Fancy discovering an idyllic Italian city that somehow manages to fly below the radar in 2026?
While the likes of Florence and Venice continue to attract the crowds, a savvy few are slipping off to this Mediterranean marvel.
Reggio Calabria sits neatly on the toe of Italy, sun-drenched and suspiciously crowd-free.
Wikimedia Commons / Antonina Dattola
While the rest of the country gears up for busy summer seasons, this city keeps its cool with local life continuing relatively undisturbed. And figures show that although it's becoming more popular with visitors, it's still a quiet spot by Italian standards.
In 2024, Reggio Calabria Airport handled around 624k passengers. Next to Rome Fiumicino's 49.2 million and Milan Malpensa's 28.7 million, Reggio Calabria seems less of a transport hub and more of a well-kept secret with a runway.
The official name of the city is Reggio di Calabria, and the region it's in is Calabria. The city's name is commonly shortened to Reggio Calabria, especially in English and in the context of travel. But if you want to roll like a local, you might call it 'Reggio'.
What Makes Reggio Calabria So Special?
Reggio Calabria is authentically southern Italy. Rolling at its own pace, it's unpretentious, laid-back and blissfully unconcerned with impressing you.
That said, it will impress you regardless.
Wikimedia Commons / MarcoCrupi
Facing Sicily across the Strait of Messina, the city was built on Greek foundations and Byzantine influences. Expect ancient statues, proper beaches and produce so fresh that it was likely caught or picked that morning.
You'll also find those million-pound sea views without the Amalfi Coast prices.
Things to Do in Reggio Calabria - Italy's Underrated Gem
If this low-key region is on your travel radar, you'll want to dive right in and experience it to the fullest.
Whether you're a culture-seeker, a food fanatic or in the mood for a salty breeze and a sunbathe, here are some of the best things to do in Reggio Calabria.
See the Riace Bronzes at the National Archaeological Museum
Around 2,500 years old and in amazing condition, the Riace Bronzes are among the top things to do in Reggio Calabria / iStock
The Riace bronzes, or Bronzi di Riace, are a pair of 5th-century BC ancient Greek bronze statues of bearded warriors, which were discovered by an Italian chemist in 1972 on the sea bed near Riace, Italy.
It's absolutely worth seeing these statues at their permanent home in the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria. Standing nearly two metres tall with anatomical detail that would impress your personal trainer, these 2,500-year-old specimens are a sight you'll never see elsewhere.
As of February 2026, ticket prices are €10 (£8.70) for adults, and a heavily discounted €2 ticket is available for visitors aged 18 to 25. Entry is free for everyone under 18 and on the first Sunday of every month.
To protect the Riace bronzes from humidity and dust, all visitors must spend 20 minutes in a climate-controlled filter room before entering the main gallery. This isn't just an inconvenient wait; it’s a necessary decontamination process to ensure these masterpieces survive another 2,500 years. To keep you entertained, a video presentation explains the statues' incredible journey from the sea bed to the museum.
Wander Along the Lungomare Falcomatà
Strolling along the Lungomare Falcomatà between the palms and the Ionian breeze is one of the best things to do in Reggio Calabria. / Wikimedia Commons / Jacopo Werther
Dubbed the most beautiful kilometre in Italy, Reggio Calabria's palm-lined promenade, the Lungomare Falcomatà, will connect you to sights such as ancient Greek walls, Roman baths, and the open-air Arena dello Stretto.
Grab a scoop or three from Gelato Cesare, a top-rated gelateria at the north end of the prom, find a bench, and take in the sea views of Sicily and Mount Etna.
Explore the Aragonese Castle
The Aragonese Castle offers the kind of views you came all this way for and a quieter historic site than most big cities.
It's also a gift to Instagrammers with its dramatic angles and impossibly blue sea backdrop.
Visit the Bergamot Museum
Adobe Free Stock / francescosgura
Another name for Reggio is "Bergamot City". It earned its moniker as 90% of bergamot produced worldwide comes from the region.
But "what is bergamot?" I hear you ask. Good question - it's a fragrant citrus fruit, somewhere between a lemon and an orange.
For centuries, people have extracted oil from its rind for use in perfumes, aromatherapy, medicines, and food.
If you've ever sipped on Earl Grey, you will have sampled it yourself, as most types typically contain bergamot flavouring.
Now you're clued up on bergamot, make sure you pay a visit to the Bergamot Museum to see the legacy first-hand.
Learn about the history of bergamot production in Calabria, processing techniques and the historical tools and machinery used in oil extraction.
And most importantly, you can bag a few bergamot-based products for that authentic souvenir.
Catch Sunset Views from Chianalea
Adobe Free Stock / jovannig
Chianalea is a tiny village that clings to the coast, north of Reggio. On arrival, you'll see why it's been christened one of Italy's most beautiful villages.
If you've dreamed of spending summer surrounded by stone houses studding the Italian coastline while watching fishing boats bobbing on the waves, Chianalea answers the call.
And if there's one thing you have to try in Chianalea, it's the swordfish sandwich.
This local legend is basically a gastro rite of passage for anyone wandering the village's sea-sprayed streets and showcases the flavours of the coast in one glorious bap.
Sample Swordfish Rolls at a Local Trattoria
Wikimedia Commons / Collegamento
While we're on the subject of swordfish, there's another variation you must try when you're visiting Reggio Calabria. And that's involtini di pesce spada, i.e., swordfish rolls stuffed with breadcrumbs, pecorino, olives and capers.
This Calabrian classic packs more flavour than its dainty size lets on. Grilled until lightly crisp on the outside and meltingly tender within, these bite-sized beauties are best eaten seaside.
Add a squeeze of lemon and a glass of local white wine...when in Rome. You won't stop at one - and nor should you. This is coastal Italy, after all. Portions are generous, calories don't count, and second helpings are just good manners.
Hike to Monte Sant'Elia for Breathtaking Views
Wikimedia Commons / Davide Mangano
This moderate hike delivers coastal panoramas and mountain freshness. Spot Sicily from the summit and point out everywhere you've been that day.
Reggio Calabria Beaches Worth a Detour
Now for the serious stuff: What are the beaches like in Reggio Calabria? While the city's history is a major draw, the shores are where Reggio Calabria truly breathes.
If you're wondering whether you can actually drop a towel and soak up the sun without the crowds of the north, the answer is a resounding yes — provided you know where to go.
From serviced lidos to wilder, wind-whipped stretches, here's how Reggio Calabria beaches stack up.
Punta Pellaro
Just 10km south of the city, Punta Pellaro is a kitesurfing hotspot.
Whether you're in the water or on a sunbed, the show in the sky is worth the journey. There may be pebbles underfoot, but you'll find the waters to be glass-clear.
Gallico Marina
Wikimedia Commons / Salvatore Migliari
North of Reggio, this low-key beach is where locals go for early morning swims and afternoon relaxation.
Expect sand-meets-pebbles and a calm, easy pace.
Cannitello
Go sunbathing on the quiet beach at Cannitello, where you can clearly see Sicily across the Messina Strait. / Wikimedia Commons / Salvatore Migliari
The seaside village of Cannitello is home to one of the quietest and most laid-back Reggio Calabria beaches.
Here you can sit and absorb the views over the Strait of Messina, and watch the local fishermen in their swordfish boats, aka passerella, roll across the waves.
This is also where the strait reaches its narrowest point. At just 3 kilometres from Sicily, the views are so clear that it seems you could reach out and touch it.
After a laze and a swim, wander into Canitello to try some of its renowned swordfish dishes in one of the local family-run trattorias.
What lies under the waves at the Strait of Messina? The turbulent currents of the Strait make Cannitello a magnet for open-water swimmers, who regularly rise to the challenge of swimming from mainland Italy to Sicily. Divers also love this area and go in search of the 'yellow wreck', locally known as the 'U Vapuri'. This ruin is what remains of the Alva, a freighter that sank in the early 1900s. Now covered in bright yellow sea sponges, it's an incredible underwater vision that's as colourful as the country above it.
Why You Need an eSIM for Italy When Visiting Reggio Calabria
Reggio Calabria might be off the beaten path, but you'll still want to stay connected.
Get your eSIM for Italy from Airalo.
Download and install before you go, and activate when you arrive to stay in control of your data and how much you spend.
That means goodbye SIM cards, slow airport Wi-Fi and sky-high roaming bills on your idyllic trip.
FAQs: Things to do in Reggio Calabria, Italy's Underrated Gem
1. Where is Reggio Calabria located?
Reggio Calabria is located at the very southern tip of mainland Italy, positioned on the 'toe' of the Italian boot. It sits directly on the Strait of Messina, offering a dramatic waterfront view of the Sicilian coast and Mount Etna. This strategic location makes it a primary gateway between the Italian mainland and Sicily.
2. How do I get to Reggio Calabria?
The easiest way to get to Reggio Calabria is by flying into the Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) or the larger Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF). From Lamezia Terme, you can reach the city via a scenic one-hour train ride or by renting a car to drive along the coast. High-speed Frecciarossa trains also connect Reggio Calabria directly to major northern hubs like Rome, Naples, and Milan.
3. Is Reggio Calabria worth visiting?
Reggio Calabria is absolutely worth visiting for travellers seeking an authentic, uncrowded Italian experience focused on history and coastal beauty. It's home to the world-famous Riace Bronzes and the Lungomare Falcomatà, nicknamed "the most beautiful kilometre in Italy". If you value raw southern charm over polished tourist traps, this city provides an unpretentious, crowd-free alternative to busy hotspots on the Amalfi Coast.
4. What are the best things to do in Reggio Calabria?
The best things to do in Reggio Calabria include visiting the National Archaeological Museum to see the Riace Bronzes and strolling the scenic Lungomare at sunset. Food lovers should prioritise tasting authentic bergamot-infused treats, as the region produces 90% of the world's supply. For a mix of culture and views, explore the Aragonese Castle and the Roman Baths, which are just steps from the sea.
5. What are the best Reggio Calabria beaches for swimming?
The best Reggio Calabria beaches for swimming include the pristine sands of Cannitello, the kite-surfing hub of Punta Pellaro, and the convenient city-centre beach at Lido Comunale. While the city itself has a swimmable waterfront, a short drive north leads you to the Costa Viola (Violet Coast), where the village of Scilla (pronounced Shee-la) offers crystal-clear turquoise waters beneath a medieval castle.
6. Do I need mobile data in Reggio Calabria?
You should definitely have reliable mobile data in Reggio Calabria to navigate local train schedules and find hidden trattorias that aren't always on the main maps. An eSIM for Italy from Airalo is the fastest, most convenient way to stay online abroad, allowing you to connect instantly, without the hassle of finding a physical SIM shop or dealing with surprise roaming fees.
