Reggio Calabria holidays

How to reach Reggio Calabria

Flight time: Flights to Reggio Calabria from London or other major UK cities generally require a connection via Milan or Rome, which takes the total travel time to around 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can catch a direct flight to Lamezia Terme Airport, which is located around 130km away. Flights to Lamezia Terme from London take just under 3 hours.

Transfer time:

• Reggio Calabria’s Tito Minniti Airport is situated just 5km from the city centre. Taxis are very convenient, with the drive taking about 15 minutes.

• The local ATAM bus is another option – route 27 connects the airport to the city centre in roughly 20 minutes.

• If you're travelling from Lamezia Terme, the journey takes roughly 1.5 hours by direct train or car.

Price:

• A single fare on the ATAM bus is €1.50.

• Expect a taxi ride to cost around €15–€20, depending on traffic levels and the time of day.

Best time to visit Reggio Calabria

While Reggio Calabria’s Mediterranean climate makes it a fantastic year-round destination, it’s still useful to know the average temperatures and tourist levels before booking your trip. This seasonal guide should help get you started:

• June to August is high season in Reggio Calabria. Temperatures range from 28°C to 32°C, with around 11–13 hours of daily sunshine. The city is vibrant and full of life, but expect the beaches and coastal areas to be very busy, as both locals and tourists head there to cool off.

• September to October is an ideal time if you prefer your Reggio Calabria holidays quieter and cooler. Temperatures dip between 22°C and 26°C, and rainfall levels increase slightly. However, 7–10 hours of daily sunshine means you can enjoy exploring the city's historical sights in comfort.

• November to February is Reggio Calabria’s coolest period, when temperatures tend to hover between 10°C and 16°C. Rainfall is more frequent, but the mild climate and 5–6 hours of daily sunshine make it a pleasant and peaceful escape from UK winters.

• March to May is when the warmer weather and blossoming landscapes return to the city. Temperatures climb from around 15°C to 22°C, and you can expect 7–9 hours of sunshine each day, making spring perfect for outdoor activities.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the official language, but plenty of locals can speak English, especially in touristy spots. Knowing some basic Italian phrases is always appreciated, though.

• Local habits and customs: The locals in Reggio Calabria embrace the relaxed Italian way of life. Shops often close between 1 pm and 4 pm for the daily “riposo”, and dinner is typically eaten late, so don’t expect restaurants to fill up much before 8 pm.

• Currency: Italy uses the Euro. Although ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted in most places, it’s handy to carry some cash for small establishments and markets.

• Getting around: Reggio Calabria’s public transport system includes local buses, as well as a train service if you want to explore further afield. A single bus fare costs €1.50 and must be purchased in advance from kiosks or tobacconists. A Trenitalia train ticket varies from €2–€15, depending on how far you’re travelling.

• Electricity and plug types: Italy uses the standard European 220 volts with two-pin plugs, so you’ll need an adaptor for UK devices.

• Time zone: Reggio Calabria is on Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Reggio Calabria

Sitting at the very tip of the toe that makes up Italy's “boot”, the city of Reggio Calabria offers a wonderful mix of coastal scenery, fascinating history and local charm. Holidays to Reggio Calabria promise both relaxation and cultural discovery – here are just some of the experiences you won’t want to miss:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Lungomare Falcomatà: Often called “the most beautiful kilometre in Italy”, this seafront promenade offers stunning views of the Strait of Messina. On clear days, you can even look across to Sicily and spot Mount Etna. The scene is particularly spectacular at sunset.

• Scilla Castle: This hilltop castle situated a short distance from Reggio Calabria rewards visitors with panoramic views over the fishing village below and the Tyrrhenian Sea beyond. It’s an especially popular spot with photographers.

The best districts

• Centro Storico (Historic Centre): A labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and picturesque piazzas just waiting to be explored. Piazza Italia is the city’s main square, which combines elegant 19th-century buildings with bustling trattorias and cafés.

• Scilla’s Chianalea: This charming fishing village, sometimes called the “Venice of the South”, is a short drive from the city. Admire its colourful houses perched right on the water’s edge, then take a stroll through its delightful cobbled streets.

Parks and gardens

• Villa Comunale Umberto I: This green oasis in the city is perfect if you want to break up your sightseeing schedule and spend some time relaxing among exotic plants and fountains. If you’re travelling with youngsters, the small zoo is also an enjoyable place to stop.

• Pineta Zerbi: This coastal park along the Lungomare is dotted with contemporary sculptures. Its wonderful sea views also make it a peaceful spot to unwind.

Historical monuments

• National Archaeological Museum: The jewel of Reggio Calabria, this museum houses the world-famous Riace Bronzes – two Greek warrior statues that date back to the 5th century BC. You’ll also discover more artefacts that tell the story of the city’s ancient Greek and Roman history.

• Aragonese Castle: A medieval fortress right in the heart of Reggio Calabria. This castle offers a glimpse into the city’s turbulent past and features exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

• Cathedral of Reggio Calabria: This majestic cathedral is the largest religious building in Calabria. Due to it being rebuilt several times after earthquakes, it showcases a fascinating mix of different architectural styles.

Day trips in the area

• Gerace: Also known as the “City of a Hundred Churches”, Gerace is a medieval hilltop town full of Byzantine and Norman architecture. It’s situated roughly an hour’s drive from Reggio Calabria.

• Scilla and its beaches: Head north and spend the day at Marina Grande, Scilla’s main beach, where you’ll find a wide and welcoming stretch of sand. Make sure you also visit one of its waterfront trattorias to sample some fresh seafood.

Activities for families in Reggio Calabria

Holidays to Reggio Calabria are a great choice for families, with the city offering a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re relaxing on the seafront promenade or discovering historical sites, there’s something for all ages.

• Parks and gardens: Villa Comunale Umberto I has plenty of space for kids to run around, as well as shaded spots for picnics, plus a small playground and zoo to keep them entertained. The Lungomare Falcomatà is another good spot for families, where you can take a leisurely stroll, stopping for a gelato along the way.

• Aquarium: This small but interesting aquarium on the Lungomare is a fantastic way to introduce kids to Mediterranean marine life. It’s also a cool escape on particularly hot days.

• Interactive museums: The National Archaeological Museum offers plenty of fascinating, family-friendly exhibits. Older children will find the models and videos explaining Calabria’s ancient heritage particularly engaging.

• Beaches: Reggio Calabria’s nearby beaches such as Lido Comunale are safe and sandy – ideal for swimming in the shallow waters and building sandcastles.

Free things to do in Reggio Calabria

You don’t need to spend a lot to see the best of Reggio Calabria. Whether you want to relax or explore, here are some budget-friendly ways to soak up the local culture and scenery:

• Free events: The city hosts various open-air concerts, festivals and parades throughout the year. Check local schedules when you visit, but one regular celebration is September’s Feast of the Madonna della Consolazione – a spectacle of processions, fireworks and traditional food.

• Free museums: Entry to the National Archaeological Museum is free on the first Sunday of each month. You can also visit the Aragonese Castle for free during certain cultural events.

• Exploring the Lungomare: Enjoy this stunning scenic promenade at no cost. Admire the art installations, check out the unique “Fata Morgana” optical illusion, or simply appreciate the refreshing sea breeze.

• Aspromonte National Park: If you want to discover Calabria’s wild, untouched beauty, head inland to this dramatic mountain range. The countless free hiking trails range from easy walks to more challenging treks and climbs.

Local dishes in Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria holidays aren’t complete without indulging in its vibrant culinary scene, which blends the best local produce with traditional Mediterranean flavours. Here’s what you can expect to find on the menu at the city’s cafés and restaurants:

Some typical dishes

• Fileja with ‘Nduja: This pasta dish is unique to Calabria. It’s served with spicy spreadable salami, plus garlic and tomato sauce for a fiery kick.

• Pitta Calabrese: A traditional flatbread filled with local ingredients like tomatoes, olives and anchovies. It’s an ideal option for sharing.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Involtini di Pesce Spada: Thin slices of swordfish stuffed with breadcrumbs, capers and fragrant herbs, then grilled to perfection.

• Stocco alla Mammolese: This hearty dish hails from the Calabrian town of Mammola, and features dried cod cooked with potatoes, tomatoes and olives.

Sweets and desserts

Tartufo di Pizzo: A rich, creamy ball of ice cream with a molten chocolate centre. This sweet treat from the nearby town of Pizzo is great for cooling down on a hot day. Cuzzupa: A traditional shaped Easter cake or sweet bread featuring the distinctive flavour of anise.

Local drinks

• Bergamot liqueur: This drink flavoured with Calabria’s signature citrus fruit is both refreshing and aromatic. Sip it slowly as a welcome digestif after a hearty meal.

• Cirò wine: This robust red wine produced in the Calabrian hills complements the region's meats and cheeses excellently.