Fancy discovering an idyllic Italian city that somehow manages to fly below the radar in 2025?
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.
Antonina Dattola - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
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.
Good to Know: 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. Passionate, laid-back and blissfully unconcerned with impressing you.
That said, it will impress you regardless.
By MarcoCrupi - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
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
iStock Photo / GrahamMoore999
The Riace Bronzes are the impossibly well-preserved Greek warriors discovered in 1972 by an Italian chemist, Stefano Mariottini.
Standing nearly two metres tall with anatomical detail that would impress your personal trainer, these 2,500-year-old specimens are worth the trip alone.
Wander the Lungomare Falcomatà
By Jacopo Werther, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Dubbed the most beautiful kilometre in Italy, this palm-lined promenade offers sea views of Sicily and Mount Etna.
Grab a gelato from Gelato Cesare, find a bench and enjoy your surroundings.
Explore the Aragonese Castle
Own work, Public Domain, Link
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 monkier 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 the oil from its rind to 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
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 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
Wikimedia Commons / Salvatore Migliari
A small cove beach with chilled-out vibes and no velvet rope in sight.
After a swim, wander inland for seafood straight off the boat at family-run trattorias.
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 About Reggio Calabria
1. Where is Reggio Calabria Located?
Reggio Calabria is in southern Italy, at the toe of the boot, facing Sicily across the Strait of Messina.
2. How Do I Get To Reggio Calabria?
You can fly into Reggio Calabria Airport or nearby Lamezia Terme, then take a train or hire a car to make your way along the coast.
3. What Is Reggio Calabria Famous For?
It's known for the Riace Bronzes, bergamot production, stunning sea views and being delightfully free of tourist crowds.
4. Can You Swim In Reggio Calabria?
Yes - the village and region have multiple beaches, including Punta Pellaro, Gallico Marina and Cannitello, perfect for sea lovers.
5. Do I Need Mobile Data In Reggio Calabria?
Absolutely. Get an Airalo eSIM for Italy to stay connected on the move - minus hunting for local SIM cards and shock roaming bills.
