Calabria Travel Guide

If Mediterranean oases are your thing, look no further than Calabria. Untamed, unspoiled and thoroughly inspired, this breathtaking region is all about long beaches and mountain wilderness. Castles pepper the dramatic coast, while archeological treasures crowd the museums. Remnants of the region’s illustrious Greek past are most evident in Reggio. The city’s pride and joy are the remarkable Riace Bronzes, housed in the Museo Nazionale. The warrior statues, dating back to the 5th century BC, were rescued from the sea in 1972 and are rumored to be the most valuable Greek sculptures in the world. Though imposing cliffs and unexploited beaches are the region’s biggest draw, there are plenty of options for those who like mixing it up. Listen for mermaids off the Scillan coast, party with university kids in the culture-rich city of Cosenza; take a moonlight bike ride in the national park. Anything goes in this oasis.