Calabria, the rugged toe of Italy’s boot, remains one of the country’s most underrated regions. While most travelers flock to Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or Venice, Calabria quietly offers something different—untouched beaches, wild mountain landscapes, ancient villages, and a culture as rich as its sun-drenched soil. The region’s small towns are especially captivating, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Norman legacies live on in architecture, traditions, and cuisine. Here are 10 small Calabrian towns that deserve a spot on every traveler’s radar.
1. Gerace – The Stone City of Churches
Perched high above the Ionian coast, Gerace is a stunning medieval hill town built entirely of stone. Its narrow, winding lanes lead to no fewer than 100 churches, including the awe-inspiring Norman cathedral—one of the largest in southern Italy. The town’s elevated position offers panoramic views of the coastline, while the scent of jasmine and fresh bread wafts through its quiet alleys. Gerace is a living museum of art, faith, and medieval charm.
2. Stilo – A Byzantine Gem in the Hills
Stilo is best known for La Cattolica, a 10th-century Byzantine church with red domes that gleam under the Calabrian sun. But the entire town is a treasure trove of ancient alleys, noble palaces, and scenic walks. Tucked into the slopes of Mount Consolino, Stilo is also the birthplace of philosopher Tommaso Campanella. Its blend of history, architecture, and surrounding nature makes it an unforgettable stop.
3. Scilla – Calabria’s Coastal Fairytale
Often called the “Venice of the South,” Scilla is dramatically situated where rocky cliffs meet the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea. The Chianalea district is its crown jewel—a fishing village where pastel-colored homes cling to the water’s edge and tiny boats bob in the waves. Above it all rises the Castello Ruffo, offering unmatched views across the Strait of Messina. Legend says this was the home of the mythical sea monster Scylla.
4. Roccaforte del Greco – A Greek-Calabrian Time Capsule
Tucked away in the Aspromonte Mountains, Roccaforte del Greco is one of the most remote and culturally distinct villages in Calabria. It’s part of the Grecanic area, where traces of the ancient Greek language and traditions still survive. The rugged landscape, ancient churches, and crumbling stone homes give the town a haunting, timeless quality. Locals continue to celebrate old customs, and the nearby Amendolea river valley offers dramatic hiking opportunities. Roccaforte is ideal for travelers seeking raw beauty and an authentic connection to Calabria’s ancient roots.
5. Morano Calabro – A Miniature Matera
Nestled in the Pollino National Park, Morano Calabro is a picture-perfect town with tightly packed stone houses that cascade down a hill, evoking comparisons to Matera. Dominated by a ruined Norman castle, the town is rich in history and rustic beauty. Hiking trails, fresh mountain air, and hearty local cuisine—like lamb and polenta—make it a serene escape for nature lovers.
6. Pizzo – Home of Tartufo and Cliffside Sunsets
Pizzo is a cheerful seaside town perched on dramatic cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s most famous for inventing the indulgent gelato dessert known as Tartufo di Pizzo. Beyond its sweet legacy, the town boasts colorful piazzas, a picturesque marina, and the intriguing cave church of Piedigrotta. Grab a tartufo, sit by the water, and watch one of the most breathtaking sunsets in southern Italy.
7. Rocca Imperiale – Calabria’s Lemon-Scented Balcony
Perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, Rocca Imperiale is a picturesque town crowned by a 13th-century Swabian castle. The town is famed for its limoni di Rocca Imperiale, fragrant, IGP-certified lemons that are celebrated every July during the local Lemon Festival. Strolling its medieval streets means enjoying sweeping sea views, stone staircases framed with citrus trees, and colorful murals tucked into alleyways. Rocca Imperiale blends agrarian tradition with panoramic charm, making it a delightful stop for those exploring northern Calabria.
8. Civita – The Arbëreshë Cultural Capital
Civita is one of the most unique towns in Calabria, home to a vibrant Arbëreshë (Albanian-Italian) community that has preserved its language and traditions for over 500 years. The town lies in the heart of the Pollino Mountains and is famous for its Raganello Gorge and Devil’s Bridge—an ancient stone crossing above a dramatic canyon. Visit for its folk festivals, cuisine, and unparalleled blend of Italian and Albanian heritage.
9. Squillace – Ceramics, History, and Olive Trees
Squillace, near the Ionian Sea, has a history that dates back to the Greeks. Today it’s known for its exquisite handmade ceramics, crafted using age-old techniques. The town is ringed by olive groves and features a Norman castle, medieval churches, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Squillace. Don’t leave without picking up a hand-painted ceramic plate or vase as a souvenir.
10. Bova – The Eagle’s Nest of Aspromonte
Sitting 900 meters above sea level in the Aspromonte Mountains, Bova is a stronghold of Calabrian-Greek culture and language. Known as the “Eagle’s Nest,” it offers sweeping views of both the Ionian Sea and surrounding peaks. Ancient traditions like Greek Easter celebrations and the unique grecanico dialect are still alive here. Its remote location and proud identity make it one of the most culturally rich villages in the region.
Calabria’s small towns are often overlooked, but that’s exactly what makes them so special. These hidden gems offer a side of Italy untouched by mass tourism—where old men play cards in sun-dappled piazzas, fresh pasta is made by hand, and history clings to every stone. From coastal jewels to mountaintop villages, each town tells a story of resilience, tradition, and breathtaking beauty. If you want to see the real Italy, skip the crowds and head south—Calabria is waiting.
