As I stepped off the train in Reggio Calabria, the southernmost city of Italy, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity about the region that lay ahead. With its rich history, stunning coastline, and picturesque towns, Calabria is a destination that has it all. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the 20 most beautiful towns and villages in Calabria, each with its own unique character and charm.
Why Calabria?
Before we dive into our selection of the top 20 towns and villages, let’s talk about why Calabria is so special. Located in southern Italy, Calabria boasts a stunning coastline, lush mountains, and a rich history that spans thousands of years. From the ancient Greeks to the Normans, each era has left its mark on the region, resulting in a unique cultural heritage that is waiting to be explored.
Calabria is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. The region’s cuisine is another major draw, with popular dishes like pasta alla norma, seafood risotto, and traditional sweets like cassata and sfogliatelle.
Top 20 Beautiful Towns and Villages
Without further ado, let’s get started with our selection of the top 20 beautiful towns and villages in Calabria.
1. Aieta: The Medieval Gem of Cosenza Province
Located in the province of Cosenza, Aieta is a medieval town known for its stunning white houses with red roofs and narrow streets. This picturesque town is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience authentic Italian culture.
Aieta’s historic center is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing and sampling local specialties.
2. Altomonte: Norman Architecture and Stunning Views
Altomonte is a Norman village in the province of Cosenza, recognized for its beautiful architecture and stunning views. With its unique blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, this town is a gem that should not be missed.
Altomonte’s castle is one of the most impressive landmarks in the region, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
3. Bova: Unique Castle and Beautiful Church Architecture
Bova is a medieval town in the province of Reggio Calabria, famous for its unique castle and beautiful church architecture. This charming town is a great place to explore and discover its hidden gems.
The castle of Bova is one of the most impressive in Italy, with towers that date back to the 12th century. The town’s historic center is filled with charming shops and restaurants.
4. Chianalea: “Little Venice” on a Peninsula
Chianalea is a small fishing village on a peninsula, known as “Little Venice” due to its stunning houses and narrow streets. With its picturesque architecture and scenic views, this town is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Calabria.
The peninsula where Chianalea is located offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
5. Civita: A Medieval Gem in the Parco del Pollino National Park
Civita is a picturesque medieval town in the Parco del Pollino National Park, recognized for its unique architecture and stunning views. This charming town is a great place to explore and discover its hidden gems.
The park offers breathtaking scenery, with towering mountains and pristine forests.
6. Morano Calabro: Historic Center and Beautiful Church Architecture
Morano Calabro is a medieval town in the province of Cosenza, famous for its historic center and beautiful church architecture. With its unique blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, this town is a gem that should not be missed.
The town’s historic center is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing and sampling local specialties.
7. Rocca Imperiale: Picturesque Castle and Stunning Views
Rocca Imperiale is a coastal town in the province of Cosenza, known for its picturesque castle and stunning views. This charming town is a great place to explore and discover its hidden gems.
The castle offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
8. Stilo: Byzantine Art and Architecture
Stilo is a medieval town in the province of Reggio Calabria, recognized for its unique Byzantine art and architecture. With its stunning mosaics and intricate designs, this town is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and culture.
The town’s historic center is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing and sampling local specialties.
9. Santa Severina: Historic Center and Beautiful Church Architecture
Santa Severina is a medieval town on a hilltop, famous for its historic center and beautiful church architecture. This charming town is a great place to explore and discover its hidden gems.
The town’s historic center is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing and sampling local specialties.
10. Gerace: Unique Castle and Stunning Views
Gerace is a medieval town in the province of Reggio Calabria, known for its unique castle and stunning views. With its picturesque architecture and scenic views, this town is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Calabria.
The castle offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
11. Fiumefreddo Bruzio: Picturesque Castle and Beautiful Beaches
Fiumefreddo Bruzio is a small coastal town in the province of Cosenza, famous for its picturesque castle and beautiful beaches. This charming town is a great place to relax and unwind.
The beach offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
12. San Donato di Ninea: Unique Church Architecture and Stunning Views
San Donato di Ninea is a small mountain village in the Parco del Pollino National Park, recognized for its unique church architecture and stunning views. With its picturesque architecture and scenic views, this town is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Calabria.
The park offers breathtaking scenery, with towering mountains and pristine forests.
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13. Praia a Mare: Beautiful Beaches and Scenic Views
Praia a Mare is a popular beach resort town on the Ionian coast, known for its beautiful beaches and scenic views. With its stunning coastline and picturesque architecture, this town is a great place to relax and unwind.
The beach offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
14. Isola di Capo Rizzuto: Historic Sites and Roman Ruins
Isola di Capo Rizzuto is a small island in the province of Crotone, famous for its historic sites, including the Roman ruins of Capo Colonna. With its stunning coastline and picturesque architecture, this town is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history.
The island offers breathtaking scenery, with towering cliffs and pristine beaches.
15. San Nicola Arcella: Beautiful Beaches and Scenic Views
San Nicola Arcella is a coastal town in the province of Reggio Calabria, recognized for its beautiful beaches and scenic views. With its stunning coastline and picturesque architecture, this town is a great place to relax and unwind.
The beach offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
16. Pentedattilo: A Town Reborn
Pentedattilo is an abandoned village on a peninsula, now being restored as a tourist destination. With its unique blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, this town is a gem that should not be missed.
The peninsula offers breathtaking scenery, with towering cliffs and pristine beaches.
17. Oriolo: Picturesque Castle and Stunning Views
Oriolo is a medieval town in the province of Cosenza, famous for its picturesque castle and stunning views. This charming town is a great place to explore and discover its hidden gems.
The castle offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
18. Caccuri: Beautiful Beaches and Historic Center
Caccuri is a small coastal town in the province of Crotone, known for its beautiful beaches and historic center. With its unique blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, this town is a gem that should not be missed.
The beach offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
19. Roseto Capo Spulico: Unique Castle and Beautiful Beaches
Roseto Capo Spulico is a picturesque beach resort town on the Ionian coast, recognized for its unique castle and beautiful beaches. With its stunning coastline and picturesque architecture, this town is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Calabria.
The beach offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
20. Badolato: A Hilltop Gem
Badolato is a medieval village on a hilltop, famous for its historic center and stunning views. With its unique blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, this town is a gem that should not be missed.
The hilltop offers breathtaking scenery, with towering mountains and pristine forests.
Conclusion
As we conclude our journey through the 20 most beautiful towns and villages in Calabria, I hope that you have gained a deeper appreciation for the beauty and charm of this incredible region. From its stunning coastline to its picturesque hills, Calabria is a destination that has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or simply a relaxing getaway, Calabria has it all. So why not start planning your trip today and discover the hidden gems of this incredible region?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get to Calabria?
A: Calabria can be reached by train or bus from major cities such as Rome and Naples. You can also fly into the Reggio Calabria International Airport, which offers connections to many European destinations.
Q: What are the best times to visit Calabria?
A: The best time to visit Calabria is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the region can be crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s worth visiting in the shoulder season for a more relaxed experience.
Q: What are the must-see attractions in Calabria?
A: Some of the top attractions in Calabria include the stunning coastline, picturesque towns and villages, and historic sites such as the Roman ruins of Capo Colonna. Be sure to also visit some of the region’s beautiful beaches and try some of the local cuisine.
Q: Is Calabria a safe destination?
A: Calabria is generally a safe destination, with low crime rates compared to other parts of Italy. However, as with any travel destination, it’s worth taking normal precautions to ensure your safety.
Q: What language is spoken in Calabria?
A: The official language of Calabria is Italian, but many locals also speak Calabrian, a dialect that is unique to the region.
Q: Can I drive in Calabria?
A: Yes, driving in Calabria is possible, but be aware that some roads can be narrow and winding. It’s also worth noting that driving in Italy can be challenging, especially for non-EU citizens who may not have a valid driver’s license.
Q: What are the best accommodations in Calabria?
A: There are many great accommodations in Calabria, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Some popular options include the Hotel Palazzo dei Duchi in Reggio Calabria and the Agriturismo La Rosa in Pentedattilo.
Q: What are the local specialties in Calabria?
A: Some of the top local specialties in Calabria include pasta alla norma, seafood risotto, traditional sweets like cassata and sfogliatelle, and fresh produce from the region’s many farms and markets.
