From beautiful Tropea and pristine beaches, to spectacular mountain towns and delicious cuisine, my 7-day Calabria itinerary shows you the best of the region.
If you asked me right now where my favourite European holidays have been to, my answer would be easy: ITALY! Scenic trips around the Italian lakes, hiking in the Dolomites, lazy days by the coast in Puglia, stunning hilltop villages in Marche, sailing around Sicily… the list goes on! It’s one of my most visited countries and is somewhere you guys love reading about on my blog.
Now it’s time to shine a light on another spectacular region: Calabria. This underrated southern Italian gem is home to dramatic cliffs, clear blue seas, ancient wonders, hilltop towns and some of Italy’s fieriest cuisine. You might have seen photos of Tropea, a town perched on top of huge cliffs, but there’s plenty more to see in the region.
To make the most of your time, I’d recommend planning a 7-day road trip, starting and finishing at Lamezia Terme International Airport. With a whole week to explore, you’ll be able to enjoy Calabria’s diversity. One day you could be at the beach, the next in ancient forests or enjoying local food in a tiny hilltop village. I love trips like this. It’s a region where the landscapes are always changing, and with so much to see, you can fit in numerous stops each day.
If you’re able to visit outside of peak summer, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation prices. The best times are late spring and early summer, as well as September after the crowds depart.
Ready to start planning? It’s time to share why I love Calabria.
One Week In Calabria
The route I’ve plotted out begins at the airport, then travels anti-clockwise around Calabria, starting with some of the most famous sights, then venturing to some lesser-known spots. It’s a route you could easily reverse, extend or shorten, depending on the duration of your trip. Each day includes more destinations than you’re likely to be able to squeeze in, but it’s nice to have options depending on your interests.
Calabria Road Trip Map
Calabria Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Tyrrhenian Sea
Arrive at Lamezia Terme International Airport and pick up your rental car. From here, set off along the coast to see some of Calabria’s most famous spots. If you have all day, I’d recommend meandering along the coast, taking in the views of the turquoise water, stopping off at some of the highlights, such as Pizzo, Tropea, Capo Vaticano and ending your day in Scilla.
Tropea is the postcard icon for Calabria, and when you see the iconic cliffs over the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, it’s easy to understand why. With its charming historic centre, whitewashed buildings, and dramatic coastal views, the town feels like something straight out of a Mediterranean dream. Don’t miss the chance to take a photo of the Shrine of the Madonna dell’Isola, which sits spectacularly on the cliff.
Just over an hour south is Scilla, another beautiful seaside area, known for the fishing village of Chianalea. You could head for a swim, enjoy the skinny streets or visit the historic Ruffo Castle, which is in an incredible spot perched over the sea. If you’re into seafood, this part of the road trip will feed you well! In Scilla, you’ll get some of the best swordfish around.
Day 2: Southern Calabria
On day one, you got to visit some of the best-known areas of Calabria. Now it’s time to go off the beaten track! Carry on along the coast from Scilla to the south, and you’ll reach Aspromonte National Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark. It’s home to beautiful lakes, waterfalls and, rather intriguingly, a ghost town called Pentedattilo. Not far away are the White Gullies of Palizzi – ancient geological formations, which have to be seen to be believed!
Continuing along, you’ll reach Reggio Calabria, the largest city in the Calabria region. It’s a laid-back city, and is great for history lovers, as it’s home to the Riace Bronzes. These 2,500-year-old Greek warrior statues are housed inside the Museo Archeologico Nazionale.
You could also pay a visit to Bova, one of Italy’s prettiest villages, perched high in the hills of Calabria’s Grecanica area. Its charming streets lead past ancient churches and the remains of a Norman castle, but what makes Bova particularly fascinating is its connection to the region’s Greek past.
Here, some locals still speak a Greek dialect that has survived for centuries. It’s a reminder of the Greek and Byzantine communities that once flourished across southern Calabria. The influence can also be felt in the local cuisine, where traditional dishes draw on Greek-inspired combinations of meat and cheese, alongside the distinctive citrusy flavour of bergamot.
Day 3: The Ionian Coast
Ready to wind your way along the Ionian coast? This part of the Calabria road trip feels a little quieter and less polished than the Tyrrhenian coast, dotted with ancient villages, small towns and archaeological sites.
I’d recommend visiting Le Castella, where an impressive Aragonese castle appears to rise straight out of the sea. From here, head inland to Santa Severina, one of Calabria’s most atmospheric hilltop villages. Its medieval centre is beautifully preserved, with narrow streets, churches and an imposing castle overlooking the surrounding countryside. It’s a great place to stop for lunch and spend a few hours exploring, just be prepared for some steep winding roads to reach the top!
Are you partial to a glass or two of wine? Then definitely make a pitstop in Cirò, one of Calabria’s best wine-producing areas. You can visit a local winery, sample some Cirò DOC, and find out more about local winemaking traditions.
If you’re interested in history, continue north to Rossano, an historic town that is home to the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis, a beautifully illuminated Byzantine manuscript and one of the oldest surviving illustrated Gospels. Or for foodies, how about learning about liquorice, something that Calabria has been producing liquorice for generations.
If you’re looking for somewhere really special to end day 5 of your Calabria road trip, head to Corigliano Calabro, where the enormous Ducal Castle dominates the old town. Find a local restaurant, enjoy a spritz and a hearty bowl of pasta, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the pretty town.
Day 4: Villages, Waterfalls and the Ionian Hills
For the next couple of days, we’re heading inland and exploring some of Calabria’s most beautiful villages, dramatic mountain scenery and hidden gems. You can see now how diverse this region is. I’m suggesting a lot of different spots, so take your pick depending on your interests, as it would be a bit much to do it all!
Start at Locri, where you can step back in time at the archaeological park and museum. The ancient Greek city of Locri Epizephyrii was once an important settlement in Magna Graecia, and the remains give you a fascinating glimpse into Calabria’s Greek past.
From here, head into the hills to Gerace, one of the region’s most beautiful historic villages (yes, you’ll hear me saying that a lot as there are so many stunning spots!) It’s a lovely place to wander without much of a plan, taking in the narrow streets, stone cathedral and amazing countryside views.
Continue north to Stilo and take in the red-domed Cattolica di Stilo. It’s in the most spectacular location; you’ll be reaching for your camera as soon as you reach it.
If you’re keen to see some of the prettiest natural wonders, visit Bivongi. You’ll get to see fields of vines, as this is another area known for its wine production. Plus, nearby you’ll be able to visit Marmarico Waterfall, the highest waterfall in southern Italy.
Nearby Pazzano is home to another unusual attraction: the Hermitage of Santa Maria della Stella, a tiny sanctuary carved directly into the rock. Reached by a path through the mountains, it’s an atmospheric and peaceful place that feels a world away from the busier coastal towns. This is a great option for more adventurous travellers or those who love hiking.
End the day back on the coast at Badolato, a beautiful hilltop village overlooking the Ionian Sea. If you get the chance, have dinner in a traditional catojo, which is the name given to the old cellars famous in this region. It’s a memorable and quintessentially Calabrian experience.
Day 5: Calabria’s Mountains
Today is all about discovering the mountainous centre of Calabria. As you see towering peaks, forests and tiny villages, it’ll feel worlds away from those first beach days.
Mongiana is a great place to start. This former ironworking town has its own museum and is surrounded by forests. For a quirky addition to your Calabria road trip itinerary, I’d suggest visiting the Albero delle Fate (the Fairy Tree), which looks like it was plucked straight from a fairytale.
From Mongiana, continue to Serra San Bruno, one of Calabria’s most atmospheric mountain towns with its very own Carthusian monastery. If you love hiking as much as me, the Frassati Path is a great way to experience the beautiful scenery.
Next, make a quick stop in Brognaturo, a tiny village known for a regeneration project that has filled the town with flowers. To see it in full bloom, the best time to visit is around the end of May and beginning of June.
From the mountains, head to Soverato, a beach town on the Ionian coast. After packing in so much sightseeing I’d recommend slowing down with a refreshing swim and some beach time.
Finish the day in Catanzaro, Calabria’s regional capital. Located dramatically on a hill between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, the city has a very different feel from the smaller villages on this itinerary. For art lovers, I’d recommend exploring the MUDIAC museum, which features modern artworks scattered around the city.
Day 6: Pollino and Calabria’s Northern Coast
For the final day of the road trip, we’re heading north towards the Pollino mountains and Pollino National Park.
You’ve visited some of the most beautiful villages in the region already, but wait until you see Morano Calabro. This idyllic village sits on a hill, with houses cascading down each side and a Norman castle right at the top. It’s a maze of pretty alleyways, dotted with local restaurants serving delicious Calabrian cuisine. Even if you don’t have time to stop, it’s worth seeing it in the distance.
If you love the great outdoors, I’d recommend spending the day in Pollino National Park. It’s got a really wild feeling, with huge landscapes, forests and hiking trails to suit all difficulty levels.
Foodies might prefer to skip the national park and head towards the coast again. Santa Maria del Cedro is famous for its Diamante citron groves (a fruit often used in candied form for panettone). Or you could visit Diamante, which is known for its fiery chillies. It’s also great for art lovers, nicknamed the ‘City of Murals’ as it has so many colourful artworks covering its walls.
If you have time and fancy one more wild encounter, head to Vuglio Waterfall near Sangineto. It’ll take around 15 minutes to walk the “Path of Dreams”, before you see the epic waterfall which is hidden inside a cave.
Day 7: Return to the airport
All good things must come to an end, and it’s almost time to say goodbye to Calabria. After a week of exploring the region, spend your final day making your way back towards Lamezia Terme International Airport. Depending on where you stayed the night before and what time your flight is, you could take the morning slowly and enjoy one last Italian breakfast before hitting the road.
If you have plenty of time before your flight, make a stop in Cosenza, one of Calabria’s most interesting cities. Wander through the historic centre, take a look at the cathedral and grab a final coffee or lunch before continuing towards the airport.
Alternatively, if you’d rather have one last taste of the coast, head to Falerna. This pretty seaside town is close to Lamezia Terme and makes a lovely final stop for a stroll along the waterfront or a quick swim if the weather is good.
Driving tips for Calabria
- Hire a small car if possible – We always try to book a small car when we go to Italy as a lot of the historic towns have really narrow streets.
- Expect winding roads – Coastal and mountain roads tend to be narrow and twisty, particularly in rural areas. Take it slow!
- Allow time for stops – Calabria is somewhere to enjoy slowly. Don’t try to fit too much in each day.
- Avoid driving at night – Some of the roads can be challenging, so unless you’re a very confident driver, I’d avoid night driving if you can.
- Use offline maps – Sometimes your data connection will disappear in remote areas, so I’d recommend downloading your routes.
- Be prepared for limited parking – In popular coastal towns and historic centres, it might take a while to find somewhere to park.
- Watch for ZTL zones – Historic Italian town centres often have Zona a Traffico Limitato (limited traffic zones). Don’t drive into one unless you’re sure you’re allowed to.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to planning a road trip around Calabria. After seven days of pretty coastal towns, idyllic villages and delicious food, I’m sure you’ll feel very content. If you’re looking for any more recommendations, the Calabria website has all you need to know.
This content has been produced in collaboration with Calabria Straordinaria, a campaign promoted by the Calabria Region and funded through the PAC 2014–2020 Programme. As always, all opinions are my own.
