{"id":45942,"date":"2025-07-10T17:20:25","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T15:20:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.winalist.fr\/blog?p=45942"},"modified":"2025-07-30T09:42:52","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T07:42:52","slug":"visit-reggio-calabria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/italy-wine-region\/calabria\/visit-reggio-calabria","title":{"rendered":"Visit Reggio Calabria, The Largest City in Calabria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tucked at the toe of Italy\u2019s boot and gazing straight across the sea to Sicily, Reggio Calabria<\/strong> 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\u2019re here, it hooks you with its blend of ancient history, bold flavors, and soul-stirring views of the Strait of Messina. And if you\u2019re into Calabria wineries<\/a>, 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 \u201cthe most beautiful kilometer in Italy\u201d), this city wraps everything you love about Calabria into one breezy, culture-packed stop. So if you\u2019re wondering what to do in the far south, Reggio Calabria is your answer, your aperitivo, and your last sunset all in one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best things to do in Reggio Calabria Italy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discover the Riace Bronzes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"-<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Start your trip to Reggio Calabria with a face-to-face meeting you won\u2019t 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\u2019s like they could step off the pedestal. Even if you\u2019re not a history buff, you\u2019ll feel the power of these statues.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stroll along the palm-shaded lungomare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"-<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Take a stroll down Lungomare Falcomat\u00e0, often dubbed \u201cItaly\u2019s most beautiful kilometre\u201d, and once you\u2019re there, you\u2019ll 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 caf\u00e9, people-watching on a shady bench, or just soaking up the golden hour glow, this is where Reggio Calabria truly shines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaze across two worlds at the Arena dello Stretto<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"-
A bronze statue of a warrior representing King Vittorio Emanuele III, set against the sky on Reggio Calabria's waterfront.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Facing the deep blue Strait of Messina, the Arena dello Stretto is one of Reggio Calabria\u2019s 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\u2019s a place to breathe in the soul of Calabria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop and sip along Corso Garibaldi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"-<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s also one of the best places to dive into Calabria\u2019s food and wine culture. Along the way, you\u2019ll find cozy enotecas offering tastings of local favorites like Cir\u00f2 red wines and crisp Greco whites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk to the Aragonese Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"-<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Reggio Calabria\u2019s 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\u2019s kiss. Swing by for a dose of mystery, some killer photo ops, and that feeling you\u2019ve just stepped into a very old secret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step inside Calabria's heart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"-<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s deep spiritual roots. Right outside, the peaceful piazza is perfect for people-watching or simply taking in the atmosphere of one of Reggio\u2019s most important landmarks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step into elegance at Villa Genoese Zerbi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"-<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Right across from the sea along Reggio Calabria\u2019s Lungomare, Villa Genoese Zerbi is one of the city\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s a photo-worthy stop that adds a touch of aristocratic flair to your seaside walk.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best things to do around Reggio Calabria Italy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Explore the wine trails of Calabria\u2019s enchanting hillsides <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"-<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A journey through the Calabrian countryside brings more than just beautiful views and quiet villages, it leads straight to some of Italy\u2019s most underrated wine country. While Reggio Calabria itself isn\u2019t 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 Cir\u00f2 wine region (closer to Crotone) is a must for tasting bold reds like Gaglioppo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n