10 Beautiful Towns to Visit in Calabria Italy in 2025 (By A Local)
Welcome to Calabria, the unassuming jewel of Southern Italy. We will share with you the towns to visit in Calabria and what you should see in each town.
While most travelers flock to the Amalfi Coast, Calabria remains a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Unlike its bustling counterparts, Calabria exudes an authentic charm, untouched by the tourist masses. Here, the landscape tells a story of rugged mountains cascading into the blue sea, a sight that stirs the soul.
Within this natural beauty lie countless unspoiled towns, each offering a glimpse into the genuine essence of Italian life. Having called San Nicola Arcella our home for many years, we’ve come to cherish the simplicity and allure of Calabria, and now, we invite you to experience its wonders firsthand.
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Where is Calabria?
Calabria is the southernmost tip of the Italian peninsula. This beautiful region forms the “toe” of Italy’s boot. As you can see, there are lots of towns to visit in Calabria!
How to Get to Calabria
Getting to Calabria is simpler than you may think. The region has an airport in the south, Lamezia Terme (SUF), serving both domestic and international flights. You can also fly to Naples (NAP) or Rome (FCO) and drive to Calabria. The area is also accessible by train, with major routes linking it to Naples and Rome.
We fly into Rome and rent a car for the drive south. It takes about 4 hours to get to our home in San Nicola Arcella. From Naples, the drive is about 2 hours. Once you come down the mountain, from the A3 (autostrada), the main north/south road is the SS18. It is a scenic route running parallel to the sea. The views are magnificent.
We use Discover Cars for our car rental and Rail Europe to book our train tickets.
Best Time to Visit in Calabria
The best months to visit Calabria, Italy, are from May to October. During this period, you’ll enjoy warm temperatures, clear skies, and pleasant sea breezes, perfect for exploring the region’s stunning coastline and charming towns. May, June, September, and October, offer milder weather with fewer crowds, making them ideal if you are seeking a more relaxed experience.
However, if you’re looking to soak up the sun and take full advantage of the beaches, July and August are the warmest months, albeit more crowded due to the peak tourist season. August is the most crowded with Italian families coming from the north (Naples, Rome) to escape the hot cities. If possible, we would recommend not visiting Calabria in August!
10 Beautiful Towns to Visit in Calabria Italy
There are many towns to visit in Calabria, but the ones listed below start at the northern tip of the region and go south. Most are along the coastline and are accessible by car. We will tell you about the town and some of the key things to do during your visit.
Practical Tip: In line with the tradition common to many Southern Italian towns, businesses and activities often shut down for the afternoon siesta period, typically from 13:00 to 17:00 (1pm to 5pm). It’s important to consider this when organizing your itinerary for the day.
1. San Nicola Arcella – Pretty Village and the ArcoMagno
When I describe our little town of San Nicola Arcella , I always say it looks like something you would see at Disney’s Epcot. The main part of town has pastel painted buildings with wrought iron balconies and lots of colorful flowers. The historic center has narrow alleyways that wind around the Church of San Nicola of Tolentino. In the evening, watching the sunset over the Tyrannean Sea is spectacular.
San Nicola Arcella sits on a cliff overlooking the sea. Our beaches are lovely, framed by mountains that gracefully meet the shoreline. We are fortunate to have a natural wonder known as the ArcoMagno. It is a majestic rock formation shaped like an arch, creating a secluded cove. You can hike to the arch via a cliffside walking path. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes for navigating the paths.
As you drive along the Calabrian coastline, you will see guard towers built in the Middle Ages to protect the villages. San Nicola Arcella has the Crawford Tower (Torre Crawford) which was the former home of Francis Crawford, an American writer.
If you visit Calabria during the summer or fall seasons, you will have the chance to see a religious festival. One notable event is the annual Procession of the Madonna in San Nicola, held every July 2nd. The entire town celebrates by decorating the streets with festive lights. The festival ends with a very memorable fireworks display.
Where to Stay in San Nicola Arcella
If you plan on spending a few days exploring this part of Calabria, I recommend staying in San Nicola Arcella. It is convenient to visit the other towns on this list and come back to San Nicola to relax during the evening.
- Hotel Villa Principe – in the town with stunning views of the sea and mountains.
- Hotel San Giorgio – on the SS18 just outside of the town.
- Palazzo Principi Lanza – a boutique hotel in a renovated palace.
- Borgo 800 – Bed and Breakfast in the town center.
- Quiero Mas B&B – Bed and Breakfast within walking distance to the town center.
For more accommodation options, click here.
2. Praia a Mare – Dino Island and the Sanctuary
Praia a Mare is a seaside resort town that is easy to access via car or train. The town has a pedestrian-only tree-lined promenade ideal for an evening stroll. There are several historic ruins throughout the town including a Byzantine guard tower and a Norman castle.
The main attractions in Praia a Mare include Dino Island (Isola di Dino) and the Madonna Sanctuary (Santuario della Madonna della Grotta). Dino Island stands out as the primary highlight, visible from miles away, even as far as Maratea in Basilicata. The island has several interesting grottoes, such as the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Cave) and the Grotta del Leone (Lion Cave). The Grotta Azzurra is particularly reminiscent of the famous one in Capri.
To experience the grottoes, we recommend renting a paddleboat from one of the beach lidos, typically priced at 10 euros for a two-hour rental. We’ve rented paddleboats numerous times, exploring the island’s surroundings, and even circumnavigating it, a journey that took nearly two hours. Upon reaching the grottoes, you’ll have the opportunity to venture inside, where you can swim with the fish glowing in the azure waters.
Another interesting place to visit is The Madonna Sanctuary, also referred to as “La Madonna Della Grotta”. This place of worship is built inside a limestone cave within a cliff overlooking the town. You can access the sanctuary by climbing roughly 115 steps to reach the entrance. We climbed the steps on the hottest day of the year! The reward was great views and cool temperatures inside the cave.
You can wander around inside the sanctuary as well as a small garden area on the edge of the cave. It’s a fascinating place to explore and the best part is admission is free of charge.
Where to Stay in Praia a Mare
- Borgo di Fiuzzi Resort & Spa – along the beachfront with views of Dino Island and the sea.
For more accommodation options, click here.
3. Scalea – Town of Contrast
We consider Scalea to be the “big town” next to San Nicola Arcella. It has more of a city feel, with lots of shops, restaurants, banks, and supermarkets. Scalea also has an old town (centro storico) sitting above the city and beautiful beaches.
Walking into the heart of Scalea’s old town feels like stepping back in time. You can access the historic center on foot from the city or by car. We enjoy roaming the alleyways and finding the plaques for the Stations of the Cross.
There is a small chapel, called Cappella San Nicola dei Greci, that has original Greek-Byzantine frescos and the remains of the Capuchin monks. The door is generally locked but, if you stand near it, an older woman (I think her name is Maria) will appear with a key to let you in. It is very interesting and well worth the visit.
At the top of the old town are the ruins of a Norman castle. You can walk through the ruins and experience the incredible views of the coastline. The main piazza is at the base of the stairs and is very lively at night. There are several restaurants along the piazza, including Ristorante Tari, which is very good and open all year round.
Another key historic site is the Torre Talao, a watch tower along the beach. Tours of the tower are available during the summer months. We visited the tower during Christmas and viewed an amazing nativity display inside (Presepe).
Like many towns in Calabria, Scalea celebrates an annual festival dedicated to the Madonna, on July 16th. The procession commences in the historic center, winding its way towards the beach and ending with a heart-stopping fireworks display.
Where to Stay in Scalea
- Grand Hotel de Rose – located on the beach along the promenade, in walking distance of the old town.
For more accommodation options in Scalea, click here.
4. Santa Domenica Talao – Traditional Calabria
Just beyond Scalea, along the road leading to Papasidero, lies the quaint town of Santa Domenica Talao. It is a quintessential representation of Calabrese charm with elderly gentlemen playing dominos in the main piazza.
However, the true gem of Santa Domenica Talao is the La Chiesa di San Giuseppe, the Church of St. Joseph. The church is a work of art and within its walls lie the remains of important families from the Kingdom of Naples.
Over the years, we had friends who had homes in Santa Domenica Talao, and we would love to visit and walk through the alleyways. Each archway and window told a story, offering glimpses into the town’s past and present.
Where to Stay in Santa Domenica Talao
- B&B Il Giardino dei Sogni – close to the center of town.
For more accommodation options, click here.
5. Papasidero – Prehistoric and Ancient History
Within the Pollino National Park lies Papasidero, a medieval village with roots tracing back to its Greek origins. It is home to the awe-inspiring Grotta del Romito, or Romito Cave. In 1961, skeletal remains dating back to the Paleolithic period were discovered. What sets this discovery apart is the presence of two sets of couples buried together, giving academia a lot to think about!
The cave has ancient drawings, dating back over 11,000 years, as well as stalagmites and stalactites adding to the fascination of this site. It is open daily with a small cost for entrance.
The Grotta del Romito is the main attraction. However, Papasidero does have a lot of churches to visit, including the Il Santuario de Constantinopoli. This church has Byzantine frescos still intact.
If you are an adventure seeker, you can go white water rafting from Papasidero on the Lao River. Tours are available in English and last about 4 hours.
- Book Your Tour: Lao River: 11Km Classic Rafting Medium Descent
The trip to Papasidero, from the coast, follows windy roads. Whenever we visit this area, I beg my husband to go gently around the curves! Drive at a leisurely pace and enjoy the breathtaking scenery!
Where to Stay in Papasidero
- B&B Lao – accessible to Papasidero, the Grotta del Romito and the rafting activities.
For more accommodation options, click here.
6. Orsomarso – Nature and History
Another town within the Pollino National Park, just beyond Scalea, lies the enchanting town of Orsomarso, a hidden gem where nature and mysticism converge to create a memorable experience. As you drive along the road to the town, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation as you enter the Calabrian wilderness.
The main attraction in Orsomarso is the iconic Clock Tower, Torre dell’Orologio. It sits atop a tufa rock and provides breathtaking views of Orsomarso and the surrounding region.
We learned that there used to be a Basilian Monk monastery on this rock in the 10th century. To get to the top, you must climb the stairs….well worth the effort.
In the area, you’ll find numerous caves, among them the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. This cave features a 9-foot stone statue of Mary. The town has several churches, notably San Giovanni Battista, with medieval paintings within its walls.
If you enjoy nature and like to explore, a trip to Orsomarso should be on your must-see list.
Fun Fact: Scenes from the TV series, Trust, were filmed in Orsomarso.
Where to Stay in Orsomarso
- Affittacamere La Costa – close to the town center.
For more accommodation options, click here.
7. Verbicaro – Frescos and Wine
Verbicaro is another town to visit in Calabria. Sitting 1,200 feet above sea level, it is considered one of the oldest towns in the area. Originally Saraceni, Verbicaro was ruled by Greeks, Romans, French, Spanish and Byzantines.
In the historic section of the town, there is a Byzantine church named Santa Maria ad Nives. If nothing else, make sure you visit the church which has brightly colored Byzantine frescos and a special statue of Mary and Child in a traditional Spanish costume. The only way to access the church is to find a local who can get the keys to open the doors.
When we visited, several women came to show us the church. They also took us around the historic center and we got to see a room showcasing a Presepe, nativity scene. The women were responsible for making the costumes for the characters in the scenes.
They were so proud of their town and wanted to show us a cantina where they make wine. Verbicaro is surrounded by vineyards and every family seems to make their own wines. The Verbicaro D.O.C. comes from this region. You can taste the wines in the town’s cantinas. It truly was a special day!
As we continued wandering the streets in the historic center, we couldn’t help noticing the clotheslines between the houses were wrapped in strips of zucchini. It was quite strange to us, but they said that is how they dried the vegetables for various uses. This is what we love about Calabria, always a new experience.
Where to Stay in Verbicaro
- B&B Aria Antica – within the historic center.
For more accommodation options, click here.
8. Santa Maria del Cedro – Riviera del Cedri
Santa Maria del Cedro is a seaside town along the Riviera del Cedri in Calabria. It is very popular in the summer months for beach lovers. But, it is most famous for growing a yellow-green citrus fruit called cedro. The cedro is used to make beverages, food, and personal care products. You will see these products in stores along the coast.
It is also an important product for the Jewish community. The cedro is known as an etrog in Judaism. In the summer, rabbis come to Santa Maria del Cedro to select the most perfect fruit, which will be used for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, Festival of the Tabernacles.
At the Museo del Cedro , you will learn about the history of cultivating the fruit and its connection to Judaism. You can view a film and have a guided tour of the museum. At the end, you will have a cedro tasting and can purchase products in the gift shop. We were impressed with our visit and had a better understanding of the cedro and its impact on the region.
Where to Stay in Santa Maria del Cedro
- Salsedine Bed & Breakfast – close to the beach and center of town.
For more accommodation options, click here.
9. Cirella – Old Roman Ruins
Cirella is a small town in Calabria, divided into the marina and the upper town. The Old Roman ruins sit above the upper town on a hill and can be seen from the SS18. The ruins consist of a Roman fort, village, and amphitheater. You can access the ruins for free.
We have visited this site several times with our guests, and everyone is amazed by the remaining structures and the theater. The hillside is covered in prickly pear cactus, which is used locally to make lotions and jams.
I would highly recommend wearing sturdy shoes or sneakers when walking through the ruins.
Where to Stay in Cirella
- Il Quadrifoglio B&B – located near the beach in the marina section of town.
For more accommodation options, click here.
10. Diamante – the City of Murals
Diamante is another charming coastal town that we love visiting. It is renowned for its picturesque beaches, vibrant mural art scene, and annual Peperoncino Festival celebrating spicy chili peppers. The town juts out into the sea and has a promenade with beautiful views of the coastline.
Known as the “City of Murals”, Diamante has an impressive outdoor art scene. Colorful murals adorn the town’s streets, depicting scenes of local life, history, and culture. We learned that the painting of the murals, on the town walls, was started in the early 1900’s by artists who could not afford canvas. It is fun to walk around the streets and alleyways and look at all the artworks.
While you admire the paintings, you will also see lots of red peppers, peperoncini, hanging from the balconies throughout the town. Every year, in early September, Diamante hosts the famous Peperoncino Festival to celebrate the region’s spicy chili peppers. You can find all forms of spicy peperoncini throughout the region.
This is a great town to enjoy the outdoors, a delicious meal, and a stunning sunset. Diamante is one of the prettiest towns to visit in Calabria!
Where to Stay in Diamante
- B&B Casa Benvenuto – located near the beach and town center.
For more accommodation options, click here.
FAQ’s: Beautiful Towns to Visit in Calabria Italy
We covered a lot, but you may have more questions that need to be answered.
What is the most beautiful part of Calabria?
The entire region has stunning diversity. With its majestic mountains and picturesque coastline, it’s a challenge to determine which area shines the brightest in terms of beauty.
Is Calabria worth visiting for tourists?
Absolutely! Calabria is truly worth visiting as a tourist! With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, Calabria offers a truly authentic Italian experience.
Whether you’re exploring charming coastal towns, hiking in the mountains, indulging in local delicacies, or soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, Calabria has something to offer every traveler. Plus, its relatively undiscovered status means you can enjoy a more authentic and immersive experience away from the crowds. So, if you’re looking for a memorable and off-the-beaten-path destination in Italy, Calabria is worth adding to your travel list.
Is Calabria safe to visit?
Like any destination, safety in Calabria can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of day, and individual circumstances. If you use common sense and take basic precautions, you will have an enjoyable trip.
Is travel insurance necessary when visiting Italy?
No matter where you travel in the world, having travel insurance makes sense. VisitorsCoverage offers comprehensive plans for global travel including options for additional medical coverage when traveling within Europe. Click here to learn more!
Do I need an International Driver’s License (IDL) in Italy?
Yes, you do. In Italy the IDL is mandatory. You can obtain the permit, in the United States, at AAA. It is good for a year from date-of-issue.
Final Thoughts: 10 Beautiful Towns to Visit in Calabria Italy
Calabria is a beautiful region in southern Italy. It is still unspoiled by tourism. These towns represent everyday life, yet have lots of history and natural beauty. When we go to our home, in San Nicola Arcella, it takes a few days for me to slow down and just enjoy each day. That is what Calabria is all about, enjoying the moment and soaking up the scenery.
If you are seeking an authentic Italian experience, then come to Calabria. You will not be disappointed.
Looking for assistance in planning your trip to Calabria, Italy, we would be happy to help. Please refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or send us an email.
Want to learn how to pack like a pro? Check out our post on How to Pack for a Two-Week Trip: Travel Light with Just a Carry-On & Personal Item!
If you want to explore more in Southern Italy, check out our following posts:
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Is Tropea in Calabria Italy Worth Visiting?
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Is San Nicola Arcella in Calabria Italy Worth Visiting? (By A Local)
