An Entertaining 6-Day Calabria Travel Itinerary!
Calabria, the toe of Italy’s boot, is a hidden gem. It’s loaded with serene beaches, charming villages, and delicious local food. Boom! If you’re someone who loves nature and good eats, Calabria is where you need to be, and our 6-day Calabria travel itinerary is your guide.
6-Day Calabria Travel Itinerary
The Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola in Tropea, Calabria
Where is Calabria?
Calabria is a beautiful region in southern Italy. It’s shaped like a long, narrow peninsula, and it’s often called the “toe” of the boot of Italy. If you look at a map of Italy, you’ll see Calabria right at the bottom, jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea.
What to do in Calabria?
Calabria, Italy’s beachy toe-tip, ain’t your typical tourist trap! The deep blue beach water touching your feet, sand so white it squeaks, and mountains that take your breath away.
This place is all about hidden coves for exploring, the clear water beckoning you to jump in, and history that keeps you hooked. Plus, the food? Spicy sausage that’ll wake you up, ricotta that’ll make you melt, and fresh seafood straight from the ocean.
But honestly speaking, Calabria’s more than just beaches and bellies (though both are amazing!). It’s about trying grapes with locals at a harvest festival, or watching history come alive with costume reenactments.
Overall, Calabria might be small, but it’ll make your heart and soul happy.
So, here’s a 6-day Calabria Travel Itinerary that you can consider:
Looking for more Italy Travel Itineraries?
We have travel itineraries for several regions in Italy, including Tuscany, a post on day trips from Milan, and if you want to see southern Italy beyond Calabria, you should check out our Southern Italy Itinerary post. All of this and more is in the blog section.
Day 1: Reggio Calabria
Start your journey with Reggio Calabria – the capital. You will find the city historical and the locals, quite friendly. Don’t be too eager to dive into everything this city has to offer. Instead, you need to find a place to stay first.
Where to Stay in Calabria, Reggio?
Finding accommodation in Reggio Calabria is a breeze, thanks to the array of options available. You can consider the Hotel Medinblu, which flaunts panoramic views of the sea and comfortable rooms that provide the perfect retreat after a day of exploration. What else could you ask for than a heavenly view from your window?
Things to Do in Reggio Calabria
Make your first stop to the iconic Lungomare Falcomatà, often hailed as one of the most beautiful promenades in Italy. Strolling along the seafront, take in the sweeping views of the Strait of Messina and admire the elegant Art Nouveau buildings that line the boulevard.
Next up, visit the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia di Reggio Calabria, home to the world-famous Riace Bronzes. These ancient Greek statues, recovered from the depths of the sea, are nothing short of mesmerizing.
In the summer of 1972, an Italian scuba diver named Stefano Mariottini made an incredible discovery while exploring the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. Just off the coast of Riace Marina, Italy, he stumbled upon two magnificent bronze statues, their surfaces hidden beneath centuries of marine growth.
What to Eat in Reggio?
No trip to Reggio Calabria would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. For lunch, try feasting on freshly caught seafood paired with local wines. Each dish is a celebration of Calabrian flavors, from the briny sweetness of the mussels to the fiery kick of the ‘nduja sausage – a spicy, spreadable salami originating from Calabria, southern Italy. It’s made with a mixture of ground pork, Calabrian chili peppers, and various spices, resulting in a bold, fiery flavor and a smooth, spreadable texture. You can spread it on crusty bread or paired with ripe cheese.
After lunch, you can wander through the busy streets of the city center, pop into charming boutiques and gelaterias along the way. As the sun begins to set, make your way back to Lungomare Falcomatà to witness the pinkish-golden sky – a fitting end to your time in this enchanting city.
Day 2: Pizzo
Time Taken to Travel from Reggio Calabria to Pizzo: 1 hour 15 minutes.
It’s time to explore the seaside town of Pizzo. Known for its delicious gelato and stunning beaches, Pizzo promises to be the perfect destination for a relaxing day by the sea.
Where to Stay in Calabria, Pizzo?
There are some lovely accommodations in Pizzo such as the B&B Casa Angelieri offers bright, airy rooms with spectacular ocean views.
Things to Do in Calabria, Pizzo
Begin your day with a leisurely walk around town. Glance at the sights and sounds of Pizzo’s charming streets. The gleaming white churches add to the town’s enchanting atmosphere.
Next, make your way to Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of Pizzo. Here, visit Castello Murat, a historic castle known for its role in Italian history. This castle gained its name from Joachim Murat, who was briefly King of Naples and brother-in-law to Napoleon. Captured in 1815, he was imprisoned and executed here, making the castle a dark landmark in the rise and fall of power during turbulent times.
The views from the castle are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the sparkling sea and rugged coastline.
After exploring the town, indulge in some of Pizzo’s famous gelato. Bar Gelateria Ercole is known for its delicious tartufo – a decadent treat made with chocolate and hazelnut gelato. It is the perfect way to cool off on a warm day!
What to Eat in Pizzo?
For lunch, dine at Ristorante Hedo, where you can enjoy a delicious meal of pumpkin ravioli and seafood pasta. The flavors are incredible, and the ocean views make the experience even more memorable.
Day 3: Tropea And Capo Vaticano
Time Taken to Travel from Pizzo to Tropea: 47 minutes.
Time to head south to Tropea and Capo Vaticano. It promises turquoise waters and sandy beaches that are too tempting to resist!
Where to Stay in Calabria, Tropea?
Tropea has some fantastic accommodation options, and you’ll fall in love with Terrazzino a Picco sul Mare for its stunning ocean views. Alternatively, La Dolce Vita a Tropea offers a modern Mediterranean vibe that’s hard to resist.
Things to Do
Tropea’s cliffside charm will immediately capture your heart. Wandering through its scenic streets, you’ll find hidden gems like Largo Rota and the imposing Duomo di Tropea. But the real highlight is Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola – a sandstone church perched on a rocky outcrop.
After witnessing Tropea’s beauty, go to Capo Vaticano for sunset. The views from Spiaggia Capo Vaticano are breathtaking, with iridescent bays stretching out before you. You won’t be able to resist sinking your toes into the sand and watching the sun dip below the horizon.
What to Eat?
Lunch at Le Volpi e l’Uva would be a culinary delight. Also, do try the local specialty – red onions! Whether grilled, pickled, or stuffed, they’re a true taste of Calabria.
Day 4: Castrovillari
Time Taken to Travel from Tropea to Castrovillari: 2 hours 18 minutes.
Castrovillari greets tourists with open arms. It is nestled snugly in the foothills of Pollino National Park.
Where to Stay in Calabria, Castrovillari?
For a good accommodation option, you can consider Agriturismo Petrosa. It’s this charming little mountain farmstead that offers coziness and serves some seriously delicious food.
Things to Do in Castrovillari
You can begin by exploring Castrovillari’s southeast corner. There’s some cool stuff to check out, like the Archaeological Museum of Castrovillari. Housed within the 16th-century Palazzo Ricciuti, it showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts unearthed from the surrounding area, spanning from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.
After that, head to the Tenuta Celimarro, a renowned winery nestled in the heart of the countryside. This family-run estate boasts generations of winemaking expertise, using traditional methods to create exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
What to Eat?
You can try this place called La Taverna Degli Ammirati. It offers amazing classic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Their pasta is Divine. And the local eateries? Absolutely mouthwatering. It will be the perfect way to end the day and fuel up for more adventures tomorrow.
Day 4: Pollino National Park
Time Taken to Travel from Castrovillari to pollino national park: 18 minutes.
Pollino National Park on the edge of Calabria, Italy
Today will be about embracing nature in Pollino National Park. With Italy’s largest national park stretching out before you, it’s a beautiful sight. Although it’s not in Calabria, still it’s a place not to miss. This park is in Basilicata, a region that borders Calabria and puglia regions.
Where to Stay in Basilicata, Pollino National Park?
You can stay at Basilicata, which is super convenient for accessing the park. But if you want to be closer to the action, Rotonda is a great alternative with its charming guest houses like Dimora Del Corso.
Things to Do
You can swing by the Pollino Visitors Centre in Rotonda first, snag a hiking map and some insider tips. Then, head towards Rifugio Fascinella, a starting point for some epic hikes. The views from there are out of this world.
What to Eat?
If you’re on the move, pack a lunch from one of the local grocery stores in Castrovillari. You can munch on a sandwich or some local food.
Day 5: Day 6: Scilla
Castello Ruffo in Scilla
ime Taken to Travel from Capo Vaticano to Scilla: 1 hour and 10 minutes.
On the final day of your itinerary, you can visit the charming village of Scilla, renowned for its breathtaking coastal views and historic charm.
Where to Stay in Calabria, Scilla?
You might not need to stay if it’s a day trip. However, there are some lovely accommodations if you choose to stay overnight. BB Il Generale offers cozy rooms right on the water, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing coastal getaway.
Things to Do
Start your day by wandering through the historic fishing district of Chianalea, where pastel buildings line the waterfront and colorful boats bob in the harbor. It is like a scene from a fairytale!
Next, head to Castello Ruffo, perched high on the cliff’s edge. The views are absolutely breathtaking, flaunting panoramic vistas of the sparkling sea and rugged coastline.
Afterward, you can head towards Spiaggia (beach) di Scilla, a beautiful sandy beach nestled beneath the cliffs. Spend some time relaxing on the shore, listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. It is pure bliss.
What to Eat?
For lunch, get some delicious Calabrian cuisine at Casa Vela Wine Bar. Their local artisanal products and mouth watering seafood dishes are a true delight. If you ever go there – do try the swordfish sandwich from Civico 5 Paninoteca as well! In fact, It will be the perfect ending to your Calabria adventure – a moment of sheer happiness.
Important Tips For Your Calabria Travel Journey
If you’re planning a trip to Calabria, here’s how to get there and explore at your own pace:
Flying In:
- Two main airports: Lamezia Terme and Reggio Calabria, with connections to many European cities.
- Consider flying into Naples to the north or Catania/Palermo in Sicily for more options.
- From Sicily, a quick ferry ride whisks you to Reggio Calabria.
Renting a Car:
- Ideal for exploring freely, stopping at villages and enjoying scenic drives.
- Find rentals at airports and major cities. Compare prices before booking your flight.
- Naples can offer good deals on both flights and car rentals.
- Remember, most nationalities need an International Drivers Permit for Italy.
Taking the Train:
- Relaxing option that follows the coastline, connecting popular destinations.
- Trains might not reach inland destinations in the mountains.
- A good choice for coastal exploration, especially the latter half of a 4-day trip.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Research ferry schedules and car rental options beforehand.
- Book your International Drivers Permit well in advance if needed.
- Consider your itinerary and choose the travel method that suits you best.
Beyond Transportation:
- While cards are accepted in many places, carrying cash is always helpful.
- Summers are hot and sunny, while winters are mild but can be rainy in the mountains. Pack light layers and comfortable shoes year-round.
Calabria awaits your arrival! Choose your path, pack your bags, and get ready to experience its unique charm.
Final Words – Calabria Travel Itinerary
So, that brings an end to your Calabria travel itinerary. Saying goodbye to this enchanting region feels like parting ways with a dear friend. This Calabria travel trip will definitely leave an indelible mark on your heart.
