I have been to Italy twice and most recently I visited Naples, Amalfi Coast and Sicily. I love southern Italy and would really like to return to visit Calabria, where my ancestors are from, but everywhere I look there is hardly any information on this region. I am aware of it’s history of poverty and high levels of immigration after Italy’s unification but the coastal areas, Greek ruins, small rural villages and Unesco natural areas sure seem like wonderful places to visit. Does anyone know where to find more information on this region or have travel tips for me? Thanks!
Posted by
US
605 posts
You could start here: https://turismo.reggiocal.it/en?id=37&showfirst=true&lang=en-US
I've only been to Reggio Calabria to see the Riace Bronzes. Well worth it, for me. Happy planning!
Posted by
Phoenix🌵
3097 posts
Do you know which village your ancestors are from? In 2019 my sister-in-law and I drove from Naples to Mongrassano where her grandparents were from. Tiny village, doesn’t even have a hotel so we stayed overnight 3 miles away. The nicest people. Most didn’t speak English but tried to help us find where the ancestors had lived.
There is no good guide to Calabria. I did a lot of internet research. Unfortunately, we did not have time to explore the Cosenza area. You will need to rent a car. Public transportation to the tiny villages doesn’t exist
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2309 posts
You might enjoy reading Mark Rotella's book Stolen Figs. He is an American who has family in Calabria.
Posted by
washington, dc, us
27 posts
Have you read Karen Haid's book Calabria: The Other Italy or browsed her website? https://karenhaid.com/
She and Cherrye Moore of My Bella Vita seem to be the English-speaking world's No.1 experts on Calabria travel.
(I'm going back soon to take Italian classes in Amantea, but even after six visits I can't claim to be an expert on Calabria.)
Posted by
washington, dc, us
27 posts
Another thought: If you're the kind of person who enjoys having your hands busy while learning about Calabrian culinary history these people are very, very nice: https://www.lacuocacalabrese.com/