Things to do & places to visit in Calabria, Italy

Calabria #17 destination in Italy 2023. The average rating score is 4.43 based on 53.1k traveler reviews, of 165 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Rome, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 2:14.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Lao Rafting (1.775 reviews)
- Excellent team providing great experience on the river
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours

All the guides were friendly and helpful, the location was stunning and it was a great, adrenalin-filled few hours. The lunch at the end was also very good. You can get a CD with all your photos and videos. See more..
5.0 Pollino Rafting (694 reviews)
- Perfect experiences
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing

Thank you for these great tours. The communication with Gigia was smooth in English. She has been super nice and answered and considered all my questions and concerns. The same goes for Francesco and Giuseppe. We did first water rafting and two days later canyoning. Both tours were with Francesco and the canyoning was with Giuseppe. I did both for the first time and felt very well taken care of. Francesco and Giuseppe are very experienced, friendly and funny. The tours are very nice and the price is absolutely reasonable. In general, it is a young and very nice team there. I can highly recommend it to everyone. I hope that I can do another tour there someday. See more..
5.0 River Tribe Lao (668 reviews)
- River Walking and rafting fun
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Bike Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

We had a river walking and rafting fun trip with Antonio, Veronica and Pelado in June which was extremely interesting. Lots of joy, curiosity and warm vibes from the team and obviously picturesque views of the Lao River have made this experience memorable. The Trive base is also very attractive, with a swimming pool, hammocks and a camping space. We were welcomed and treated with kindness, attention and generosity - highly recommended! See more..
5.0 Creazioni Artistiche Il Faro (434 reviews)
- A must see..!!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent < 1 hour Science Museums • Art Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums

Animated representation of Tropea in Miniature. free admission for all. Do not miss the beautiful attraction that reminds us of the ancient crafts lost. See more..
5.0 Rafting Adventure Lao (313 reviews)
- Brilliant 16 kilometre raft trip
River Rafting & Tubing

Rafted down the Lao at Laino borgo in August. Fantastic fun - a three hour journey because the water was a bit low, but really exciting and hairy enough at times. Several of the party got a ducking including the helmsman. Beautiful scenery. More people should visit this lovely and unspoilt area of Italy. See more..
4.5 Tropea Beach (3.700 reviews)
- Perfection
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

Tropea Beach is truly one of a kind. The overlook gives you just a small taste of how clear and refreshing the water is. The views of this beach, the volcano Stromboli in the distance and looking up at the historic town are something I had never experienced before. We spent four lovely days enjoying the sea, sand and lovely people. We rented chairs at Le Roccette Club on a couple of those days and having your own privacy was well worth the €35 for an entire day. You could swim out to the booeys and somehow still see to the crystal clear bottom of the ocean. The waves were very calm and little on most days we visited. Some of the best swimming in the world. Just a heads up. Bring a beach bag down to the beach if you are staying in town. I logged 122 floors during the week on my Fitbit because it is a hike to climb down the stairs. See more..
4.5 Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria (2.932 reviews)
- awesome
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Art Museums • History Museums

its one of the best museums in italy.worths the visit and has many interesting findings of italian and greek ancient times See more..
4.5 Lungomare Falcomatà (2.076 reviews)
- A two km. seafront rich of art works
Spent < 1 hour Historic Walking Areas

The seafront of Reggio Calabria is almost two kilometers in a wide sky and sea scenario. It has the volcano Etna on the back stage. There is the monument to the Greek goddess Athena in honor of the then king of Italy Vittorio Emanuele III on the background of the Strait of Messina and the monument to the Victory of Italy in the First World War. See more..
4.5 Castello Aragonese di Le Castella (1.967 reviews)
- A hidden gem
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

Calabria is quite remote from the rest of Europe, but it is definitely worth seeing. The small town of Le Castella is a real gem, especially the Arragon castle, which was built on a small island. It can be accessed by a gravel path, leading over shallow sea which was still quite warm in September. The castle has been well preserved and can be visited without paying an entrance fee. The town itself is very tourist-friendly, even at the end of the bathing season. There are numerous shops and quite a few cafes that are still open. Most of the tourists are Italians who know the most beautiful spots in their country. Worth visiting! See more..
4.5 Chianalea di Scilla (1.453 reviews)
- Ecnahnting
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas

This is the fishing district adjacent to Scilla, often known as "southern Venice", with traditional houses set on the rocks, along the bay. It's a wonderful little area to explore on foot, and we enjoyed walking the entire length of it, exploring every little stairway or alley leading upto the sea. Lots of interesting little local shops and restaurants perched along the rocks. Scilla is gorgeous, and Chinalea is the unmissable highlight. See more..
4.5 The Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola (1.354 reviews)
- Amazing view!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola is located in Tropea ( VV ) . It has medieval origins and is the emblem of the city. See more..
4.5 Capo Vaticano (1.347 reviews)
- "Stone balconies overlooking the sea at sunset ... a show
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Beaches

Capo Vaticano, the last strip of land before the Straits of Messina, thrusts dramatically from the sea, its white rocks battered and eroded by centuries of breakers that have taught sailors to respect and fear this fascinating, almost mysterious place. Capo Vaticano its majestically enthroned in a turquoise sea, as it dominates the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands to the north-west, the Gulf of to the north-east, to the south-west the Gulf of Gioia Tauro and, beyond, the Straits of Messina culminating in Mount Etna.This part of Calabria, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, contains the ancient fascination of a thousand years of history. The sea that caresses the snow-white beaches and the wildness of the rocks make visitors lose their sense of time, as it conceals beneath its waves the secrets of ancient shipwrecks, the relics of which have frequently been discovered. Life in the area is dominated by fishing; its waters are visited by the great swordfish, tuna, blue sharks etc. See more..
4.5 Piedigrotta Church (1.248 reviews)
- Very interesting!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

See more..
4.5 AcquaPark Odissea 2000 (1.177 reviews)
- Best waterpark in Italy...
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks

Spend a day enjoying yourself… visit AcquaPark Odissea 2000! Water Park Odissea 2000 is located in Rossano, just a few meters from the beautiful Ionian coast of Calabria. Odissea 2000 is established in the major Nausicaa Tourist Village and it is one of the largest water parks in Italy. Enjoy the slow-moving river in a tube or explore a wide variety of attractions going down slides like the fast Omero Jump or the Big Olimpo, the one and only water roller coaster; challenging the Titan Roller, the longest slide in Europe or going upside down with Chimera and for the most fearless Skyron Rocket, a leap into the unknown to get everywhere... And for our younger guests, there is “l’isola di Galatea”, dedicated to families and their children, a whole playground nestled in the magnificent scenery of waterfalls, rocks and splashes of water, enlivened by performances at the Island’s Satyrs Theatre. Odissea 2000 offers everything you could wish for… you can take part in the games, or, more simply, just hang out in one of the chill-out areas. Throughout the entire day in the park there are live shows and animations for children and adults. For delicious Italian meal and snacks, restaurants are available in the park. See more..
4.5 Island Dino (1.055 reviews)
- beautiful island
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Islands

I recommend bathing in Cave full of fish in the clear water and interpretation of the island. The cruise lasts an hour for about 5 €. See more..
4.5 Arco Magno (935 reviews)
- My best place
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Famous all over the world, this small beach is truly a pearl. Crystal clear water and a sunset where the sun's rays enter the door. The initial journey (about 15 min) does not weigh on you when you find this show in front of you. See more..
4.5 Museo della Liquirizia "Giorgio Amarelli" (775 reviews)
- Amazing historic company museum
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

Una storia nella storia, una saga, quella degli Amarelli, iniziata intorno all'anno Mille e proseguita nei secoli fra Crociate, impegno intellettuale e agricoltura. Una storia da toccare con mano, da leggere, da ascoltare, da vivere nel Museo della Liquirizia “Giorgio Amarelli”. Incisioni, documenti, libri, foto d'epoca ma anche attrezzi agricoli, oggetti quotidiani e splendidi abiti antichi a testimoniare la vita di una famiglia, che valorizza i rami sotterranei delle piante di liquirizia che crescono spontanee sulla costa ionica, e che diventano il palcoscenico di un museo unico al mondo. Le visite sono guidate su prenotazione. Un esperienza indimenticabile vi aspetta al Museo della liquirizia Giorgio Amarelli. See more..
4.5 Spiaggia Paradiso del sub (739 reviews)
- Not easy to find but worth it.
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Find the zambrone train station. It's easy from the main road. Find Poseidon fish restaurant and its on the left. Park on the road below the train station (pass the station when it's on your right and go right under the bridge and park in the right. Get ice cream from the station cafe. :) Cross the train line at the white labelled area and go to the right to the end of the railway platform. Ignore the do not cross line. 10 mins you at the beech. Take good shoes as you will want to climb the rocks to the large beech on the right. Good for couples but families may struggle to go to the large beech. Great day and worth it if you able to climb down the hill (steep but walkable) See more..
4.5 Santuario di San Francesco di Paola (724 reviews)
- Santuario di San Francesco
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

We drove along the sea coast, finally reaching the town of Paola in Italy. Driving through the streets were so impressive with every turn. Amazing sculptures, beautiful arches leading down a picturesque road. We finally reached the santuary, & it was amazing. Tucked in the mountain, was this awesome place, with lots of history. A must see ! See more..
4.5 Spiaggia di Riaci (599 reviews)
- Excellent choice, not far to Tropea
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

This beach is located a short distance from Tropea (8-10 min by car) and is an excellent choice - in full season the beaches from Tropea are very crowded. The water has a wonderful colour, and the rocks in the water give a special charm. See more..
4.5 Parco della Biodiversita Mediterranea (562 reviews)
- nature and sports
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

It is a good park to enjoy walking and looking at the mountains around. A lot of places where to seat and appreciate the modern sculptures. There are many animals in the river and inside the cages, and also beautiful trees. Very relaxing atmosphere free of stress, nice for running and to practice other sports. See more..
4.5 Museo all'aperto Bilotti (Mab) (541 reviews)
- Such a beautiful place
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Speciality Museums

I was very excited to be there.Is something you can enjoy during a your walk.Beautiful city with magical sculptures. See more..
4.5 Michelino Beach (529 reviews)
- Beautiful
Beaches

Beautiful and quiet. Grainy sand, but nice. Long climb up from the beach and no service at the beach. See more..
4.5 I Giganti Della Sila (468 reviews)
- Enchanted place
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

A site like no other, this majestic, ancient woodland in the centre of the Calabria region has been thriving intact since the 17th century in the shade of its imposing “patriarchs”, giving rise to an impressive spectacle of nature. Entrusted to FAI on a loan-for-used basis by the Sila National Park in 2016. On the plateau of the Sila region, there is a monumental woodland that plays host to 350-year-old trees that are 45 metres in height, with trunks 2 metres wide. This ancient woodland features more than 60 Calabrian pines and sycamores planted in the 17th century by the baronial Mollo family. The woodland was exploited over the centuries by shepherds to extract a flammable, tar-like resin from the trunks; Today, human intervention here has the sole purpose of allowing nature to take its course and making it possible to observe the natural evolution of the woodland, offering a wilderness to animals that now live in very few other places in Italy See more..
4.5 Il ponte del diavolo (467 reviews)
- well worth the effort
Bridges

The well maintained paved route down took about an hour taking it slowly and a bit longer going back (stopping off for a drink at the cafe about half way up. Take plenty of water. Took a picnic down and went below the bridge down to the river and rested there, paddling in the cool water. Really interesting half day outing. See more..
4.5 Castello Ruffo di Scilla (466 reviews)
- Scilla visit
Castles

Scilla is one of the most beautiful towns in Calabria..ongoing to messina strait with the boat took the opportunity to visit this picturesque village ..was hosted by a friendly chap who proudly showed us around See more..
4.5 Sila National Park (430 reviews)
- Beautiful Park
National Parks

The Park includes the 3 areas denominated “Sila Grande”, “Sila Piccola” and “Sila Greca”for a total of 73.695 hectares. Tourism within the National Park Of the Sila, is in continuous development through the touristic activities mainly bounded to the winter season and the fruition of the ski lifts . Many qualified services were born bounded to the vacation activities (trekking, orienteering, etc.).In the National Park of the Sila, there are two visiting centers functioning: the Visiting Center of “Cupone”, within the municipal of Spezzano della Sila (CS) and the Visiting Center of “Monaco”, within the municipal of Taverna (CZ). See more..
4.5 Pentedattilo (420 reviews)
- Cappadocia in Italy
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A charming place one ought to visit, though less than 2 hours is more than enough. A small village studded amidst rocks that make you feel you are in Turkey rather than Southern Italy. Mostly abandoned after an earthquake 200 yrs ago and uninhabited from the 1960s to the 80’ it’s being slowly rejuvenated and restored, lovingly. A long way to go, as most of the houses of the lower part have caved in completely and lie in ruins. The views across the valley and of the town itself across the canyon that separates it from the parking lot are breathtaking. See more..
4.5 Cattolica di Stilo (406 reviews)
- Beautiful Byzantine church
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

It is a small religious building located adjacent to the Stilo village, on the slopes of Monte Consolino. The term "Cattolica" probably comes from the Greek "Katholikon" which indicates the place of worship of a monastic complex or the cultural center for hermits who lived in the same area. The expressive richness, belonging to a typically Byzantine architectural tradition, places it in full title among the most notable Calabrian monuments. See more..
4.5 I Vicoli di Pizzo (402 reviews)
- Very charming!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This place is stunning! It's on a high clifftop overlooking the sea with amazing views 360 degrees. Very quite and relaxing place with narrow streets and the main piazza is very beautiful! Sea was very clear and inviting. Very worth a visit!! When there, make sure you taste the tartufo ice cream, the specialty of the place, its delicious!! See more..