Calabria Car Hire

Guide of Calabria

Geography

Calabria encompasses most of the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, spread across a peninsula measuring around 240 km long and 32 km wide. It sits between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas and boasts more than 800 km of sparkling coastline. The region’s terrain is notably rugged and 90% of the territory is mountainous. At the heart of Calabria is one of Italy’s largest national parks, Sila, a vast plateau covered in dense woodlands and lakes.

Climate in Calabria

Calabria enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The eastern coast along the Ionian Sea is warmer and dryer than the western Tyrrhenian coast. Sunseekers should hotfoot here between June and August when temperatures average highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. January is the coolest month of the year, with average maximum temperatures of 14°C. The wettest month in Calabria is November with 57mm of rain.

Culture

Calabria was one of the first ancient greek colonies on the Italian mainland and became an important area for Magna Grecia. It was later conquered by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Normans, the Spanish and the Saracens. This cultural hodge-podge has left a stamp on the region’s culture, cuisine and customs.

The Ndrangheta Mafia still maintains a stronghold across much of the region but, despite this, Calabria is emerging as a holiday hotspot. Northern Italians have flocked here in the summers for years, but more recently it’s started to make a name for itself further afield.

Things To Do in Calabria

Hit the beach

Calabria boasts 500 miles of coastline and is nicknamed ‘Costa degli Dei’ (Coastline of the Gods). Beaches range from long sandy stretches to pebbly coves, so there’s something for every type of sun-seeker. The Tyrrhenian coastline is the more popular of the two, home to charming fishing villages like Tropea and Scilla. On the Ionian Coast, you’ll find glitzy Soverato.

Explore clifftop towns

Many of Calabria’s most charming towns are located high on the top of cliffs. Pizzo, with its maze of narrow lanes and 15th-century castle, is a must-visit. Gerace, situated in the Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte, is a fairytale village nicknamed ‘Jerusalem of the Ionian Sea’ due to its religious and cultural sights.

Hit the museums in Reggio Calabria

The Museo Nazionale is the finest museum in the whole of Calabria and is home to the region’s most important collections of archaeological findings. The five-floor space is crammed full of ancient Greek remains, like the carved table from the Sanctuary of Persephone at Locri. The crowning jewel is the Bronzi di Riace, two bronze statues found in the Ionian Sea that date back to the highest period of Greek art in the fifth century BC.

Embark on an adventure in a national park

The Monte Pollino National park spreads across the border of Calabria and Basilicata. It covers vast areas of woodlands, grassy summits and several picturesque villages. The best way to explore is to head out on a hike or on two wheels. Alternatively, you could book a rafting or kayaking tour.

Take a day trip to Parea

Why not join the jet set on a day out in Panarea, the smallest and most exclusive of the Aeolian Islands? You can catch the boat from Tropea and join the island’s glitterati in less than 90 minutes – and be back in time for dinner.

Eating Out in Calabria

Calabria’s sunny climate make for an abundance of fresh, delicious produce. Think sweet red onions, freshly-caught seafood and exceptional wines. Calabrian gastronomy is based on cucina povera (peasant cooking) and many of the region’s most beloved dishes have been passed down from generation to generation. The region is famous for its peperoncino (spicy chilli paper), which is used liberally in ‘nduja, a spicy meaty spread. Street food is a big deal here too, and you’ll find arancini, pizza by the slice and homemade gelato at every turn. If you’re travelling at Christmas, don’t miss turdilli (tiny fried dumplings drizzled with honey).

There are thousands of excellent eateries dotted across the region, but for something extra special try L’A Gourmet L’Accademia. This new and innovative kitchen, headed up by Filippo Cogliandro, serves sensory dishes inspired by local traditions using hyper-local ingredients. Quei Bravi Ragazzi Ropea in Tropea, Le Chicche di Calabria in Pizzo and Bleu de Toi in Scilla are real crowd-pleasers too.

Transport

Airport

There are three main airports in Calabria: Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) in the south-west, Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) in the central west and Crotone-Sant’Anna Airport (CRV) in the central east. Lamezia Terme is the largest airport in Calabria, with daily flights to and from major Italian cities and some international destinations. Most major airlines, including Alitalia, Blue Panorama and Blue Air serve Reggio-Calabria Airport too. Shuttles run regularly from each airport if you’re not driving. You can pick up your car rental at these airports too.

Getting Around Calabria

Most cities and major towns in Calabria are well served by public transport. Urban busses run regularly and the train station in Reggio-Calabria connects the region to other major southern Italian cities too. Ferries and hydro-foils depart daily for the Aeolian Islands and Mesina too. You could even travel as far as Malta if you’re in the mood for an adventure!

However, if you’re looking to travel beyond the major towns and cities and explore the coast and mountains, we recommend hiring a car. Driving will give you the most flexibility and freedom to get off the beaten track.