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Vespa drives towards blood orange sunsets, ancient monuments millenniavillage hopping through picturesque Tuscany: Italy is probably Europe’s most sought-after destination, whatever the season, and it requires no introduction.
From the winding cobbled streets of Rome’s Trastevere to the romantic setting on the Amalfi Coast, the area is bustling with tourists all year round, making it slightly less attractive to the wary of those who enjoy peace and quiet .
Well, if only they were looking for the idyllic dolce vita beyond the most obvious tourist hotspots…
Welcome to Reggio Calabria, Italy’s unheard-of winter sun capital
Located in the very south of Italy, where we like to call it the toe of the boot – – in reference to Italy’s unusual geographical shape ––Reggio Calabria is one of the oldest cities in the countrywith a history spanning at least 3,500 years, and strangely enough, it is among the most underrated.
Reggio (as it is commonly abbreviated) was founded by Greek colonists in time immemorial and became an important trading center in the Mediterranean in its heyday.
This was due to its strategic location, opposite the island of Sicily across the Strait of Messina.
As you might expect, over the centuries, as it grew from a quaint port town to a bustling seaside city home to more than 172,000 people, it has amassed the kind of cultural wealth that only the hubs of the Old World could aspire to – we’ve got it about stately villas, monumental baroque basilicas and fairytale castles.
Ancient palaces and $12 pizza
Perhaps the most iconic monument in the city, Castello Aragonese, is a Byzantine castle distinguished by its crenellated towerswhich house not only a treasury and royal tombs, but also commandos incredible views of the maze of vibrant thoroughfares that is Reggio.
There are plenty of others palazzi in the city, which often hosts art exhibitions, two of the most visited being the Palazzo Tommaso Campanella, formerly home to the philosopher of the same name, and the Palazzo Corrado Alvaro, where the acclaimed Italian author is said to have spent most of his days .
If you like ancient history, the National Museum of Magna Grecia has an extensive collection of Greek, Roman and prehistoric artefacts, and for our fellow foodies it is the same cheap food in abundance in the Centro Storico (where most attractions are centered).
For $12 pizza and a no-nonsense environment, Torrefazione Due.Zero is a local favorite; the creamiest pistachio gelato to ever grace your lips? Gelato Cesare is your favorite place; pasta where you squeeze your fingers just like the emoji? Sotto Le Stelle is the place to go!
Pleasant autumn and winter temperatures
Aside from its fascinating culture and delectable cuisine, Reggio Calabria is best known as the gateway to the mountain-crossed Aspromonte National Park, where beech and pine trees provide shelter for Apennine wolves, wild deer and other Mediterranean wildlife.
Thanks to its southern location, tourists who go to Reggio also benefit from a unusually mild winter weather for a destination in mainland Europe – remember that balmy Sicily, one of the continent’s warmest destinations, is just across the strait.
Expect daily highs of 68°F in December, rarely below 52°F at night, and much less precipitation compared to the north of the country: on average, it rains only 9 days in the wettest period of the month, and snows on the coast is unheard of.
Undisturbed sand, miles long
Despite the pleasant temperatures, it may be a bit too cold this time of year for a swim, but if you’re used to the yellowish water of the North Atlantic Ocean – anyone coming here from the east coast? – a lukewarm Mediterranean Sea should not be an obstacle.
While the water temperature is still an acceptable 64.4°Fyou might feel encouraged to run to the crystal-clear sea at Spiaggia La Sorgente, the inviting beach along Reggio’s waterfront, or to Spiaggia della Rocca del Capo, just south of the city, with its steep slopes and secluded coves.
More endless beaches await at Spiaggia Di Scilla, north of Reggio Calabria, where you can sunbathe with views of the Strait of Messina and Sicily in the distance, while Punta Pellaro boasts powdery white sand and turquoise water.
How cheap is Reggio Calabria to visit?
The average price for a 3-night hotel stay in Reggio Calabria a reasonable $224 this season, as noted by Budget your tripwith five of the highest rated hotels within walking distance of the beach, namely:
- Hotel Continental – $65 per night
- Hotel Medinbu – $115 per night
- E’Hotel – $106 per night
- Grand Hotel Excelsior – $149 per night
- Torrione Hotel – $90 per night
According to the latter Skyscanner Trends According to the report, Reggio Calabria will be the fastest growing destination in the world by 2025, with searches for flights to Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) increasing by as much as 541% year-on-year.
There are no direct flights from the United States or Canada to Reggio Calabria, but you can get there easily via one-stop routes connecting in Rome or Milan, or via a wide range of secondary European destinations, be it London (Stansted ), Barcelona or Dublin.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
