Camping in Calabria

In the south-west of Italy, on the boot-shaped peninsula, lies the sun-kissed region of Calabria. If you want to spend your camping holiday by the sea on one of the miles of golden sandy beaches, you have found your paradise here. Campers can choose to enjoy their holiday either on the Ionian Sea on the south and east sides or on the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west. Due to the warm climate, many campsites in Calabria also have a swimming pool.

Special features of camping in Calabria

The majority of campsites are located directly on the 700 km of coastline, mostly on one of the fantastic beaches. Children will find plenty of space to let off steam and build sandcastles, while adults can relax by the sea. Many spacious campsites offer shady spots under evergreen pines that fill the air with their aromatic scent. At the same time, you can often enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and pleasant peace and quiet. When camping in Calabria, bathing enthusiasts will find a variety of beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag. It doesn't matter where the campsite is located: The inland with its wooded mountain ranges, romantic reservoirs and extensive olive and orange groves is not far away.

How to get there

When travelling to Calabria from Germany by motorhome or car, travellers cross the entire length of Italy from north to south. From Munich, the route via Austria to the northern edge of Calabria is a good 1,400 km. The most frequently used route is via the toll Brenner motorway, which starts in Innsbruck and extends to South Tyrol in Italy. The route then heads south via Verona, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples. All of these cities invite you to make a stopover with their countless historical sights and exclusive shops, including many leather goods shops. Travellers who have started their journey in northern or central Germany are recommended to stay overnight en route. The rest stops in Irschenberg and at the Europabrücke bridge are famous for their panoramic views of the mountains and are each home to a well-known fast-food restaurant.

Destinations in Calabria

Camping in Calabria is characterised by diversity: The campsites are spread throughout the region, each with its own unique charm.

Vibo Valentia

The town of Vibo Valentia, with a good 33,700 inhabitants, is a popular destination in Calabria for all lovers of sweeping views. At an altitude of 476 metres, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across the ocean to the island of Stromboli, the Aspromonte massif and the peak of Mount Etna.

Praia a Mare

In the small town of Praia a Mare, holidaymakers are greeted by an attractive wide sandy beach that promises relaxing sunbathing and refreshing sea baths. In addition to a medieval castle, the Santuario della Madonna della Grotta with its wooden Madonna and Child from the 15th century is one of the attractions worth seeing. The view of the tiny island of Isola di Dino, whose greenery contrasts sharply with the turquoise blue sea, is unique.

Catanzaro

Catanzaro, the capital of Calabria, awaits visitors with numerous sights. Campers are located here at a narrow point roughly in the centre of the region, meaning that both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas are easily accessible. The old town centre is extremely attractive, extending over three hills above the deep valleys of the Musofalo and Fiumarella rivers.

Activities and excursions

Calabria offers a wide range of different activities, from hiking tours through a fascinating natural landscape to exciting cycling excursions and water sports.

Fantastic nature in the Sila National Park

The Sila National Park invites you to go on extensive hikes. Holidaymakers roam through lush green forests, rolling hills and come across romantic lakes. They provide refreshment along the way and you can enjoy a cosy picnic on the banks. Those who are less keen on walking can discover the park on horseback. There is also a special play area for children.

Sporty tours by bike

Calabria is perfect for cyclists, with a total of 26 well signposted routes in the region. These are divided into cycling, road cycling and long-distance cycling tours. To get to know the Aspromonte mountains, the almost 70-kilometre route from Reggio via Mosorrofa and Gallina is ideal. Unique views over the coastal landscape to the sea are guaranteed.

Adrenaline kicks in Calabria

Canoeing between Castiglione and Papasidero offers thrilling excitement. Here you can not only paddle, but also slide, swim and climb through deep gorges. Rafting in the Pollino National Park is also a thrilling experience: the route leads under rushing waterfalls and past the Grotta del Romito.

Gastronomy

Italy is known for its fantastic cuisine, which in the Calabria region is characterised by simplicity and rusticity due to centuries of poverty. However, the dishes are characterised by deliciousness, with many products such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, aubergines and artichokes coming from regional cultivation and are therefore frequently used. Staple foods include durum wheat and olives, which are a tasty speciality either in pickled form or baked in bread patties. Lampascioni is one of the famous starters, consisting of pickled onions with a slightly bitter flavour. While beef is rarely served, lamb, goat, pork, rabbit and poultry dishes are often on the menu. Very hot peppers, known as chilli peppers, are also typical.

Best time to visit

A holiday at one of the campsites in Calabria, which is one of the sunniest regions in Europe with around 320 days of sunshine, is possible all year round. It has a total of three different climate zones: the west is subtropical with extremely low rainfall, especially in winter. The Ionian Sea also has very little rainfall, and high temperatures are normal as early as May and as late as October. At higher altitudes, average daily temperatures range from 7 to 15 degrees Celsius in winter and between 26 and 34 degrees Celsius in summer. If you want to enjoy extensive bathing experiences and evenings outdoors, the months from May to October are ideal. During this period, the water temperature is a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 24 degrees Celsius.