Calabria is an exciting new destination for the upcoming spring-summer season. This southern Italian region, located at the very tip of the Italian boot opposite Sicily, has become much more accessible thanks to direct charter flights from Riga to Lamezia Terme Airport. Here’s why you should visit Calabria, what to explore, and what to savor.

WHY GO

Authentic Italian Charm: Calabria embodies the true, passionate Italy you've seen in movies. In small towns, fathers play football with their sons, couples argue with dramatic gestures, and colorful laundry flutters in the sea breeze on balconies.

Stunning Natural Beauty: Enjoy the pristine tri-colored waters (blue, greenish, and turquoise) of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, dramatic cliffs, and air filled with the fragrances of orange blossoms and bergamot.

Convenient Travel: Just a three-hour flight from Riga, with a short transfer of 1–1.5 hours from Lamezia Terme Airport to most hotels, offering scenic views along the way.

Pleasant Climate: The mild climate makes it easy to endure the heat, with sea temperatures reaching +25°C as early as May.

Warm Hospitality: While southern Italians service is impeccable. Beaches are well-equipped with loungers and umbrellas, hotel staff are highly professional, and you’ll enjoy a variety of fresh pastries for breakfast and farm-to-table seafood, vegetables, and fruits for dinner.

WHAT TO SEE AND TASTE

Calabria offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, rich history, and exceptional cuisine. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this southern gem has it all.

Reggio Calabria

The former capital of the region is home to a stunning promenade, described by poet Gabriele D’Annunzio as “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy.” The view of Sicily is breathtaking, and the city is known for unique trees like the large-leaved ficus, whose roots creep across the ground and even break through asphalt. You’ll also find intriguing sculptures by artist Rabarama (Paola Epifani). Stroll along Corso Garibaldi, the main shopping street, lined with boutiques from top Italian and international brands.

If you’re lucky, you might witness the rare phenomenon of Fata Morgana, an optical illusion where Sicily appears to be just 3 meters away instead of 3 kilometers.

What to Taste: Reggio Calabria is famed for its bergamot ice cream, considered the best in the region. Locals often enjoy it sandwiched in a soft, fluffy brioche bun—a practical and delicious way to prevent it from melting too quickly.

Scilla

This picturesque fishing and resort town, often called “the southern Venice,” is a maze of quaint streets in the Chianalea district. Many homes here have direct access to the sea, allowing locals to set off quickly on their boats to fish for tuna, swordfish, or sardines.

The town is named after Scylla, the mythical nymph turned sea monster who, along with Charybdis, haunted the Strait of Messina.

Scilla offers incredible photo opportunities at every corner and guarantees the most Instagram-worthy shots. Be sure to visit the cliffside Castello Ruffo, which boasts stunning views of Sicily, Calabria’s coastline, and on clear days, the nearby Aeolian Islands.

What to Taste: Along the beachside area of Marina Grande, restaurants specialize in swordfish (pesce spada), served grilled (alla griglia), in rolls (involtini), or as patties.

Tropea

Perched on a cliff, Tropea is known as the “pearl of Calabria.” Its crystal-clear Tyrrhenian waters are mesmerizing, and the town is steeped in legends. One tale speaks of a wealthy woman lured aboard a merchant’s ship, only to escape by plunging into the sea. Her emerald-blue dress supposedly gave the waters their vibrant hue.

The historic center sits high above the sea, offering a charming mix of ancient churches and quaint shops. Below, you can swim in turquoise waters while admiring the ancient Benedictine sanctuary atop a rocky island.

What to Taste: On Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main tourist street, try the local “fish soup.” This is not a soup but a hearty stew of fish and seafood in a tomato and garlic sauce. Don’t hesitate to mop up every last drop with bread. Tropea is also a haven for food shopping: stock up on bergamot sauce for meat, red onion marmalade, spicy ’nduja sausage, and seasoning mixes for pasta.

Matera

Although located in the neighboring region of Basilicata, Matera is worth the three-hour drive from Calabria. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient part of the city is carved into rock, resembling the legendary city of Petra in Jordan. Matera’s unique atmosphere has made it a favorite among filmmakers, with movies like The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson and The Gospel According to Matthew by Pier Paolo Pasolini shot here.

Matera has around 130 churches, but the most fascinating are the cave churches, adorned with Byzantine frescoes and featuring stalactites instead of columns. Don’t miss the Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings scattered throughout the city.

What to Taste: Try “pane di Matera,” a delicious bread made with natural yeast derived from grapes and figs. Matera also excels in lamb dishes, prepared to perfection.

EXTRA TIPS FOR TRAVELING IN CALABRIA

Language Barrier: English is not widely spoken in southern Italy (except by hotel staff), but locals are friendly, and gestures can go a long way.

Siesta Time: Shops and some restaurants may close from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM for siesta, except on main tourist streets in resort towns.

Transportation: To get around, renting a car is your best bet. Alternatively, take trains (more reliable than buses) or opt for guided tours.