Exploring Calabria: A 7 Day Budget Itinerary

Calabria, the toe of Italy's boot, is a hidden gem bursting with breathtaking coastlines, rich history, and mouth-watering cuisine. For UK travelers eager to experience this stunning region without overspending, having a solid plan is essential. This post details a 7-day itinerary along with a budget breakdown for flights, accommodation, food, and transportation, ensuring you enjoy all the best sites without breaking the bank.

Day 1: Arrival in Reggio Calabria

Flights

Start your adventure with a flight from the UK to Reggio Calabria. Depending on the season and how early you book, round-trip flights can vary from £100 to £250. Booking in advance or traveling during the off-peak season might help you snag better deals. To make sure you’re getting the best value, you can use Farely to easily compare flight prices across multiple airlines.

Accommodation

Upon arrival, settle into a budget-friendly hotel or guesthouse. Choices like Hotel Medinblu or B&B La Casa di Giulia provide comfortable stays starting around £50 per night. Staying in the heart of the city allows easy access to local attractions.

Food

For your first meal, explore a local trattoria. A traditional Calabrian meal typically costs around £15. Dishes like pasta alla nduja—pasta with a spicy, spreadable salami unique to Calabria—are a must-try.

A cozy outdoor dining area in a Calabrian trattoria

Evening Stroll

After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along Lungomare, the waterfront promenade. You can soak in the stunning views of the Strait of Messina and perhaps enjoy a gelato from a nearby vendor—a perfect way to end your first evening.

Day 2: Explore Reggio Calabria

Morning: National Archaeological Museum

Begin your day at the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria. The museum is home to the famous Riace Bronzes, two ancient Greek statues that date back to the 5th century BC. Entry is approximately £10, which is well worth it for the rich history you’ll encounter.

Afternoon: Castello Aragonese

In the afternoon, visit the Castello Aragonese, a historic fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Entry is around £5. Walk through the castle’s ancient walls and imagine the history that unfolded within.

Evening: Dinner and Local Wine

For dinner, visit a local pizzeria. A pizza paired with a drink will cost you about £12. Make sure to try Pizza di Calabria, which often features local ingredients like spicy sausage or fresh vegetables. Local wine can be enjoyed for around £5 a glass, letting you savor the flavors of the region.

Day 3: Day Trip to Scilla

Transportation

Catch a train from Reggio Calabria to Scilla, which costs about £5 each way. The scenic ride takes around 30 minutes.

Activities

Spend your day in the charming seaside village of Scilla. Relax on the beautiful beach known for its soft sand and clear waters. Visit the historic district of Chianalea, famous for its picturesque houses nestled along the coastline.

Lunch

Savor a lunch of fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant. Dishes like grilled squid or spaghetti with clams start around £15, offering a delightful taste of Calabrian cuisine.

Evening Return

Head back to Reggio Calabria in the evening. Grab a light dinner at a local café for about £10. Consider trying a delicious calzone stuffed with local cheeses.

Day 4: Tropea and Capo Vaticano

Transportation

Travel by train to Tropea, which costs about £7 and takes approximately 1 hour.

Morning: Tropea

Explore Tropea, famous for its stunning cliffs and beaches. A must-visit is the Santa Maria dell'Isola, a picturesque church sitting perched on a cliff, which is free to enter.

Lunch

Grab lunch at a local eatery. You can enjoy traditional dishes like soppressata, a cured meat, for around £12.

Afternoon: Capo Vaticano

In the afternoon, journey to Capo Vaticano, known for breathtaking views and clear waters. Spend some time sunbathing or swimming at its beautiful beaches, reputed to be among the best in Italy.

Evening: Dinner in Tropea

For dinner, partake in a meal in Tropea before returning to Reggio Calabria. Expect to spend around £15 on pasta or risotto made with locally-sourced ingredients.

Day 5: Aspromonte National Park

Transportation

Rent a car for the day to explore Aspromonte National Park. Rentals start at about £30 per day. Having a car allows you to reach hidden gems within the park more easily.

Activities

Hike the trails in the park and discover stunning landscapes and hidden waterfalls. Pack a picnic lunch for around £5 per person. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings while savoring local delicacies like pane di Cerchiara, a traditional bread.

Evening: Return to Reggio Calabria

After an adventurous day, return to Reggio Calabria. Treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant, where a meal will set you back about £15. Sample some local favorites like spaghetti al pomodoro, a simple yet delicious dish.

Day 6: Visit Locri and Gerace

Transportation

Drive to Locri, only about an hour's drive from Reggio Calabria.

Morning: Locri

Explore the archaeological site of Locri Epizefiri, an ancient Greek settlement with entry costing around £8. Marvel at the well-preserved ruins and learn about the history of this fascinating area.

Afternoon: Gerace

Continue to Gerace, a scenic hilltop town with stunning views. Visit the impressive Gerace Castle for around £5. The castle's unique architecture and history will captivate your imagination.

Lunch

Dine in Gerace, where a hearty meal will cost about £12. Enjoy local dishes, perhaps featuring seasonal vegetables and regional cheeses.

Evening: Return to Reggio Calabria

Return for your final dinner at a local favorite in Reggio Calabria. A delicious meal will run you approximately £15, making sure to say farewell with some classic Calabrian dishes.

Day 7: Departure

Last-Minute Shopping

Before you head home, take some time for last-minute shopping in Reggio Calabria. Look for local specialties like high-quality olive oil and ‘nduja, a spicy, spreadable salami that makes a unique souvenir.

Transportation to Airport

Take a taxi to the airport, which will cost around £20, ensuring you arrive hassle-free for your departure.

Budget Breakdown

• Flights £100 - £250

• Accommodation (6 nights) £300

• Food (7 days) £140

• Transportation £80

• Activities £50

• Total £970 - £1,050

Lasting Memories Await

Calabria is a region offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and delicious cuisine, making it perfect for UK travelers. This 7-day budget itinerary allows you to experience all it has to offer without overspending. From the exquisite beaches of Tropea to the historic sites of Reggio Calabria, your adventure in this beautiful part of Italy will certainly be unforgettable.

Whether hiking through Aspromonte National Park or indulging in a meal at a local trattoria, Calabria invites you to create lasting memories. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the enchanting wonders of Calabria!