Check out the reviews of tourists about Calabria - the colorful "toe" of the Apennine Peninsula. Travel tips, pros and cons of Calabria in 2021.
Calabria weather reviews
The southern part of Italy is influenced by the mild and warm Mediterranean climate. The high season in the resorts of Calabria lasts from June to October. At the beginning of summer, sea water is warmed up to +20 ... + 21 ° С, in July up to + 25 ° С, and in August up to +27 ... + 28 ° С.
During the height of summer, Calabria has hot and dry weather. During the day, the thermometer rises to +28 ... + 31 ° С, and at night it drops to +23 ... + 24 ° С. The intense heat helps to survive the fresh sea breezes.
The velvet season is very warm. In September it is good as in summer: + 30 ° С during the day and + 22 ° С at night. In October it gets colder up to + 24 ° С. According to tourists, a beach holiday in Calabria ends in the middle of the month, when it is already cool to swim and light rains begin.
Svetlana: "In October, the weather brought a surprise. The first 4 days there was a stunning wind, then it was sunny for 3 days, then long torrential rains with thunderstorms began."
Truly autumnal weather sets in November. True, she does not spoil the impressions of the rest.
Mirosh_Alina: "In November everything is very green around, beautiful flowers, you walk like in a botanical garden."
Tourist enthusiasts love to come to Calabria in winter. According to tourists, the mountainous areas are great for skiing. On the coast, January is similar to our spring: + 14 ° C during the day, and + 7 ° C at night. There is almost no precipitation.
Reviews of tourists about hotels in Calabria
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According to tourists, in the resorts of Calabria there is a large selection of hotels - from luxurious 5 * villas and villas to budget apartments. Vacationers are accepted on the program "all inclusive", "half board" and "breakfast". The most popular option is bed and breakfast. If the beach is far away, guests are taken to the sea by buses.
The key to a successful stay is a good hotel. Read the reviews of tourists about hotels in Calabria and choose the right hotel.
Denis: "The E 'Hotel Reggio di Calabria 4 * super-helpful and friendly staff. Very warm room with carpet and heating."
Yulia: "The Hotel Continental Reggio di Calabria 3 * has a great sea view. Cleaning every day. Delicious breakfasts, simple, but everyone will find something for themselves."
In some reviews of Calabria, tourists noted the disadvantages of local hotels.
Valeriy: "The room in Albanuova Hotel 4 * is cold. We haven’t figured out how it is heated. Breakfast is nowhere worse. There is no parking lot. The shower room is made for midgets."
Reviews about beaches and sea in Calabria
The length of the coastline of Calabria is 780 km. From the west, the region is washed by the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, from the east - by the Ionian. To the northeast is the Gulf of Taranto, and to the southwest is the Strait of Messina, which separates the Italian boot from Sicily. The sea is clean everywhere.
Sandy and pebble beaches alternate with picturesque rocky cliffs. On the shores of the Ionian Sea, the best beaches are in the resorts of Soverato, Copanello, Crotone, Ciro Marina, Rossano, Corigliano Calabro, Sibari and Rocca Imperiale. On the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palmi, Capo Vaticano, Tropea, Amantea, Diamante, Pizzo and Scalea stand out. Many beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for their cleanliness.
Small sandy coves are good for a secluded getaway. Large equipped beaches are loved by parents with children and young people.
Olga0911: "Sellers of towels, jewelry and clothes go to Tropea on the beach. The beach is cleaned every morning, the water in the sea is clear. Stromboli volcano can be seen from the shore in clear weather."
Osstankino: "There is a boat trip and snorkeling office on Shark Bay beach. Departure directly from the beach. Our trip along the coast with stops for swimming around the islands and a small grotto cost 40 EUR for two."
Reviews of tourists about excursions and entertainment
According to tourists' reviews, on vacation in Calabria there are excursions in Russian to natural and historical attractions. Popular trips to the holy monastery of Francis in Paola, the picturesque towns of Pentedattilo, Gerace and Cleto, the mountain villages of Serra San Bruno and Soryano, the cave settlement in Dzungri, and the capital of the region - the city of Reggio di Calabria.
The coast of Calabria is a great place for diving, snorkeling and boat trips. Active tourists are in demand for cycling, hang-gliding and sea fishing.
To plan your holiday in Calabria in 2021, read reviews of tourists on the most memorable places.
DOREMFASOL: "Tropea Diving is a fantastic adventure! I also recommend the Tropea - Capo Vaticano snorkeling boat tour. Professional courses with people who really know how to teach correctly."
anniecarolinafer: "Palmi is located around the fortress of Scilla. From it you can see the beautiful sea. The town is quiet and peaceful. Although they say that famous mafiosi and all kinds of gangs still live in Calabria."
Pros and cons of staying in Calabria
The trip to Calabria in 2019-2020 left a positive impression on tourists. The resorts of southern Italy are not as promoted as Rimini or the island of Capri, but Calabria attracts travelers with its distinctive culture, luxurious nature and low prices.
pros holidays in Calabria in 2021, according to tourists:
- There is no large influx of tourists.
- Warm climate.
- Great beaches.
- Clean sea.
- Great opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Archaeological sites.
- Interesting excursions in Calabria and Sicily.
- Delicious Calabrian cuisine.
- Favorable ecological environment.
- Natural attractions are green hills, vineyards and olive groves.
Klaudia Ziryukina: "Reggio Calabria - huge trees, palms and blooming cacti! In addition to numerous citrus groves, in the vicinity of the city there are bergamot plantations, from which liqueur and perfumery are produced."
Minuses:
- There are no direct regular flights from Russia to Calabria. Charters fly during the season.
- In southern Italy, few people speak English.
- Nutritional problems for toddlers.
Anna_Lapiga: "There is nothing and nowhere to buy for a one-year-old child, except for yoghurts, the sweetness of which makes your cheekbones go down."
The nuances of rest in Calabria
In the center of Calabria there is Lamezia Terme airport, from which it is convenient to get to any resort. Some tourists fly to Naples and come to Calabria by car, bus or train.
In the reviews, tourists are not advised to come on vacation to Calabria in August, when Europeans go on vacations en masse and the coast is overcrowded. If you are dreaming of a quiet holiday by the sea, plan your trip in early summer or fall.
In June and the velvet season, the water on the Ionian coast is warmer than on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Agritourism is developed in Calabria. According to reviews, tourists like to settle in cozy hotel farms. This is convenient for family holidays: parents with children enjoy living in the garden, next to their pets, and try delicious farm products - milk, cheese, fruits and vegetables.
Calabria has excellent free roads. Many cars run on diesel fuel, so renting a car is inexpensive. Rent a comfortable car and go on a self-guided tour of Italy!
Elena Lipatova: "The speed on secondary roads is not high, we drove an average of 50 km / h, there were limits of 20 km / h."