History of Calabria:
Human presence in Calabria dates back to the Paleolithic, as shown by discoveries at Praia a Mare and the 12,000-year-old engraving in the Romito Cave. During the Metal Ages, important settlements developed at Torre Galli, while Iron Age and protohistoric necropolises were found near Roccella Ionica and Calanna. Read More [...]
Before Greek colonization, Calabria was inhabited by several Italic peoples. The Ausonians occupied the Reggio area, while the Oenotrians and Itali lived mainly along the coasts. The Bruttians controlled much of the interior and formed a league whose main political centre was Consentia, the present-day city of Cosenza.
From the eighth century BC, Greek settlers founded prosperous cities along the Calabrian coast, including Rhegion, Kroton, Locri Epizefiri, Metauros and Sybaris. These colonies became major centres of Magna Graecia, sometimes surpassing their mother cities in wealth and importance. Reggio, Locri and Crotone emerged as the region's leading political and economic powers.
Rome conquered the region in the third century BC, and the territory became known as Bruttium. Several former Greek cities lost influence or became Roman colonies, although Reggio remained an important centre of Greek language and culture. Vibo Valentia gained particular importance, while the Via Popilia connected Reggio's port with Rome.
After the Western Roman Empire fell, Calabria suffered during the Gothic Wars and passed under Byzantine rule. Reggio became capital of the Byzantine theme of Calabria. The Normans conquered the region in the eleventh century, after which it belonged to the Kingdoms of Sicily, Naples and the Two Sicilies. In 1860, a plebiscite approved annexation to Italy.
Geography of Calabria:
Calabria forms the toe of the Italian peninsula and projects southward into the Mediterranean Sea. Its coastline extends for 788.92 kilometres and includes rocky sections, headlands, cliffs and sandy shores. The region's long, narrow shape strongly influences its landscape and waterways, creating marked contrasts between coastal areas and the mountainous interior. Read More [...]
Most of Calabria consists of hills and mountains. Hills cover 49.2% of the regional territory, mountains 41.8%, and plains only 9%. The main mountain systems are the Pollino Massif, the Coastal Range, the Sila plateau, the Serre and Aspromonte. Together, these reliefs form the central backbone of the region and leave relatively little flat land.
The Pollino Massif contains Calabria's highest peaks, Serra Dolcedorme at 2,267 metres and Monte Pollino at 2,248 metres. Farther south, the Sila is a broad forested plateau whose highest point is Monte Botte Donato, at 1,928 metres. The Serre extend southward and connect with Aspromonte, which reaches 1,956 metres at Montalto in the extreme south.
Calabria's principal plains are the Piana di Sibari, Piana di Gioia Tauro and Piana di Sant'Eufemia. Most rivers are short and have a torrential regime because of the region's narrow shape and mountain arrangement. The Crati and Neto are the longest, while several artificial lakes, including Ampollino, Arvo and Cecita, lie mainly in the Sila.
Calabria borders Basilicata to the north, its only land boundary with another Italian region. The Ionian Sea lies to the east, while the Tyrrhenian Sea washes its western coast. To the southwest, the Strait of Messina separates Calabria from Sicily. At Punta Pezzo, the distance from Sicily's Capo Peloro is only 3.2 kilometres.
Transport to/in Calabria:
By train: Calabria is connected to Italy's national railway network, while regional trains serve its main coastal towns. Railway lines run along both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts, reaching places such as Lamezia Terme, Reggio Calabria, Crotone and Sibari. Rail connections are more limited across the mountainous interior. Read More [...]
By road: The A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo enters Calabria from Basilicata and continues south through the region to Reggio Calabria. The SS18 follows much of the Tyrrhenian side, while the SS106 Jonica connects settlements along the Ionian coast. Other national and provincial roads provide access to inland towns and mountain areas.
By bus: Numerous bus companies operate throughout Calabria, connecting cities, smaller towns, railway stations and airports. Buses are particularly useful for reaching inland communities and destinations not served directly by the railway network. Regional and intercity services also provide connections between Calabria and other parts of Italy, although routes and frequencies vary according to the destination.
By air: Calabria is served by three airports: Reggio di Calabria Tito Minniti Airport, also known as the Airport of the Strait, about 5 kilometres south of Reggio Calabria, Lamezia Terme Sant'Eufemia International Airport, about 10 kilometres southwest of Lamezia Terme, and Crotone-Sant'Anna Airport, approximately 13 kilometres south of Crotone.
By sea: Ferries connect Villa San Giovanni with Messina in Sicily across the Strait of Messina, carrying passengers, cars, motorcycles, buses and other vehicles. Passenger hydrofoils also operate between Reggio Calabria and Messina. During the tourist season, maritime services from Calabrian ports, including Vibo Valentia, provide connections with several of the Aeolian Islands.
Tourist Destinations in Calabria:
Tropea is among Calabria's prominent coastal destinations and has a predominantly tourist port. Its heritage includes the Cathedral of Maria Santissima di Romania, while archaeological evidence records prehistoric and protohistoric settlement, Roman burials, Iron Age tombs, a Greek fortified settlement and early Christian places of worship and burial beneath and around the cathedral. Read More [...]
Capo Vaticano and Ricadi represent the coastal tourism of Vibo Valentia province, whose shoreline is strongly associated with summer tourism. Capo Vaticano is included among Calabria's notable natural landscapes. The area lies on the Tyrrhenian side, which has a generally milder Mediterranean climate than the drier and more arid Ionian coast.
Scilla is a historic coastal village overlooking the Strait of Messina and one of the places commonly associated with tourism in Calabria. Its principal documented landmarks include the Ruffo Castle and its tourist and fishing port. The town stands within the Tyrrhenian area of Reggio Calabria, where summer tourism forms an important part of the local economy.
Reggio Calabria is the region's most populous city and one of its principal archaeological destinations. It contains the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Graecia, associated with the Riace Bronzes, and the Aragonese Castle. Its cathedral, rebuilt after the devastating 1908 Strait of Messina earthquake, is the largest church in Calabria.
Pizzo is closely connected with the final events in the life of Joachim Murat, Napoleon's general and former King of Naples. He was imprisoned and executed in the town's castle, which consequently became known as Murat Castle. Pizzo also lies on the Tyrrhenian coast of Vibo Valentia, an area strongly associated with summer tourism.
Other important destinations include Cosenza, noted for its considerable historical and artistic heritage, and archaeological centres such as Locri, Crotone, Sibari and Scolacium at Roccelletta di Borgia. Mountain tourism is concentrated in the national parks of Sila, Aspromonte and Pollino, with ski resorts including Camigliatello, Lorica, Gambarie and Zomaro in the mountainous interior.
Frequently Asked Questions about Calabria:
Where is Calabria located?
Calabria is located at the southern end of the Italian peninsula. It forms the "toe" of Italy and is separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina. Read More [...]
What is the capital of Calabria?
Catanzaro is the regional capital of Calabria. However, Reggio Calabria is the region's largest city and an important cultural, economic and administrative centre.
What is Calabria famous for?
Calabria is famous for its dramatic coastline, clear waters, historic villages, Magna Graecia heritage, mountainous landscapes, traditional cuisine, bergamot production and the Riace Bronzes.
Which are the main tourist destinations in Calabria?
The best-known destinations in Calabria include Tropea, Capo Vaticano, Scilla, Reggio Calabria and Pizzo. Other important places are Cosenza, Gerace, Locri, Sila and Pollino.
Which airports serve Calabria?
Calabria is served by Lamezia Terme International Airport, Reggio Calabria Airport and Crotone Airport. Lamezia Terme handles the largest number of regional and international connections.
What traditional foods should you try in Calabria?
Typical Calabrian products include 'nduja, Tropea red onions, bergamot, cured meats, cheeses, pasta dishes and spicy sauces. Seafood is particularly common in coastal towns.
What is the best time to visit Calabria?
The best period for beaches is from June to September. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and are especially suitable for sightseeing, hiking and visiting historic towns.
