For years, Calabria sat quietly in the shadow of Italy’s more famous southern regions. Yet those who’ve ventured beyond the well-worn routes of Amalfi or Puglia know that Calabria offers something equally enchanting — and refreshingly undiscovered. This rugged, sun-drenched region at the toe of Italy’s boot combines wild nature, crystalline seas, and a sense of calm that feels increasingly rare.
Calabria’s charm lies in its contrasts: mountains that tumble into the sea, ancient villages perched above silent valleys, and beaches that rival any in the Mediterranean. For travellers seeking authenticity with a touch of elegance, this region has become one of Italy’s most captivating surprises.
1. Chianalea di Scilla
Tucked along the Tyrrhenian coast, Chianalea di Scilla is a small fishing village that seems carved from the sea itself. Narrow alleys slip between pastel houses, while boats float beneath balconies draped with laundry and flowers.
Restaurants perched on the rocks serve swordfish caught just offshore, and as the sun sets, the water glows with reflected light from the old castle above. Chianalea offers a kind of effortless romance — an Italian seaside dream without the crowds.
2. Gerace
Inland from the Ionian coast, Gerace sits high above olive groves and vineyards. Known for its medieval architecture, it’s a town that feels frozen in time. Wander through cobbled streets, past noble palaces and quiet churches, and you’ll find artisans still working leather, ceramics, and lace as their ancestors did.
Gerace is also an ideal base for exploring the Aspromonte National Park, a place of deep forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails that lead to views stretching across two seas.
3. Tropea
Though no longer entirely secret, Tropea remains one of Calabria’s most breathtaking destinations. The town sits atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, with turquoise waters and white sand beaches below. Its historic centre is a maze of Baroque facades, terraces, and sun-dappled piazzas.
What makes Tropea truly special, however, is its balance between tradition and sophistication. You’ll find boutique hotels, chic beach clubs, and some of the nicest resorts in Calabria here — all while the rhythms of local life continue just as they have for centuries.
4. Stilo
Stilo is a quiet hill town known for La Cattolica, a 10th-century Byzantine church that stands as one of southern Italy’s architectural treasures. Surrounded by citrus groves and wildflowers, the town offers a sense of timeless tranquillity.
Visitors can explore winding lanes, enjoy slow lunches with local wine, and stay in elegant agriturismi where the views stretch all the way to the Ionian Sea. It’s the kind of destination that teaches the art of stillness.
5. Caminia and Soverato
For those who come to Calabria for the sea, the coast between Caminia and Soverato offers some of the region’s most inviting beaches. The water is clear and calm, the sand pale gold, and the pace blissfully unhurried.
Soverato, sometimes called the “Pearl of the Ionian,” combines beachside leisure with lively evenings — waterfront aperitifs, open-air concerts, and the scent of jasmine in the air. Yet just a few kilometres away, Caminia remains tranquil and unspoiled, perfect for morning swims and long walks by the shore.
6. Morano Calabro
High in the Pollino National Park, Morano Calabro is a spectacular sight — a cluster of stone houses cascading down a hillside, framed by mountains. It’s a paradise for hikers and photographers alike, offering fresh air, local cuisine, and a sense of peace found only in places untouched by time.
Here, modern comfort meets rustic beauty: a reminder that Calabria’s luxury lies in its landscapes, not just its lodgings.
A Region to Rediscover
What makes Calabria irresistible is its ability to blend simplicity with sophistication. You can spend your morning hiking through pine forests, your afternoon swimming in turquoise bays, and your evening dining under the stars.
It’s a region for travellers who value authenticity over artifice, and discovery over routine — a destination where Italy still feels intimate.
