Holidays in Calabria
Tropea clings to cliffs above turquoise water, Pizzo is the birthplace of the tartufo ice cream and Capo Vaticano offers unspoilt bays. Calabria is Italy's best-kept secret. Reachable from the Netherlands via Lamezia Terme (SUF) with one connection. Week from around EUR400 per person excluding flights.
✈️ Plan your trip to Calabria →Updated 4 August 2026
When is the best time to visit Calabria?
June and September are ideal: pleasantly warm (25 to 27 degrees Celsius), swimmable sea and 20 to 40 percent lower prices than in peak season. July and August are hot (28 to 30 degrees) but crowded and more expensive. April and May are excellent for culture and nature in the Pollino National Park. Winter is mild but less suitable for a beach holiday.
The best places in Calabria
- Tropea The queen of the Calabrian coast: a village perched on cliffs above turquoise water, with the iconic Santa Maria dell'Isola church on a rock. Try the famous red onion (cipolla rossa di Tropea) produced here.
- Pizzo A charming clifftop town on the Tyrrhenian Sea, famous for the tartufo di Pizzo: an ice cream ball filled with chocolate. Also visit the Castello Murat.
- Capo Vaticano A cape with spectacular cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear water around 10 km from Tropea. On clear days you can see the island of Stromboli smoking.
- Scilla A quiet fishing village on the Strait of Messina with views of Sicily. The Chianalea quarter has houses whose front doors open directly onto the sea.
- Reggio Calabria The end of the train line from Lamezia, home of the famous Bronzi di Riace: two fifth-century Greek bronze warrior statues in the National Archaeological Museum.
Top 5 sights in the region
- Santa Maria dell'Isola, Tropea Iconic church on a rock above the sea. The church itself is free; the garden and panoramic terrace cost EUR2 to 3. Visit at sunset for the most beautiful light.
- Castello Murat, Pizzo Historic fort where Napoleon's brother-in-law Joachim Murat was executed in 1815. Entry EUR5 (reduced EUR3.50). Hours vary by season: mornings 09:00 to 13:00 and afternoons 15:00 to 19:00.
- Capo Vaticano beaches Free beaches with crystal-clear water. Some sun loungers at organised beach clubs are for hire; wild swimming from the rocks is always possible.
- Scilla and the Chianalea The "Venice of the South" has houses with front doors straight into the sea. Fresh swordfish during the season (May to August). Village and beach access free.
- National Archaeological Museum Reggio Calabria (MArRC) Home to the Bronzi di Riace, considered the finest antique bronzes in the world. Entry EUR10 (adults), EUR2 (18 to 25), free for children and seniors. Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 to 20:00.
Flights and transport from the Netherlands
There are no direct flights from the Netherlands to Lamezia Terme (SUF). The most affordable option is a one-stop flight via platforms such as Skyscanner or Kayak, available from around EUR68 return. Popular routes run via Rome Fiumicino (ITA Airways), Milan Bergamo (Ryanair) or Naples. From the airport to Tropea the regional train runs in 43 to 65 minutes for around EUR5 (up to 19 connections per day, first at 07:06). A taxi to Tropea costs around EUR172 to 246 for the car. For Pizzo around EUR141 to 203 per taxi. For exploring Capo Vaticano, Scilla and the Pollino National Park a rental car is recommended, available via DiscoverCars at Lamezia Terme Airport, typically EUR20 to 35 per day in the shoulder season.
How much does a holiday in Calabria cost?
Hostels in Tropea cost EUR9 to 15 per night, simple B&Bs EUR35 to 55 and mid-range hotels EUR60 to 100. Food is affordable: coffee and croissant at a bar EUR2 to 4, pasta at a trattoria EUR12 to 20, dinner at an osteria EUR25 to 40. A tartufo di Pizzo costs EUR4 to 6. Calabria is 30 to 40 percent cheaper than northern Italian tourist destinations. For a week all-in (excluding flights) budget on EUR400 to 550 as a backpacker and EUR700 to 1,000 as a mid-range traveller.
Insider tip: Civita, the Albanian mountain village
While everyone heads to Tropea, the village of Civita remains almost unknown to foreign tourists. This Albanian-Italian village was founded in the fifteenth century by refugees fleeing the Ottomans. It has around ten permanent residents and its own language (Arberisht). The Devil's Bridge spans the spectacular Raganello gorge in the Pollino National Park. Around 2.5 hours by car from the airport; best done as a day trip with a rental car.
Useful travel guides
Practical tips for your trip to Italy:
Frequently asked questions about Calabria
When is the best time to visit Calabria?
June and September are ideal: 25 to 27 degrees Celsius, swimmable sea and 20 to 40 percent lower prices than in August.
How do I get from the Netherlands to Calabria?
There are no direct flights from the Netherlands to Lamezia Terme (SUF). The cheapest option is a one-stop flight, available from around EUR68 return via platforms such as Skyscanner.
How do I travel from Lamezia Terme to Tropea?
The train from Lamezia Terme to Tropea costs around EUR5 and takes 43 to 65 minutes. Up to 19 trains per day, first at 07:06.
How much does a holiday in Calabria cost?
Hostels in Tropea cost EUR9 to 15 per night, mid-range hotels EUR35 to 80. A week all-in (excluding flights) costs a backpacker EUR400 to 550 and a mid-range traveller EUR700 to 1,000.
Do I need a rental car in Calabria?
For Tropea and Pizzo the train is sufficient. For Capo Vaticano, Scilla and the Pollino National Park a car is handy; prices start around EUR20 to 35 per day.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Calabria?
Hotels and holiday rentals in Tropea and the surrounding area on the map. Click for live prices and direct booking.
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