The province of Reggio Calabria is as far down south as you can go within the region of Calabria, and is the southernmost province in the whole of mainland Italy. Forming the very tip of the ‘toe’ of Italy’s boot, it is separated by a very narrow channel of sea – the Strait of Messina – from the island of Sicily, and is a wild region of rich history, craggy mountains, and sweeping panoramas of cobalt blue sea.
Previously called the province of Reggio Calabria and now officially named the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, the area covers the capital city itself as well as 97 local municipalities, from coastal plateaus to the rugged Aspromonte mountains. Bordered by two seas, with the Tyrrhenian to the west and the Ionian to the south and southwest, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy, mountains to climb, medieval towns to discover, and even ski slopes to descend!
The city of Reggio Calabria itself is a major transport hub of the Mediterranean, with connections to Sicily and strong ties to Messina, and is the most populous city in Calabria as well as its most ancient. As a major hub in the Magna Graecia, it has a rich history as the centre of the Mediterranean, and the National Archaeological Museum at Reggio is dedicated to Ancient Greece and is home to treasures such as the Bronzes of Riace – a rare example of bronze Greek statues which were found off the coastline of Calabria in the 70’s.
Just up the coast from the city of Reggio Calabria is the Costa Viola – a stretch of coastline from Palmi to San Giovanni that is so called the ‘Violet Coast’ due to the spectacular purple hue of its sea views. Here, enjoy the waters and dramatic scenery of mountains which plummet right into the water, and watch out for the iconic Passarella fishing boats which traverse the Strait of Messina and capture swordfish. The town of Scilla is its most picturesque, where you can watch the waves lap right up to the walls of its charming fishing district right on the water.
The highlights of Reggio Calabria aren’t just its beaches. The rugged mountains of the Aspromonte national park offer spectacular views and hiking trails, as well as a rich history of the Magna Graecia. Discover castles, abandoned ‘ghost towns’, and even enjoy the area in the winter months, with the ski resort of Gambarie d’Aspromonte offering spectacular slopes that you can descend whilst enjoying views of the sea.
