10 Days Foodie Itinerary in Calabria

• Day 1: Start your culinary adventure in Catanzaro, where you can try the famous spicy sausage, nduja. Explore the Centro Storico and visit the Castello Normanno-Svevo. End your day with a dinner at Trattoria degli Artisti.
• Day 2: Head to Pizzo and indulge in the famous dessert, Tartufo. Visit the Murat Castle and enjoy the breathtaking view from the terrace. For lunch, try Ristorante da Ercole.
• Day 3: In Tropea, explore the charming historic center, and visit the incredible Santa Maria dell'Isola overlooking the sea. Have lunch at Il Convivio Tropeano and try the Parmigiana di Zucchine.
• Day 4: Take a food tour in Badolato and try local specialties like 'Nduja, soppressata, caciocavallo cheese, and red onions. Then, visit the medieval village and the Baroque church of San Nicola. Try Il Brigante for a unique dining experience.
• Day 5: Visit the ancient Greek city of Locri and try the Calabrian honey. Then, head to Gerace and admire the beautiful Cathedral, and La Bottega della Pasticceria for delicious pastries.
• Day 6: Explore the charming town of Reggio Calabria, stroll by the seafront promenade, and taste the typical fish soup. Visit the National Museum of Reggio Calabria to see the famous Riace Bronzes. For dinner, try Rosso di Sera.
• Day 7: Take a day trip to Scilla and take a relaxing walk by the sea, and visit the Ruffo Castle. Enjoy a seafood lunch at Trattoria U' Spuntinu.
• Day 8: Visit Cosenza and enjoy its narrow streets, the Duomo and the Castle of Carlo V. Try Caffè Letterario for aperitif time, and don't miss the ricotta cheesecake! Then, make your way to the Parco Nazionale della Sila to experience the local cuisine at Agriturismo Serra del Greco.
• Day 9: Take a cooking class in a small village in the Aspromonte National Park, where you will learn how to prepare traditional dishes like pasta with 'nduja and pork involtini. Finish the day at Ristorante L'Arco dei Sapori in Bova Marina.
• Day 10: Visit Stilo and see the Cattolica di Stilo, an amazing example of Byzantine architecture. Drive to Soverato, and try U'Barracu for a final seafood feast.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Catanzaro and Trattoria degli Artisti (6 hours, €60)
• Pizzo and Ristorante da Ercole (6 hours, €70)
• Tropea and Il Convivio Tropeano (6 hours, €80)
• Badolato and Il Brigante (6 hours, €70)
• Locri and Gerace (6 hours, €60)
• Reggio Calabria and Rosso di Sera (6 hours, €80)
• Scilla and Trattoria U' Spuntinu (6 hours, €70)
• Cosenza and Agriturismo Serra del Greco (6 hours, €80)
• Small village and Ristorante L'Arco dei Sapori (6 hours, €90)
• Stilo and Soverato with U'Barracu (6 hours, €80)
Total Estimated Cost: €730

Transportation

Travelers can rent a car at the Lamezia Terme Airport and drive around Calabria. The cost of a rental car varies from €25 to €150 per day, depending on the car and the rental company. Gas costs around €1.50 per liter. Travel times between cities are usually around 1-2 hours. Remember to drive carefully, as roads can be winding and narrow.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a visit to the archaeological site of Scolacium, the Byzantine village of Stilo, the Aeolian Islands, or explore the Sila National Park. If you have less time, consider skipping some cities or spending less time in each location. Remember to book restaurants in advance, as they can get busy, especially during peak season.