Reggio Calabria: Discover Culture, Coast and Aspromonte

Reggio Calabria combines museums and historic buildings with public spaces by the water. In the wider surrounding region lie Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte and Costa Viola.

Cultural history between museum and fortress

The Bronzi di Riace are Greek bronze sculptures from the 5th century BC. At the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia, the permanent exhibition with 220 display cases on four exhibition levels tells the story of Calabria from prehistory to the Roman era. Level −1 of the MArRC also provides access to the Hellenistic necropolis. The Palazzo Piacentini, which houses this museum, was the first palace built exclusively for a museum exhibition.

The Castello Aragonese was founded during the Byzantine period between the 9th and 11th centuries. Its parts visible today include two battlement-crowned round towers from the Aragonese period in the south, connected by a defensive wall. Today, the Castello Aragonese hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events.

The Pinacoteca Civica also focuses on art and the history of the city. It preserves and displays mainly works of art belonging to the municipality of Reggio Calabria. The older works date from the 15th to the 19th century and originate from the collections of the former Museo Civico. The exhibition tour comprises eleven rooms divided into five sections. Authentic Roman columns can also be found in the Villa Comunale Umberto I.

Lungomare, theatre and activities by the water

The Lungomare Falcomatà is the natural extension of the historic centre of Reggio Calabria. The Arena dello Stretto is a modern theatre inspired by the ancient theatrical tradition of Magna Graecia. The Arena dello Stretto hosts film, music and theatre events; music and theatre events take place during the city’s summer season.

The Parco Urbano – Il Tempietto is located on the Lungomare Italo Falcomatà. The extensive, upgraded area is designed for sport, art, culture and leisure.

Reggio Calabria also has numerous gelaterias, particularly in the old town and along the Lungomare.

For water sports, Punta Pellaro is located on the Ionian coast of Reggio Calabria: the area is suitable for kitesurfing. In the wider surrounding region of Reggio Calabria, Costa Viola is known for the purple reflections of its waves at sunset and for its terraced slopes above the sea.

Aspromonte and a cycle route as regional additions

A large part of the area in the wider surroundings of Reggio Calabria lies within Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte. On the Tyrrhenian side there are pine forests, while on the Ionian side there are beech forests.

The Gambarie–Reggio Calabria stage of the Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria connects countryside and city. It reaches the Arena dello Stretto via a cycle path near the coast. The Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria ends at the Lungomare Falcomatà in Reggio Calabria. For cycling travellers, the stage thus connects Gambarie with the city’s waterfront spaces.

How to get to Reggio Calabria

Piazza Garibaldi railway station is served by national long-distance trains and also offers regional rail connections. The airport is connected to Reggio Calabria by ATAM scheduled buses and can also be reached by train via Reggio Calabria Aeroporto station.

More places for planning your trip: Bianco, Scilla, Villa San Giovanni, Taureana, Roccella Ionica, Riace Marina, Reggio Di Calabria, Palmi, Marina Di Gioiosa Ionica, Lazzaro, Gerace, Cittanova, Bovalino Marina, Laureana Di Borrello, San Roberto, San Lorenzo, Pozzi, Motta San Giovanni, Oppido Mamertina, Favazzina, Acquacalda, Santa Domenica, Melito Di Porto Salvo, Gioia Tauro, Seminara, Tritanti, Spina, Monasterace, Brancaleone, Bocale, Bova Marina, Monasterace Marina, Condofuri Marina, Locri, Ardore Marina, Sant'alessio In Aspromonte, Cosoleto, Santa Cristina D'aspromonte, Bagnara Calabra, Gallico, Caulonia, Santo Stefano In Aspromonte, Polistena, Delianuova, Varapodio, Siderno, Galatro, Portigliola, Bruzzano Zeffirio, Gioiosa Ionica, Palizzi, San Ferdinando, Oliveto, Marina Di Caulonia, Martone, Gambarie, San Luca, Pellaro, Stignano, Agnana Calabra, Benestare, Mammola, Condofuri, Stilo, Pentidattilo, Camini, Marina di San Lorenzo, Spropolo, Bivongi, Ferruzzano, Saline Joniche, Brancaleone Superiore.

To the higher-level travel overview: Calabria.