What to see in Reggio Calabria in 2 days: complete itinerary

What to see in Reggio Calabria in 2 days

Reggio Calabria is a city that surprises. Overlooking the Strait of Messina, with Mount Etna rising on the horizon on clear days, it offers a millennial cultural heritage and an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. This 2-day itinerary will guide you through absolute masterpieces and secret corners.

Day 1: The historic centre and the Riace Bronzes

Morning

Start your day at the **National Museum of Magna Graecia**, one of Italy's most important archaeological museums. Here you'll find the famous Riace Bronzes, two Greek statues from the 5th century BC of extraordinary beauty. Allow at least two hours for the visit: beyond the Bronzes, the museum houses the Philosopher's Head and artefacts from the Greek colonies of Locri and Medma.

From the museum, walk along Corso Garibaldi northward. This pedestrian thoroughfare is the beating heart of the city, lined with Liberty-style buildings reconstructed after the 1908 earthquake. Stop at the **Church of the Ottimati**, with its Norman mosaic floor.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the **Aragonese Castle**. The fortress dominates the city from the hill and hosts temporary exhibitions. From here the view stretches from the Strait to Aspromonte.

Descend toward the **Cathedral**, Calabria's largest, rebuilt in neo-Romanesque style. Inside, admire the Chapel of the Sacrament. Continue to the **Church of San Giorgio al Corso**, called the "little temple" for its neoclassical facade.

Hidden gem: take Via Giudecca into the old Jewish quarter. The narrow streets preserve the medieval pre-earthquake layout, one of the few surviving patches of ancient city.

Evening

Devote sunset to the **Lungomare Falcomatà**, defined by D'Annunzio as "Italy's most beautiful kilometre." Stroll among centennial magnolia-leaf ficus trees, palms and contemporary sculptures while the sun sets behind Sicily. Dine at one of the restaurants overlooking the Strait: swordfish Reggio-style is unmissable.

Day 2: The hills, the sea and surroundings

Morning

Climb to **Pentimele**, the hilltop neighbourhood offering the most spectacular panorama of the Strait. The viewpoint is little visited by tourists but rewards with a 180-degree view. Continue to the **Parco della Mondialità** in the upper zone: paths through olive groves and Mediterranean scrub.

Descend toward the **Civic Art Gallery** on Via De Nava, housing works by Antonello da Messina and Mattia Preti. It's a small jewel often ignored by guidebooks.

Afternoon

Head south along the coast to **Capo d'Armi** and Lazzaro beach. The waters here are crystal clear and the rocky coastline recalls Greece. If you prefer staying in the city, the Lido Comunale offers a stretch of free beach with views of Sicily.

Cultural alternative: visit the **Roman Baths** on Via Marina, remains of a 2nd-century AD thermal complex discovered during post-earthquake reconstruction, and the small Bergamot Museum, dedicated to the city's signature citrus fruit.

Evening

End your trip with a walk along the **Lungomare Italo Falcomatà** southern section, less crowded. Stop at the Athena Promachos monument and enjoy a bergamot gelato at one of the artisan gelaterias in the centre.

Recommended walking routes

• **Monumental route** (3 km): National Museum → Corso Garibaldi → Cathedral → Aragonese Castle → Lungomare
• **Panoramic route** (4 km): Southern Lungomare → Pentimele climb → viewpoint → descent via Via Reggio Campi

Practical tips

• The museum is closed on Mondays; Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-20:00
• The Lungomare is perfect for evening strolls (the locals' "vasca")
• Bergamot is the quintessential local product: try it in tea, desserts and liqueurs
• The Strait can be crossed in 20 minutes by hydrofoil for a day trip to Messina

Further reading

• [Where to stay in Reggio Calabria](/guida/dove-dormire-a-reggio-calabria)
• [Where to eat in Reggio Calabria](/guida/dove-mangiare-a-reggio-calabria)
• [How to get to Reggio Calabria](/guida/come-arrivare-a-reggio-calabria)