Photos of Calabria

Silvana Amalfi, from Australia but of Italian origin, has shared some gorgeous photos of Calabria in the past; you can see those here.  I suppose that's why our Facebook community is so special; basically anyone who's discovered a beautiful part of Italy can now share the secret with the rest of the community.

Browse through some of the albums that originate from Facebook on this website and on my ItalyMammaMia one, and I bet you'll be amazed at how many gorgeous towns and villages Italy has. I guarantee you won't have heard of all of them before.

By the way, if you're visiting Calabria, you'll find our guide to Calabria has all the best sights to see listed on one page.

Reggio Calabria

These pics were taken while walking along Corso Garibaldi, one of the main shopping streets in Reggio Calabria. 

Here you can shop to your heart's content, as this street features an interesting mix of designer shops and bargain stores within some gorgeous rustic buildings. It's a shopping paradise for those seeking quality products at reasonable prices. From well-known brands to local artisans, there is something for everyone here.

While indulging in retail therapy, take a moment to soak in the ambiance. Corso Garibaldi, with its parallel alignment to the sparkling sea, offers glimpses of water views from nearby side streets. The coastal breeze and the soothing blue hues of the sea create a calming backdrop, enhancing your shopping experience with a touch of coastal charm.

Reggio Calabria itself is a city that encapsulates the essence of the Calabrian region. Nestled on the toe of the Italian boot, it has its rough edges but feels really safe, nothing like the stereotypes of southern Italy, and, like with other southern cities like Naples, you can feel the passion for life that is evident everywhere.  This city effortlessly blends ancient history with a lively contemporary atmosphere.

The city's crown jewel are the awe-inspiring Bronzi di Riace, the renowned ancient Greek bronze statues that were found not that long ago at the bottom of the sea.

They were found by Stefano Mariottini, a chemist from Rome, who was snorkeling approximately 200 meters off the coast of Riace Marina, in the province of Reggio Calabria, Italy. He initially spotted what he thought was a human arm protruding from the sandy seabed at a depth of about 8 meters.

The subsequent recovery, carried out by the Italian police divers and archaeologists, revealed two magnificent, full-sized ancient Greek bronze statues, which are now among the most important and iconic masterpieces of Greek sculpture from the 5th century BC.

They may have been forgotten for millennia, but now they are wowing visitors with their exquisite craftsmanship. These magnificent treasures are housed within the splendid National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria.

Don't miss the Lungomare Falcomatà, boasting a splendid promenade that stretches along the azure waters and offers views of the Sicilian coast, with the majestic Mount Etna standing tall in the distance. 

Beyond its enchanting beauty, Reggio Calabria is a gateway to discover the treasures of the surrounding region. Embark on a journey to explore the rugged Aspromonte National Park, where forests, picturesque villages, and stunning hiking trails await. Along the coast are some of Italy's loveliest villages; two that I really recommend are Tropea (a ninety-minute drive) and Scilla (a twenty-minute drive).

Delight in the flavors of Calabrian cuisine, which is renowned for its spicy and robust flavors, and savor traditional delicacies such as 'nduja and the irresistible gelato. For a taster, have a look at this guide to Calabrian cuisine.

Roccella Jonica

Roccella Jonica is a picturesque seaside town located on the Ionian Sea.

Its famous landmark is the Norman Castle that sits high on the hill, overlooking the town and coastline. Its presence adds a touch of history and grandeur to the already mesmerizing landscape. The town itself has been awarded a blue flag on many occasions for the outstandingly clean sea and beaches.

The best time, I think, to visit is the weeks leading up to Ferragosto - an annual Italian public holiday held on August 15 during the peak summer season. This town is buzzing with atmosphere and festas till the early hours of the morning. Also celebrated at this time is the Roccella Jazz Festival, which hosts many well-known international artists that come to sing and play in some of the local bars and restaurants.

We based ourselves in Roccella but also travelled to neighboring towns, and found the best way to do this is was by car hire.....which is initially daunting when you are used to driving in Australia on the "other" side of the road, but you eventually get used to it and learn to go with the Roccella flow.

Personally, I loved this town and was equally blessed to locate my mother's and father's home towns of Cinquefrondi and Polistena, which are only a half-hour drive from here.

Some of the colourful sights you may see on the beaches in Calabria are the 'salespeople' carrying their items seeking interested parties wishing to make a purchase.

A rustic looking building in the town.