Calabria holidays

Beach lovers: Known as the toe of Italy’s boot, Calabria is a haven for beach lovers. Whether you prefer golden-sand or rocky shores, the region has it all. From picturesque fishing villages scattered along the coastline, like Scilla and Amantea, to Calabria’s crowning jewel, Tropea, famed for its dramatic cliff-edge, and labyrinth of piazzas.

Foodies: Italy’s finest art is food, and Calabria is no exception. If you love spicy food, you need to try Calabria’s signature ingredient – peperoncino – the horn-shaped red chilli pepper. The region is also famous for its anchovies, tuna and sweet red onions. Treat yourself to a pizza topped with Calabrian tuna and Tropea’s exquisite red onions. 

History buffs: Come for Calabria’s stunning coastline and stay for its fascinating history, which dates back to the 8th century. The region was a Greek colony known as Magna Graecia, and over the centuries it has been ruled by Germans, Turks, Austrians and Bourbons. Today, you can find these influences in the culture, language and architecture. 

Explorers: Home to three national parks, Aspromonte, Pollino and Sila, 500 miles of coastline and rolling hills dotted with olive, lemon and orange trees, Calabria is nothing short of spectacular. Explore Torre Camigliati on the edge of Sila National Park, climb up to Porta del Sole for picture-perfect views of the Ionian Sea and take in the grandeur of Stilo’s La Cattolica.  

Language: Italian is the official language in Calabria.

Currency: The currency used in Calabria is the Euro (EUR).You can order your travel money before your trip

Local time: Calabria is one hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Calabria has three airports, the main one being Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF). The other two are Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) and Crotone Airport (CRV), mainly used for domestic flights. 

Flight time from UK: Flying from the UK to Lamezia Terme International Airport takes about 3 hours.

Tourist information: For more tourist information about Calabria, visit the official website for tourism in Calabria. 

Holiday destinations related to Calabria:

• Amalfi
• Ischia Porto
• Sant Agnello
• Sorrento
• Lake Garda
• Limone
• Malcesine
• Venetian Riviera 
• Sardinia

By car: If you want to pack multiple sites in a single trip, driving around Calabria is your best option. The region brims with hidden gems that can only be reached by car. You can plan ahead by booking your car hire before your trip.

By bus: The bus is an affordable and convenient alternative if you don’t want to drive. The main Calabrian bus companies are IAS, La Valle and Lirosi Autoservizi, which offer several daily routes between the major cities. However, only a few services connect the smaller villages, so you may need to make multiple connections. 

By train: The train is another great way to get around Calabria if you aren’t keen on driving. Trenitalia is Italy’s leading train operator, which provides hourly departures between the main cities. Like the bus, you may need to make multiple connections if you’re planning to visit small, rural villages.  

Peperoncino Jazz Festival: Peperoncino Jazz Festival is one of Calabria’s main cultural events, held every year from mid-July to the end of August in Cosenza. The festival hosts live music and artistic performances by a wide range of Italian and international artists.   

Medieval Festival: The Medieval Festival takes place in the pretty village of Santa Severina on the 30th of April and the 1st of May. It is a celebration of Santa Severina’s medieval heritage, with archery workshops, medieval markets, theatrical performances and re-enactments of traditional dances taking place on both days.

Magna Graecia Film Festival: Calling all cinema enthusiasts – Magna Graecia Film Festival is the event you don’t want to miss. It takes place in Catanzaro in the first week of August and promotes debuts and second films, both Italian and international.

Visa / health: Before your holidays to Calabria, check the latest health advice before heading off at The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.