight connections to Lamezia airport – with direct flights from German cities such as Cologne, Munich, Berlin and Frankfurt. Flights are also available which connect Calabria with destinations across Europe, from Zurich and Geneva to Brussels, Prague and Vienna.

Driving in Calabria

We would highly recommend hiring a car during your trip here in Calabria, to allow you to adventure fully around the region and access beaches, coves, mountains and other destinations off the beaten track. Car hire facilities are available at all airports as well as many tourist towns. It is possible to take the train and access certain areas in Calabria (the train line running down the Tyrrhenian coast is particularly accessible) yet for true freedom to explore off the main tourist trail, a car is required.

TRAVELLER’S TIP. Parking bays marked with white lines are free to park in, whereas blue lines indicate a parking charge (although in many coastal spots this isn’t in effect until summer months).

July and August are the busiest months in the region, with many Italians taking time off during August to holiday by the coast and visit family. The vast majority of tourism in the region stems from these Italian visitors, although more and more foreigners are beginning to discover Calabria. Beaches and coastal towns can become very busy over this period, although this influx of visitors creates an extremely lively atmosphere during the evening passeggiata into the early hours, in towns such as Tropea. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, Calabria’s southern location lends itself to beautiful weather for many months of the year. Spring and Autumn months often combine sunny days and peaceful streets and beaches. We have personally enjoyed beautiful days on the beach in 25 degree heat in March, where we have had the whole place to ourselves!

Few people know that Calabria is also a fantastic destination during the winter months, offering snowy landscapes to explore. Its national parks, including Sila and its toboggan chutes and steam train, and the ski slopes of the Aspromonte mountains.

There are also many festivals and events to experience throughout the calendar year in Calabria – of course involving food, music and wine in true Calabrese style! Visit at Easter for processions, Christmas for live nativity scenes, and August for parties and music in the region’s piazzas on what feels like every day of the week! The annual occasions of produce harvests are also fantastic activities to enjoy. Join the locals in the grape harvests of September and olive harvests of October.

TRAVELLER’S TIP. Due to the slower pace of life of the mezzogiorno, many shops and businesses will close down over lunch time (from roughly 1pm to 4pm or even 5pm). Be aware that many shops and supermarkets also may not be open on a Sunday. It is not uncommon to drive through what a appears to be a ‘ghost town’ due to everything being closed as the locals take a leisurely family lunch on a Sunday!

Calabria is famous for the enchanting town of Tropea – perched high on the cliff above the glittering Tyrrhenian and reminiscent of spots on the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, yet without the overcrowded influx of international visitors.

Calabria is a safe destination for tourists. Although the southern regions of Italy have been long associated with mafia and crime, a lot of these issues are now historic, and mafia activities do not affect the day-to-day lives of visitors to the region.

I have spent a lot of time in Calabria as a female solo traveller, and have never felt unsafe or uneasy when travelling the region. Many of Calabria’s destinations are small towns and villages, which have a very friendly and welcoming feel. The attitude of locals is to look out for each other, and we were often told we could leave doors and balconies open even when leaving the house!

As to be expected, crime rates in the bigger cities are higher, with crime levels reported in Catanzaro as moderate. Mafia crimes of bribery and corruption don’t influence tourists. To keep yourself safe when travelling to Calabria, follow the same general advice as you would when travelling anywhere – for example, avoiding flaunting expensive items and not leaving items on display in the car.

Calabria is not located on the famous Amalfi Coast. It is its own distinct region of Italy (one of 20 in total) and is located between the Amalfi Coast of Campania and the island of Sicily. As the most southern point of the mainland of Italy, it is often described as the ‘toe’ of the boot on a map.

Calabria has a few coastal towns that people sometimes mistake for being on the Amalfi coast at first glance — most notably Tropea — due to its position perched high on the rocks and overlooking the sea.