Hotels in Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria: Strait of Messina and the Bronzes of Riace

Reggio Calabria sits at the southern tip of mainland Italy, facing Sicily across the Strait of Messina — a crossing of just 3 km. Founded by Greek colonists around 720 BC as Rhegion, the city retains traces of that ancient past in its archaeological layers. The Lungomare Falcomatà, a seafront promenade stretching roughly 3 km along the Strait, frames views of Mount Etna on clear days. The Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia houses the Bronzi di Riace — two 5th-century BC bronze warriors recovered from the seabed in 1972 and widely considered among the finest surviving examples of Greek sculpture.

Where to Stay

Most hotels concentrate along the Corso Garibaldi corridor and the seafront near Piazza Indipendenza. The Archi and Tremulini districts offer quieter alternatives a short ride from the centre. Travellers arriving by train use Reggio Calabria Centrale station, served by intercity connections from Naples (approx. 4 hours) and Rome.

Practical Tips

• Bronzi di Riace: Book museum entry in advance during July–August; capacity limits apply.
• Ferry to Sicily: Frequent crossings depart from the port adjacent to the central station; journey time is under 30 minutes.
• Bergamot: The city produces the majority of the world's bergamot — look for local products at shops along Corso Garibaldi.
• Climate: Summers are dry and hot; September and October offer milder temperatures for sightseeing.