Calabria Family-Friendly Itinerary in 10 Days

• Day 1: Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria which showcases ancient Greek artifacts and stunning bronze sculptures, followed by a stroll along the Corso Garibaldi promenade to enjoy the panoramic sea view.
• Day 2: Explore the seafront village of Scilla, known for its charming colorful houses, the Castle of Ruffo, and the stunning Chianalea di Scilla with its narrow alleys and traditional fishing boats.
• Day 3: Take a boat tour to the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO world heritage site, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lipari, Vulcano, and Stromboli, famous for its explosive volcanic eruptions.
• Day 4: Visit the famous Bronzi di Riace at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria, two ancient Greek bronze statues discovered in the sea in 1972, and then head to the medieval hilltop town of Gerace with its impressive Norman castle and striking Cathedral of Gerace, known for its Byzantine architecture.
• Day 5: Spend the day at Tropea, a beautiful coastal town with a dramatic location overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, and relax on the beach while admiring the stunning Santa Maria dell'Isola Monastery.
• Day 6: Enjoy a day trip to the Sila National Park, a vast natural area with beautiful lakes, dense forests, and breathtaking scenery, and visit the charming villages of San Giovanni in Fiore and Lorica.
• Day 7: Visit the Castello Aragonese di Le Castella, a stunning 16th-century fortress surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and then take a walk in the San Giovanni in Fiore Abbey complex, one of the most important Calabrian monasteries.
• Day 8: Explore the charming historic district of Cosenza, known as the "Florence of the South," with its impressive medieval castle, ancient Roman theater, and beautiful palaces, churches, and museums.
• Day 9: Spend a day at the Capo Vaticano, a natural paradise with stunning cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and secluded beaches, and enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the traditional restaurants in the area.
• Day 10: Visit the charming village of Pizzo Calabro, known for its famous Tartufo ice cream and the beautiful Aragonese Castle, and take a walk in the charming historic district with its beautiful palaces, churches, and squares.

Time and Costs Estimates

• National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria (2 hrs, Free)
• Scilla (4 hrs, Free)
• Aeolian Islands boat tour (8 hrs, €60 per person)
• Bronzi di Riace & Gerace (6 hrs, €10 per person)
• Tropea (4 hrs, Free)
• Sila National Park (8 hrs, Free)
• Le Castella & San Giovanni in Fiore Abbey (6 hrs, €6 per person)
• Cosenza (4 hrs, Free)
• Capo Vaticano (8 hrs, Free)
• Pizzo Calabro (4 hrs, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs (excl. accommodation & food): €76 per person

Transportation

Calabria is well connected by train, bus, and ferry services, which are affordable and convenient. It is recommended to rent a car to explore the region better, considering some of the locations in the itinerary are not easily accessible by public transport. Car rental costs start from €20 per day, and fuel costs are relatively cheap. The estimated overall travel cost for 10 days is €200 per person.

Useful Tips

For those with more time, it is recommended to spend a few days in Reggio Calabria to explore its beautiful historic district. It is also worth visiting the picturesque village of Gerace, known for its stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For those with less time, it is possible to skip the Aeolian Islands boat tour and Sila National Park trip, but they are highly recommended for nature lovers. It is also possible to add a day trip to the charming medieval town of Stilo, with its beautiful Byzantine Cattolica di Stilo church, or spend a day at the seaside town of Soverato, known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.