We found ourselves at the southern tip of Italy, in a region called Calabria. It’s the very toe of the boot, a place separated from Sicily by a narrow stretch of water. The land here is shaped by the sea and by the mountains, offering a unique mix of natural beauty and fascinating history. I’d heard about the dramatic landscapes and ancient stories, and I was eager to explore what this lesser-known part of Italy had to offer.
Exploring Mountain Landscapes
The western part of the province is quite mountainous. A large mountain range called the Aspromonte massif dominates this area. It’s so big it looks like a giant pyramid rising from the sea. Millions of years ago, this area was underwater, and you can still find traces of ancient plants and animals in the rock. The Aspromonte National Park is part of this mountain range. It’s filled with creeks and streams, and it’s home to all sorts of wildlife. We saw signs warning about wolves, and I kept an eye out for birds of prey like falcons and eagles.
One of the most interesting places we visited in the mountains was Pentedattilo. It’s an ancient town built on a mountain that looks like a giant hand with five fingers. It was a living town for a long time, but earthquakes made it too dangerous. It became a ghost town, completely empty for decades. It was amazing to learn that volunteers from all over Europe have been working to restore it and bring people back. Standing there, imagining the town in its history, was quite moving.
Reggio Calabria’s Coastal Charm
This region has a history of strong geological activity. In 1908, a massive earthquake, known as the Messina Earthquake, hit the area. It caused huge damage to Reggio and parts of Sicily, followed by destructive tsunamis. The city of Reggio was rebuilt with elegant plans, and it’s a surprisingly pleasant place. Even though it’s busy with traffic, its setting by the sea is lovely. It’s a big hub for ferries going to Sicily. For us, the main draw was the National Museum.
This museum holds some of Italy’s most important treasures: the Riace Bronzes. These are two enormous bronze statues of warrior heroes, and they were found in the sea miles away. They are absolutely stunning. You can spend a long time just looking at them, wondering about their origins and the stories they tell. The museum also has other great artifacts from ancient Rhegion and other sites in Calabria. We loved seeing the head of a philosopher bronze sculpture too.
After visiting the museum, we walked along Reggio Calabria’s famous seafront promenade. It’s a long, wide path perfect for strolling and enjoying the views across the sea towards Sicily. Down by the shore, there’s another walkway with a small beach. On a very clear day, we were told you might even see the Fata Morgana, a type of mirage that shimmers over the water. It’s quite a magical phenomenon to think about.
Other Sights in the City
Beyond the museum and seafront, Reggio has other points of interest. The municipal art gallery, Pinacoteca Civica, offers a collection of artworks. The Duomo, the city’s main cathedral, was rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake and is impressive. We also found some peaceful moments in the Villa Comunale public gardens, a nice break from the city buzz. The main street for shopping and walking is Corso Garibaldi, which runs parallel to the seafront a few blocks inland. Piazza Italia is the central square, a good place to observe city life.
The Famous Bergamot Orange
Our visit also highlighted the province’s famous export: the Bergamot orange. This unique citrus fruit is grown mainly along the Ionian coast of Calabria. It’s so important to the region that it’s become a symbol of Calabria itself. The fruit has a distinctive aroma and flavor, and it’s used in many products. We saw it used in teas, candies, and even hand creams. I bought some local soap made with bergamot oil; the scent is so fresh and uplifting, a real reminder of the region.
The Picturesque Village of Scilla
Further south, we found the fishing village of Scilla. It’s located in a truly stunning spot, right at the water’s edge. A rocky point sticks out into the sea, topped by an old fortress. This rock divides two small beaches, with steep hills rising behind them. Scilla is squeezed into this dramatic landscape, making for an unforgettable view. We learned that the town’s name comes from ancient myths – it’s said to be the home of the monster Scylla, who, with Charybdis across the strait in Sicily, menaced sailors like Odysseus.
The castle in Scilla, Castello Ruffo, is said to date back to the time of Ulysses. We made the climb up to explore it. You can walk up a flight of stairs or take a winding road. It’s open to the public, and you can wander through parts of the old fortifications and see ruins that hint at its long history. This spot has been a fortress, a home, a lighthouse, and even a monastery over the centuries. From the castle battlements, the views are incredible, stretching across to Sicily and along the Calabrian coast. On a clear day, you can even see the Aeolian Islands off in the distance.
Chianalea, the Little Venice
We also spent time in Chianalea, a part of Scilla that truly captured our hearts. It’s an ancient fishermen’s settlement built on a very narrow strip of land. The houses here are right on the edge of the sea, with waves sometimes washing up to their walls. Small fishing boats are pulled up onto tiny slipways. It has a really special atmosphere, almost like a tiny Venice. It’s even recognized as one of the ‘Borghi più belli d’Italia’ – ‘most beautiful villages in Italy’.
Wandering through Chianalea felt like stepping back in time. The narrow alleys and the close proximity of the houses to the water create a unique visual. Seeing the colorful fishing boats lined up against the ancient stone buildings was a perfect photo opportunity. Michael loved capturing the light on the water and the reflections of the buildings. Even with Lily and Ethan, the charm of the place was undeniable, and they enjoyed watching the fishermen prepare their nets.
Visiting Reggio Calabria in 2026
If you are planning a trip to southern Italy, Reggio Calabria and the surrounding province offer a rich experience. The blend of natural beauty, from the mountains of Aspromonte to the dramatic coastline, is truly something special. The archaeological treasures, like the Riace Bronzes, provide a deep connection to the past. And the charming towns and villages, such as Scilla, offer a glimpse into traditional Italian life. I imagine visiting again in 2026, perhaps exploring more of the national park or taking a deeper dive into the local cuisine.
You can easily spend several days exploring the province. Consider basing yourself in Reggio Calabria to easily access the museum and the seafront. From there, day trips to Scilla and the Aspromonte National Park are very doable. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the old towns and the castle. If you enjoy historical sites and stunning coastal scenery, this part of Italy will not disappoint. It’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
I hope you get to experience this beautiful corner of Italy.