Calabria Is a Less-Visited Gem in Italy—Here’s How to Plan a Trip There

Calabria, tucked between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, is Italy’s best-kept secret. It’s a land of dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins, hilltop villages, and untouched natural beauty. And as one of the few less-traveled paths left in Italy, Calabria makes for a deeply immersive cultural journey, best taken over the course of five or seven days. Here are a few of the best towns to visit when traveling to Calabria.

Tropea

Begin your stay in the town of Tropea. One of the best places to stay is Villa Paola, a former 16th Century convent surrounded by a Mediterranean garden that overlooks the white beaches and rocky cliffs of the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods). Foodies will enjoy the signature delights of the region, like Tropea onions, spicy nduja sausage spread, and the classic frozen Tartufo, made with layers of mouthwatering gelato. 

From Tropea, it’s easy to visit Scilla, a charming fishing village, and Reggio Calabria, the largest city in the region. In the latter, visit Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia to see the Bronzes of Riace, which are among the most important and best-preserved examples of classical Greek sculpture. They were discovered by chance in 1972 by local fishermen as they pulled up their nets from the sea. End the day with a glass of local wine from the Cirò region at one of Reggio Calabria’s famous cafes on Lungomare Falcomatà, its elegant waterfront overlooking Sicily. Nature lovers and trekkers should consider a visit to Aspromonte National Park, one of three major national parks in Calabria, along with Sila and Pollino.

Crotone

For the second half of your trip, head northeast to Crotone. Stay at Praia Art Resort in Praialonga near Isola Capo Rizzuto, the only five-star property in the area. Walk the pristine beaches and sway in a hammock over the still waters of the Ionian Sea.

There are several key sites to explore, like Le Castella, an imposing Medieval fortress on the sea; Santa Severina’s Byzantine architecture and Norman Castle; and Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, known for its Greek and Roman temples and ruins. For a delicious meal, dine at Michelin-starred Dattilo, located on the Ceraudo Estate. Here, southern Italian chef Caterina Ceraudo creates elevated versions of local cuisine paired with the estate’s award-winning wines.

Another highlight of this area is the small coastal towns along the Ionian Sea, such as Rossano, known for its licorice, and Gioiosa Ionica, where you can indulge in a farm-style lunch at La Colinetta, recently visited by Stanley Tucci. The Calabresi people are uniquely hospitable, and you’re sure to meet many great individuals as you savor local flavors, views, and experiences in this dramatically beautiful, yet unpretentious Italian destination.

Gary Portuesi is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in trips to Italy, Greece, and Croatia. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Portuesi at [email protected].