Where to Stay in Calabria: Best Towns and Hotels for Your Trip
Calabria is one of Italy’s most underrated regions, with stunning coastlines, historic villages, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxing trip. When deciding where to stay in Calabria, it all comes down to the experience you want. Wake up to cliffside views in Tropea, unwind on a quiet beach in Zambrone, or explore a mountain village steeped in history. Calabria has it all—the key is choosing the right base to make the most of your trip.
On our trip, we stayed in Tropea and Zambrone, two beautiful coastal towns that gave us a mix of lively atmosphere and quiet beach time. Tropea, with its dramatic cliffs and buzzing streets, felt like the perfect introduction to Calabria, while Zambrone offered a more peaceful escape with stunning beaches just a short drive away.
But Calabria has so many incredible places to stay, whether you want a romantic seaside village, a city with history and culture, or an off-the-beaten-path mountain retreat. This guide breaks down the best areas to base yourself, along with top hotel recommendations in each.
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Best Places to Stay in Calabria
From beautiful coastal towns to quiet beaches and historic villages, Calabria has a place to match every travel style. Here’s a look at the best areas to stay and the top accommodation recommendations in each.
1. Tropea – Iconic Cliffside Views and Stunning Beaches
Tropea is Calabria’s most famous destination, known for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and lively old town. With golden beaches, historic charm, and some of the best food in the region, there’s plenty to do, and it’s the perfect place to stay if you want a mix of relaxation and activities.
We stayed in several different places in Tropea after our original accommodation fell through. It was peak season, so we had to bounce around, but we lucked out with some great stays. Our top recommendation is Terrazzo Del Borgo—a spot with an unbeatable location on the main street, beautiful views, and a balcony perfect for catching the sea breeze. It was close to restaurants and just a short walk to the beach, making it an ideal base for exploring Tropea.
Where to Stay in Tropea
- Terrazzo Del Borgo ($$) – Our top pick! This beautiful guesthouse has an unbeatable location right on the main street. We stayed here and loved it. The balcony was perfect for catching the sea breeze, and being so close to restaurants and the beach made it an ideal base for exploring Tropea.
- Hotel Villa Antica Tropea ($$)– A historic villa in the heart of Tropea, just a short walk from restaurants, shops, and the main square. The spacious garden is great for families, and the rooftop terrace breakfast is a great way to start the day. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and it’s just a short walk to shops, restaurants and the main square.
- Eliseo Palace Tropea ($$-$$$)– A modern hotel with a great location close to Tropea’s main attractions. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and some offer balconies with views of the sea. The mix of comfort and style, along with its central location, make it a great place to relax after exploring the town.
2. Zambrone – Quiet Beaches Away from the Crowds
Just a short train ride from Tropea, Zambrone offers a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbour. It’s home to some of Calabria’s best beaches, with crystal-clear water, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere. If you’re looking for a quieter stay with easy access to Tropea and Pizzo, Zambrone is a great choice.
We stayed at Scoglio del Leone and highly recommend it. The private beach, Michelin-starred dining, and ocean views made it an incredible stay. Our room was clean and comfortable, with a large balcony overlooking the sea—perfect for watching the sunset. It’s also just a short walk to the train station, making it easy to arrive and take day trips near Tropea.
Where to Stay in Zambrone
- Scoglio del Leone ($$-$$$) – Our top pick! Private beach, ocean-view rooms, and an on-site Michelin-starred restaurant. Comfortable, clean, and in a perfect location for relaxing or taking day trips to Tropea and Pizzo.
3. Scilla – A Romantic Seaside Escape
Scilla, known for its colourful waterfront, historic castle, and some of the best seafood in the region, is one of the best places to visit in Calabria.
Often called the “Venice of the South,” this picturesque coastal town offers a perfect mix of relaxation and charm.
Staying in Chianalea, the town’s historic fishing district, means you’ll be right on the water, surrounded by narrow lanes, boats, and stunning sea views.
Where to Stay in Scilla
- Hotel Scilla ($$) – A comfortable and convenient stay in a great location, perfect for exploring the town. Rooms are simple but well-equipped, with air conditioning and private balconies. It’s just a short walk to the waterfront, Castello Ruffo or the Chianalea district.
- Hotel U Bais ($$-$$$) – A charming hotel set in a restored historic building, offering spacious rooms with a classic feel. It’s close to both the beach and the Chianalea district, making it a convenient base for those waning to enjoy Scilla’s seaside atmosphere, while staying in a quieter part of town.
- Il Casato Deluxe Rooms ($$-$$$) – A boutique-style stay in Chianalea, right on the water. The beautifully decorated rooms and sea views make it a great option for families or anyone looking for a unique stay in the heart of Scilla. Some rooms have private balconies overlooking the water, perfect for watching the fishing boats go by.
4. Pizzo – Charming Town with the Best Gelato in Calabria
Pizzo is a historic coastal town best known for its stunning sea views, lively piazzas, and famous Tartufo di Pizzo—a must-try gelato-filled dessert and one of the most famous foods in Calabria.
Compared to busier spots like Tropea, Pizzo has a quieter, more local feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a laid-back and authentic Calabrian experience.
There’s plenty to do in Pizzo though, whether exploring the town’s castle, wandering the narrow streets or walking along the waterfront – any option you choose, it’s a great place to wander, with plenty of hidden corners to explore.
Where to Stay in Pizzo
- Piccolo Grand Hotel ($$$) – The only hotel in Pizzo, this stylish boutique stay features modern rooms and a rooftop terrace with panoramic sea views. It’s central location makes it easy to walk to restaurants, the main square and the castle, while still being within reach of the beach.
- Il Terrazzo Su Pizzo ($$-$$$) – A spacious apartment rental with incredible sea views and a large terrace, perfect for enjoying the sunset. The apartment is well-equipped with a kitchen and modern amenities, making it a great option for families or those wanting more space and flexibility during their stay. Its central location allows for easy access to Pizzo’s historic centre and waterfront.
5. Reggio Calabria – A City Stay with History and Culture
Reggio Calabria is the largest city in Calabria and the region’s cultural hub.
It’s best known for its beautiful waterfront promenade, often called “the most beautiful kilometre in Italy,” and the National Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Riace Bronzes—two of the best-preserved ancient Greek statues in the world.
The city is also a great base for day trips to Sicily, with regular ferries to Messina.
Where to Stay in Reggio Calabria
- Grand Hotel Excelsior ($$$) – A classic, elegant hotel right by the waterfront, offering spacious rooms and easy access to the ferry terminal and main attractions. The rooftop terrace has incredible views of the sea and Sicily, making it a great spot to unwind.
- Albanuova Hotel ($$-$$$) – A comfortable mid-range hotel with modern amenities, located close to the city centre. Rooms are spacious, and the staff is known for being welcoming and helpful. It’s a great option for families looking for convenience and value.
- Pellicano Guest House ($$) – A modern and stylish guesthouse in a central location, within walking distance of the promenade and main sights. Spacious rooms, some with balconies or small terraces, friendly service, and great value make it a solid choice for families and budget-conscious travellers.
6. The Aspromonte Mountains – A Nature Lover’s Escape
For a completely different experience in Calabria, Aspromonte National Park offers rugged mountains, scenic hiking trails, and historic villages tucked into the hills.
It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for outdoor adventure, fresh mountain air, and an off-the-beaten-path escape.
The park is home to rare wildlife, stunning viewpoints, and charming villages like Gerace and Gambarie, where you’ll find a mix of history and nature.
Where to Stay in Aspromonte
- Park Hotel Bellavista ($$) – A top-rated mountain hotel in Gambarie, offering stunning views, cozy rooms, and an on-site restaurant with local cuisine. Its proximity to hiking trails and ski slopes makes it an ideal base for exploring Aspromonte in any season.
- Barone GR Macrì Agriturismo Modi ($$) – Located near Gerace, this agriturismo offers an infinity pool, modern rooms, and a restaurant serving local dishes. Guests can enjoy the serene countryside setting while being close to historic sites.
7. Brancaleone & Bova – Calabria’s Wild and Authentic Side
For a more remote and authentic experience, Brancaleone and Bova offer a glimpse into Calabria’s untouched beauty and deep Greek heritage.
Brancaleone, a quiet coastal town, is known for its pristine beaches and sea turtle conservation efforts, while Bova, one of Calabria’s most important Greek-speaking villages, is filled with history, winding stone streets, and breathtaking mountain views. Staying in this region means a chance to immerse yourself in local culture, nature, and slower-paced travel.
Where to Stay in Brancaleone & Bova
- Hotel Il Girasole ($$) – A comfortable 3-star hotel in Bova Marina, just steps from the beach. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with balconies, while the on-site restaurant serves Italian, Mediterranean, and pizza options, with vegetarian and gluten-free choices available. A great option for those wanting a seaside stay with easy access to the region’s historic villages.
- Agriturismo Donna Beatrice ($$-$$$) – A charming farm stay surrounded by olive groves and nature, offering home-cooked meals, fresh local ingredients, and a peaceful countryside setting. A perfect choice for those looking to experience rural Calabria and traditional hospitality
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Calabria
Calabria is an incredible and underrated destination, with some of the most stunning coastlines, charming small towns, and authentic experiences in Italy. Whether you want to stay in a historic village, a beachfront hotel, or a quiet countryside retreat, there are plenty of great options depending on your travel style.
On our trip, we loved staying in Tropea and Zambrone, but after exploring the region more, we’re already planning a return visit—this time considering places like Scilla and Bova for a different experience. If you’re still deciding where to stay, these options offer great locations, beautiful scenery, and an authentic taste of Calabria.
Planning a trip to Calabria? If you’re still deciding on your route, our Calabria itinerary breaks down the best way to explore the region. If Tropea is on your list but you’re not sure if it’s the right base, we’ve covered everything you need to know in Is Tropea Worth Visiting?. And if you’re flying into Lamezia, here’s how to get from Lamezia Terme to Tropea to make your arrival smooth.
