When I first set foot on the Lungomare Falcomatà in Reggio Calabria, I finally got why people call it “The Most Beautiful Kilometer in Italy.” This gorgeous seafront promenade stretches for about 1.7 kilometers, hugging the coast and giving you jaw-dropping views of Sicily and the Strait of Messina.
Locals just call the seaside walkway “Via Marina,” and honestly, it feels like magic where the blue Mediterranean meets the mountains. Palm trees line the path, throwing shade as you stroll past lush gardens, old monuments, and those irresistible cafés. The famous poet Gabriele D’Annunzio gave it its nickname, and after catching a few sunsets here, I can’t argue with him.
When you walk the promenade, you get a real slice of Calabrian life. Locals show up for their evening passeggiata, families gather for gelato, and visitors soak up views that tie together mainland Italy and Sicily. It’s the beating heart of Reggio Calabria and, if you’re heading to southern Italy, you really shouldn’t skip it.
Discovering Reggio’s Iconic Lungomare Falcomatà
The Lungomare Falcomatà runs almost two kilometers along Reggio Calabria’s coastline. It gives visitors one of Italy’s most breathtaking seaside experiences, hands down.
This promenade earned the title of “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy” because it strikes just the right balance between natural beauty, cultural richness, and striking architecture.
The Story Behind the Most Beautiful Kilometer
A local first told me about Reggio’s waterfront, calling it “il più bel chilometro d’Italia.” That name stuck with me, and now I get it. The city named the Lungomare Falcomatà after Italo Falcomatà, a mayor who breathed new life into the area during the 1990s.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
What really sets this promenade apart is its story. After the devastating 1908 earthquake, the city rebuilt the area with graceful Art Nouveau buildings. Now, it’s the social heart of Reggio di Calabria.
Every time I visit, I see how the Lungomare works as both a tourist magnet and a daily hangout for locals. Families, couples, and groups of friends stroll here for the classic evening “passeggiata,” making the place buzz with southern Italian energy.
Stunning Views of the Strait of Messina
Standing on the Lungomare, I always get blown away by the panorama across the Strait of Messina. On clear days, Sicily and the looming Mount Etna steal the show, making the horizon look almost unreal.
One morning, I caught the rare “Fata Morgana” mirage. This optical illusion makes Sicily look like it’s floating above the water, way closer than it actually is. If you want to spot this, go early on a warm, calm day.
The promenade’s position lets you catch different angles of the strait as you walk. I’d start at the northern end and wander south to watch the views slowly change.
Several viewing platforms and benches invite you to stop and just take it all in.
A Stroll Through Art Nouveau Promenades
Whenever I walk the Lungomare, the Art Nouveau buildings across from the sea always grab my attention. Their ornate balconies and decorative facades are classic early 20th-century style.
The promenade itself looks gorgeous with:
- Palm trees for shade
- Scented Mediterranean plants and flowers
- Artistic fountains and monuments
- Wide walkways perfect for strolling
I love how the palm trees give the place a tropical vibe, which plays off the old-school Italian buildings. The whole area feels designed for wandering.
In summer evenings, artisans set up stalls with handmade souvenirs. Street musicians show up, adding to the energy. The restaurants and gelaterias facing the sea make great spots to relax and try local Calabrian treats.
Unforgettable Sunsets and Scenic Moments
My favorite time on the Lungomare? Right before sunset. As the sun drops toward Sicily, the sky lights up in orange, pink, and purple, all reflected in the water.
The sunset view from Reggio’s waterfront honestly feels magical. The best bench faces west toward Sicily, right in the central part of the promenade.
Photographers show up to capture the moment. The silhouette of Sicily and Mount Etna against the glowing sky is pure postcard material.
Summer sunsets bring a break from the heat and kick off the social scene. Cafés fill up with people enjoying aperitivo, blending natural beauty with that lively Italian vibe.
Cultural Treasures Along the Seafront
Walking Reggio’s Lungomare Falcomatà isn’t just about those epic views of Sicily and Mount Etna. The seafront is packed with cultural gems that show off the city’s deep history.
Riace Bronzes and the National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria blew my mind with the Riace Bronzes. These two Greek bronze warriors, found in 1972 off Riace, stand about 6.5 feet tall and date back to around 450 BCE.
When I saw them, I couldn’t get over the detail—muscles, silver teeth, copper lips, the works. The museum keeps them in a specially controlled room.
Besides the bronzes, the museum displays artifacts from Magna Graecia, the ancient Greek settlements in Calabria. There’s pottery, jewelry, and tomb goods that really bring the region’s Greek heritage to life.
Cathedral of Reggio Calabria and Historic Landmarks
The Cathedral of Reggio Calabria stands as proof of the city’s toughness. Originally built in the Byzantine era, people rebuilt it several times after earthquakes.
Inside, the marble work and the Madonna della Consolazione—a Byzantine icon locals cherish—really stand out. The cathedral sits right in the historic center, not far from the seafront.
Wandering nearby, I found narrow streets with baroque buildings, little shops, and old-school cafés. Piazza Italia is nearby too, perfect for people-watching after you’ve explored.
Aragonese Castle: An Architectural Gem
The Aragonese Castle looms near the seafront, a sturdy reminder of Reggio’s strategic past. Earthquakes damaged it over the centuries, but what’s left still impresses.
Built in the 15th century during the Aragonese period, the castle’s thick walls and octagonal towers show off medieval military design. I found the towers especially striking.
These days, the castle hosts cultural events and exhibitions. Climbing the walls gave me a unique view of the seafront and the Strait of Messina.
Around the castle, you’ll find info panels that explain its history and its role in defending the city from naval attacks.
Beaches, Relaxation, and Outdoor Adventures
Reggio Calabria isn’t just about the Lungomare—its coastline and natural escapes make it a dream spot for a vacation. You get beautiful beaches, lively summer activities, and easy trips into the mountains.
Sandy Beaches and the Ionian Sea
Reggio’s coastline is dotted with beaches that are honestly worth your time. Paradise Beach in Scilla totally won me over with its soft golden sand and clear water—great for families or solo travelers.
The Ionian Sea makes a stunning backdrop, especially when Sicily and Mount Etna show up on the horizon. You’ll find the water just right from June to September.
Some beaches are free, while others rent umbrellas and loungers. I like Pellaro, where local families hang out and tourists don’t really crowd the place. The gentle slope into the water makes it safe for swimmers of all ages.
Seaside Activities and Summer Life
Summer turns Reggio’s waterfront into a lively hub. I’ve spent countless evenings joining locals and visitors for the passeggiata.
Beach volleyball courts pop up, and water sports take over. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or even try sailing lessons without breaking the bank.
Beachfront bars and gelaterias stay open late, keeping the party going. Some places even have live music on weekends. Grab a granita and watch the sunset—honestly, it’s a simple pleasure that sums up summer here.
Popular Summer Activities:
- Sunset boat tours (€25-40)
- Beach yoga (mornings and evenings)
- Fishing trips with locals
- Waterfront food festivals (July-August)
Aspromonte National Park: Nature Escape
If you want a break from the coast, Aspromonte National Park is just a short drive away. The mountains are a cool escape from the summer heat.
I’ve hiked a few trails, from easy walks to tougher climbs. The Polsi path rewards you with sweeping views of both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts.
The park is full of ancient forests, clear streams, and all sorts of wildlife. In spring, wildflowers cover the meadows in color.
A lot of people skip this park and just stick to the beaches, but I say it’s worth packing a picnic and spending half a day here. Mountain villages in the park serve up real-deal Calabrian food—a perfect treat after a hike through this untouched landscape.
Exploring Reggio’s Surroundings and Coastal Gems
Reggio’s lungomare gets a lot of love, but the nearby coastline has its own magic. The villages and towns along the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas make for easy, unforgettable day trips.
Scilla and Chianalea: Fishing Villages With Charm
I found Scilla just 22 km north of Reggio, and it quickly became my favorite coastal escape. This fishing village is split into neighborhoods, with Chianalea stealing the show. People call it “Little Venice of Calabria” because the houses rise straight from the sea.
As I wandered the narrow lanes, I watched fishermen fixing nets and small boats bobbing in the clear water. The Ruffo Castle looms above, offering killer views of the Strait of Messina.
Local spots serve up fresh swordfish caught the old-fashioned way. Don’t miss “pesce spada alla ghiotta”—it’s swordfish with capers, olives, and tomatoes, and it’s pure Calabrian flavor.
Tropea and the Tyrrhenian Coastline
Tropea, the gem of Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast, sits about 70 km from Reggio on a cliff over the sea. My first look at the Santa Maria dell’Isola monastery perched on a rocky outcrop was unforgettable.
Tropea’s beaches have some of the clearest water I’ve seen, with dramatic white cliffs all around. The old town has winding medieval streets and elegant palazzi with gorgeous balconies.
If you can, go at sunset—the “Costa degli Dei” really lives up to its name then. The famous Tropea sweet red onions show up in everything here, from marmalade to pasta. Try them!
Villages of Villa San Giovanni, Palmi, and Gioia Tauro
Villa San Giovanni, only 13 km from Reggio, is where you catch the ferry to Sicily. But there’s more to it than that—I found cozy waterfront cafés that are perfect for ship-watching.
Palmi, about 30 km up the coast, has the Tonnara di Palmi beach, where you can see the Aeolian Islands on clear days. The Monte Sant’Elia lookout is a must for what locals say is the best view in Calabria.
Gioia Tauro, known mostly for its port, surprised me with ancient Greek and Roman ruins. The nearby plains grow amazing citrus fruits and olive oil—definitely worth taking some home.
Hidden Beauty of Locri, Gerace, and Archi
On the Ionian coast, I wandered through Locri’s archaeological park and got lost among the ruins of the ancient Greek colony, Locri Epizephyrii. You can still see well-preserved temples and a theater dating all the way back to the 7th century BC.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Just a bit inland, Gerace sits high on a hillside, looking almost unreal. Its Norman cathedral, the biggest in Calabria, really stands out.
I spent hours just strolling those narrow streets. Some of the homes are actually carved right into the sandstone cliffs.
Closer to Reggio, the Archi district feels like a completely different world. This working-class neighborhood has changed a lot lately, with bursts of colorful street art and seriously good local eateries.
I stumbled on the best arancini here—stuffed with spicy ‘nduja sausage and local cheeses. Honestly, I still think about them.
Local Life, Flavors, and Practical Travel Tips
Reggio Calabria is more than just a pretty waterfront. The city buzzes with real Italian life, full of flavors and traditions that stick with you.
Corso Garibaldi and the Heart of the City
When I walked along Corso Garibaldi, I finally understood where the city’s energy comes from. This elegant pedestrian boulevard runs parallel to the famous Lungomare and really acts as the city’s main artery.
In the evenings, I joined locals for the traditional passeggiata—that classic Italian evening stroll. Families, couples, and groups of friends all come out to chat, people-watch, and just be together.
It’s honestly a lovely window into everyday Italian life. The corso is lined with shops, cafés, and historic buildings.
I especially liked the Piazza Italia, where people gather around the central fountain. Sometimes street musicians play here, which gives the place a lively, almost festive vibe.
Don’t skip the little side streets off Corso Garibaldi. Some of the city’s best hidden shops and family-run restaurants are tucked away there.
Savoring Calabrian Cuisine and Local Specialties
Calabrian food is bold and full of spice! The region’s dishes really show off its farming roots and its closeness to the sea.
‘Nduja, that fiery spreadable sausage, steals the show in a lot of recipes. I tried it on crusty bread and tossed into pasta—delicious, but wow, it packs heat! Some places serve it with sweet honey, which honestly helps balance things out.
Must-Try Local Foods:
- Bergamot citrus (you won’t find it anywhere else)
- Swordfish alla ghiotta (with tomatoes, capers, and olives)
- Fileja pasta with rich meat ragù
- Local olives and olive oil from the nearby groves
Down by the waterfront, restaurants serve up the freshest seafood. Locals usually eat around 8 or 9pm, so I’d suggest going then if you want the real experience. Go earlier, and you’ll probably just be sitting with other tourists.
Accommodation and Where to Stay
If you want those amazing Strait of Messina views, stay near the Lungomare. Nothing beats waking up to that scenery.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior gives you classic luxury, with a prime location and panoramic terraces. I loved the old-world charm and the staff made me feel genuinely welcome.
If you’re watching your budget, I spotted several charming B&Bs in the historic center. These family-run places offer a more authentic vibe, plus you’ll get tips from locals you just can’t find in bigger hotels.
Most places to stay sit within easy walking distance of the main sights. If you’re planning to visit during summer (June through September), book a few months in advance—the city gets packed with Italian vacationers.
Getting Here: Reggio Calabria Airport and Beyond
Reggio Calabria Airport (Aeroporto dello Stretto) mostly connects to other Italian cities. Honestly, I found it easier to fly into Lamezia Terme Airport since you get way more options for both domestic and international flights.
After landing in Lamezia, you can drive along the Tyrrhenian coast for about an hour and a half to reach Reggio. Both airports have plenty of rental cars if that’s your thing.
Trains run from Reggio to the main cities up and down the Italian peninsula. The railway station sits right near the center, which is super handy.
I took the coastal train from Naples, and those sea views really surprised me—just gorgeous.
Getting around town isn’t a hassle at all. Local buses and taxis are everywhere, but honestly, the city center is so compact you can just stroll along the Lungomare promenade without breaking a sweat.
