Discovering Calabria's Food Scene: A 7-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Start the tour with a visit to the historic market of Catanzaro, where you'll explore local products like spicy 'nduja salami and succulent bergamot lemons. Afterward, head to Tropea to taste some of the best red onions in the world at Ristorante La Lamia Sul Mare, which serves classic Calabrian cuisine with a stunning view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
• Day 2: Spend the day in Cosenza, visiting its top-rated traditional bakeries that make hot and fresh 'mbuttuni - a flatbread stuffed with local ingredients. Try the famous 'mbuttu di farru, served with wild mushrooms and spicy 'nduja sausage, at Panificio Bocchicchio.
• Day 3: Head to Vibo Valentia and experience the town's vibrant street food scene by visiting the atmospheric local markets selling fresh seafood, savory arancini, and sweet cannoli. For dinner, taste Calabria's rich pasta varieties, such as lagane with chickpeas and maccaruni with swordfish at Ristorante Allegroitalia Pizzo Calabro.
• Day 4: In Pizzo, learn about the history and culture of traditional gelato making and taste the town's famous tartufo in Gelateria Ciccio. For lunch, try some of the best seafood dishes in Calabria at Ristorante La Lampara, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea over the historical town center.
• Day 5: Visit the small town of Gerace, known for its authentic pizza al taglio - a unique type of thick Roman-style pizza. Try different toppings such as eggplant, dried tomatoes and 'nduja when you stop by Pizzeria Al Taglio Il Torrione.
• Day 6: Venture to the mountain town of Reggio Calabria, in the Aspromonte National Park. Try the delicious local soup made with bitter greens called caponata, best prepared at Agriturismo la Casa di Botro. Pair this with a glass of quality D.O.C. certified red wine.
• Day 7: On your final day, visit Stilo, famous for their 'nduja production. Try the best 'nduja at Azienda Agricola Cuturella, paired with Calabrian wines. Finish the trip with a typical dessert, pitta 'mpigliata, at Pasticceria Bar Sicilia Stilo.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Catanzaro Market (2 hours, free)
• Ristorante La Lamia Sul Mare (1.5 hours, €€€)
• Panificio Bocchicchio (1.5 hours, €)
• Ristorante Allegroitalia Pizzo Calabro (2 hours, €€€)
• Gelateria Ciccio (1 hour, €)
• Ristorante La Lampara (2 hours, €€€)
• Pizzeria Al Taglio Il Torrione (1.5 hours, €)
• Agriturismo la Casa di Botro (2 hours, €€)
• Azienda Agricola Cuturella (2 hours, €)
• Pasticceria Bar Sicilia Stilo (1 hour, €)
Total Estimated Cost: €€€€ (per person)

Transportation:

Since most cities and towns are well-connected by trains and buses, travelling by public transit is the best option. Some locations situated in the mountains might be harder to reach, so it's best to hire a private car or in some cases, a motorcycle. Expect the costs of transportation to be around €50 - €100 per day per person, depending on the mode of transportation and distance covered.

Useful tips:

If you have more time, consider travelling to the Ionian coast to explore the culinary heritage of the Greek-Byzantine era, especially in the towns of Caulonia and Roccella Jonica, where you can find traditional sweets like the 'nzuddhi - almond paste and citrus blossom-filled desserts. Alternatively, you can also visit a farm or a local fisherman to experience some of the locals' unique gastronomic experiences.
If you have less time, we recommend starting the tour from any of the three airports available - Lamezia Terme, Reggio Calabria, and Crotone - to save time and optimize your tour.
Note that the list of restaurants and markets is an example, and you can always choose other places to visit depending on your interests and appetite. Don't hesitate to ask locals for advice and suggestions!