Calabria Holidays

Sun-drenched beaches, dramatic cliffs, and pasta that’ll ruin you for life – Calabria is Italy’s spicy, sun-kissed stunner at the toe of the boot.

Highlights

• 🏖️ Beaches for days – white sands, turquoise coves, and barely a tourist in sight

• 🌶️ Fiery flavours – nduja, chilli, and some of the best food you’ve never heard of

• 🏞️ Mountain meets sea – rugged national parks with jaw-dropping views

• 🏛️ Ancient history without the crowds – ruins, castles, and Greek temples (yes, really)

Getting around

Calabria’s a bit wild (in the best way), so while there are trains and buses linking major towns like Tropea, Reggio Calabria, and Cosenza, the real freedom comes with hiring a car. The coastal train line is scenic and handy for hopping between beach towns, but inland gems and mountain villages? You’ll need wheels. Roads are a mix of coastal bends and mountain switchbacks – pack your sunglasses and your patience. Flights land at Lamezia Terme, Reggio Calabria, and Crotone airports, and ferries connect Calabria to Sicily if you're feeling extra adventurous.

Things to do for families in Calabria

Calabria is a brilliant pick for a family getaway – no big crowds, no stress, just sea, sun, and lots of pizza. Start with Tropea, where sandy beaches meet shallow, calm waters perfect for paddling. Kids will love exploring the clifftop Santa Maria dell’Isola Church, followed by gelato on the promenade. For more nature, head to Sila National Park, where you’ll find lakes, pine forests, and wildlife-spotting galore (look out for wolves and wild cats!). Fancy a splash? The Aquadventures water park near Zambrone is a guaranteed hit. And when hunger strikes? Pasta, pizza and friendly trattorias mean no fussy eaters left behind.

Things to do for couples in Calabria

Looking for a romantic escape with a wild side? Calabria’s got all the heart-eyes without the price tag of Italy’s northern hotspots. Wander the cobbled streets of Scilla, a clifftop fishing village said to be the home of a sea monster in Greek mythology (nothing says romance like ancient legends). Sip wine at a beach bar as the sun sets over Capo Vaticano, or head inland for a couples’ hike in Aspromonte National Park – dramatic, lush, and ridiculously peaceful. End the day with a candlelit dinner in a rustic restaurant, where the pasta’s handmade and the wine flows freely. Bellissimo.

Things to do for groups in Calabria

Travelling with mates? Calabria is the ultimate group getaway if you’re into nature, beach time, and discovering hidden gems. Rent a villa with sea views near Tropea, spend your days beach-hopping, and your evenings grilling fresh seafood and sipping local wine on the terrace. Up for some adventure? Try snorkelling or diving around the Scoglio dell’Ulivo (Olive Rock), or take a group hike in Pollino National Park – waterfalls, caves, and zero crowds. Want to go full local? Hit a village festival, where the wine’s homemade, the music’s loud, and the dance floor is... usually someone’s front garden. Iconic.

Things to do for foodies in Calabria

Calabria might be the most underrated foodie region in Italy – and that’s saying something. The star of the show? ’Nduja – a spicy, spreadable sausage that adds a smoky kick to everything from pizza to pasta. Street food like arancini, zeppole (fried dough balls), and pitta calabrese will keep you fuelled between sightseeing. For a sit-down feast, expect hearty dishes like lagane e ceci (flat pasta with chickpeas), eggplant parmigiana, and fresh seafood straight from the Med. The wine? Local, bold, and barely exported – try a glass of Cirò Rosso with your meal. And for dessert? Dig into tartufo di Pizzo – a rich, chocolatey ice cream bomb that’ll live rent-free in your head forever.