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Helena Blackburn
Cristytravels
Your Italian adventure begins as you touch down at Reggio Calabria Airport (REG). Pick up your rental car and head to the hotel! (Since you never know when abroad, we almost always rent our cars through Expedia when traveling just to stay on the safe side). We stayed at Hotel Medin Blu for the next two nights. The staff were super friendly, and the location was right in the city centre, making it easy to access transportation , restaurants and tourist attractions. At night, you can walk the boardwalk and find gelato on every corner.
Reggio Calabria is famous for its beautiful coastline, historical sites, and as the home of the stunning Riace Bronzes, ancient Greek statues that are a must-see!
After morning coffee and breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Cinquefrondi, an hour’s drive away. Cinquefrondi can be a great day trip destination, offering a convenient way to explore the region. If you have heard of Italy famously selling homes for €1, this is the town where you will find such real estate. This charming town offers a taste of local life and southern Italian hospitality. You will not find any tourists in this town whatsoever. 
Locals are friendly and welcoming. Here you can see and explore real-life living in Italy away from all tourism. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your future home.
Around midday, we drove into Vibo Valentia for lunch. This town is known for its historical significance and beautiful architecture. Since we have relatives that live here, we were invited in to have one of the most memorable Italian meals of my life!
Best ways to travel through southern Italy?
The best way to explore southern Italy is by car. It gives you the flexibility to visit small towns and scenic spots that aren’t always accessible by public transportation.
Bid goodbye to Calabria and take a ferry to Sicily.
Here we decided to stay at the Marriott Hotel in Giardini Naxos just a 23-minute drive from Taormina. If you are looking to stay in the heart of Taormina, look for something near the Teatro Antico. For a luxury experience, I can confidently recommend Grand Hotel Timeo located just outside the Teatro entrance. This is the most picturesque hotel in the area.
Once you arrive, make sure to explore the charming town of Taormina. For a more enriching experience, consider taking a guided tour of the Teatro Antico, an Ancient Greek theater, which will provide deeper insights into its history and significance. Upon arrival, you might notice a long line at the entrance to purchase tickets; you can skip the line and purchase tickets on Get Your Guide here and won’t have to wait. Although the theater and history itself is impressive, the viewpoint from the top of it was, for me, even better.
Afterwards, spend some time strolling through the picturesque town and doing some shopping. They are known here for their beautiful handmade ceramics and famous gelato.
Can you travel by train through southern Italy?
Yes, traveling by train is an option in southern Italy, especially for major routes. However, for this trip, a car is more convenient for reaching less accessible destinations.
Some images from our day in Taromina
After breakfast, drive an hour and a half to Syracuse. This city, once a powerful Greek city-state, is rich in history. Visit the “Ear of Dionysius,” a limestone cave shaped like a human ear, and take a boat tour around Ortigia, the enchanting island next to Syracuse, full of beautiful cave entrances and sea life. Afterwards, take some time to explore the city before heading back.
Best time to visit southern Italy?
The best time to visit is from April to June or September to October, when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner.
Leave Sicily behind and return to the Calabria region via ferry. Stop in Scilla, a picturesque coastal town, before continuing along the coastline to Capo Vaticano and Tropea. In Tropea, you can enjoy incredible boat tours with scenic views and cave explorations. Tropea’s coastline boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, with crystal-clear waters and soft, sandy shores. The Calabria region is also known for its incredible beaches, offering white-sand shores and clear turquoise waters. Find a spot on the public beach or opt for a beach club—either way, sit back and soak in la dolce vita!
Lamezia Terme, located in the heart of Calabria, offers a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. We stayed at Hotel Marechiaro. This hotel has a great location right on the beach, is newly renovated and they offer great deals. The food and overall “restaurant” in the hotel is nothing special, but of you’re looking for a good deal right on the beach its great.
Start by exploring the Norman Castle, which has panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. From there, visit the stunning Terme di Caronte, natural thermal baths known for their therapeutic properties. Wander through the historic district of Nicastro, where you can admire ancient churches like the Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo. Don’t miss a stroll through the scenic Sambiase area, renowned for its vineyards and olive groves. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Lamezia Terme has something for everyone.
What cities are in southern Italy?
Southern Italy includes cities like Naples, Bari, Reggio Calabria, Taranto, and Palermo, each offering unique experiences and attractions.
Depending on your departure time, you can spend the last day revisiting one of your favorite spots or discovering a new town before departing from SUF airport in Lamezia Terme.
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