Visit Reggio Calabria, The Largest City in Calabria

Tucked at the toe of Italy’s boot and gazing straight across the sea to Sicily, Reggio Calabria is the kind of place that sneaks up on you, in the best way. This sun-drenched city might not always be on the classic travel circuit, but once you’re here, it hooks you with its blend of ancient history, bold flavors, and soul-stirring views of the Strait of Messina. And if you’re into Calabria wineries, Reggio makes an excellent base to explore southern vineyards where native grapes like Gaglioppo and Greco Nero shine. From the haunting beauty of the Riace Bronzes to the evening strolls along the lungomare (famously called “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy”), this city wraps everything you love about Calabria into one breezy, culture-packed stop. So if you’re wondering what to do in the far south, Reggio Calabria is your answer, your aperitivo, and your last sunset all in one.

Best things to do in Reggio Calabria Italy

Discover the Riace Bronzes

Start your trip to Reggio Calabria with a face-to-face meeting you won’t forget, the Riace Bronzes. These two ancient Greek warriors, pulled from the sea near Riace in the 1970s, are proudly displayed in the National Archaeological Museum. Their detail is jaw-dropping: muscles, curls, expressions, it’s like they could step off the pedestal. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll feel the power of these statues.

Stroll along the palm-shaded lungomare

Take a stroll down Lungomare Falcomatà, often dubbed “Italy’s most beautiful kilometre”, and once you’re there, you’ll see why. This palm-lined promenade hugs the seafront and dishes out unbeatable views of the Strait of Messina, with Mount Etna often visible on the horizon. Whether you’re sipping a spritz at a sidewalk café, people-watching on a shady bench, or just soaking up the golden hour glow, this is where Reggio Calabria truly shines.

Gaze across two worlds at the Arena dello Stretto

Facing the deep blue Strait of Messina, the Arena dello Stretto is one of Reggio Calabria’s most iconic spots. This open-air amphitheater blends classical inspiration with a seaside vibe, offering front-row views of Sicily across the water. At its heart stands the statue of Athena Promachos, a symbol of strength and protection, watching over the city and sea. Whether you catch a live performance here, sit quietly as ferries glide by, or just snap a photo at sunset, this arena is more than a monument, it’s a place to breathe in the soul of Calabria.

Shop and sip along Corso Garibaldi

Corso Garibaldi is the lively heart of Reggio Calabria, a long pedestrian street buzzing with life, stylish boutiques, local artisan shops, and beautiful architecture. It’s also one of the best places to dive into Calabria’s food and wine culture. Along the way, you’ll find cozy enotecas offering tastings of local favorites like Cirò red wines and crisp Greco whites.

Walk to the Aragonese Castle

Reggio Calabria’s Aragonese Castle may not be the biggest, but it sure knows how to make an entrance. Sitting proudly at the edge of the old town, this fortress carries centuries of drama, from royal plots to earthquake scars. Its weathered stone walls and quiet courtyards are full of untold stories, and the views from up top? Chef’s kiss. Swing by for a dose of mystery, some killer photo ops, and that feeling you’ve just stepped into a very old secret.

Step inside Calabria’s heart

In the heart of Reggio Calabria stands its grand cathedral, the Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta. This impressive structure, rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, blends Romanesque and modern elements with a serene, open interior that invites quiet reflection. Step inside to admire its arched columns, soft lighting, and mosaic details that reflect the city’s deep spiritual roots. Right outside, the peaceful piazza is perfect for people-watching or simply taking in the atmosphere of one of Reggio’s most important landmarks.

Step into elegance at Villa Genoese Zerbi

Right across from the sea along Reggio Calabria’s Lungomare, Villa Genoese Zerbi is one of the city’s most striking landmarks. This Art Nouveau masterpiece, with its bold red-and-cream facade and intricate detailing, once belonged to a wealthy Genoese family and still radiates turn-of-the-century glamour. Though it’s not always open to the public, the villa often hosts exhibitions and cultural events that let you step inside its opulent halls. Even from the outside, it’s a photo-worthy stop that adds a touch of aristocratic flair to your seaside walk.

Best things to do around Reggio Calabria Italy

Explore the wine trails of Calabria’s enchanting hillsides

A journey through the Calabrian countryside brings more than just beautiful views and quiet villages, it leads straight to some of Italy’s most underrated wine country. While Reggio Calabria itself isn’t surrounded by vineyards, heading about 90 minutes north takes you into areas like Bivongi and Greco di Bianco, known for ancient grape varieties and small, family-run wineries. If you’re venturing further up the Ionian coast, the Cirò wine region (closer to Crotone) is a must for tasting bold reds like Gaglioppo.

Wander the seaside charm of Scilla

About a 30-minute scenic drive north of Reggio Calabria, Scilla is the kind of place that looks like it was plucked from a postcard. Hugging the edge of the Strait of Messina, this fishing village blends myth and beauty, yes, that Scylla from Homer’s Odyssey once called these cliffs home (at least, according to legend). Wander through Chianalea, the old district where pastel houses rise straight from the sea, and you’ll understand why it’s nicknamed “the Venice of the South.”

Let’s visit Scilla Italy, where legends, views, and seafood meet.

Calabria uncovered

Calabria is the kind of place that surprises you, in the best way. Tucked between two seas and packed with personality, this southern Italian region serves up more than just sunshine and beaches. Think ancient villages clinging to cliffs, hidden churches carved into stone, and food that makes you want to cancel your flight home. From exploring the rugged trails of Pollino National Park to diving into Italy wine tours in Cirò, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Calabria. Still wondering what to do in Calabria? Don’t miss our latest guide and unlock the best!

Good to know before visiting Reggio Calabria