Passengers who take the ferry to Reggio Calabria will enjoy a pleasant journey in the Mediterranean with arrival at a fascinating city of the Italian peninsula!
Reggio Calabria or Reggio di Calabria is the oldest city in the region with a great historical and cultural interest but also with natural beauties, ideal for summer vacations. Being an important colony of Magna Grecia, Greeks settled in the 8th century BC due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean. The city flourished during the Roman era but preserved the Greek language and customs for many years. Occupied by the Visigoths, Goths, Byzantines, Saracens and Normans finally included in the Kingdom of Sicily and Naples. The city suffered from the earthquakes of 1783 and 1908 that destroyed many parts of southern Calabria and Sicily. It was rebuilt with wide roads and new buildings but there are a lot of Greek and Roman remains that survived and were restored through the years.
Known as the Bergamot city, Reggio is the home of this unique citrus which thrives in this region and especially along the coastal area from Villa San Giovanni to Monasterace in the province of Reggio. The production of Bergamot oil has been used in the perfume industries as well as in gastronomy and pharmaceuticals. Nowadays, industries from the province of Reggio Calabria but also from all over the world import and use in the production of several products the precious Bergamot oil. The uses of the essence are multiple such as flavoring liquors, sweets, teas and various drinks.
With a population of about 180.000 today is a modern city which keeps history and the charm of the past. If you want to live the experience of a city like Reggio Calabria, you can visit our online booking engine, check schedules and prices and book a ferry ticket in advance.
Reggio Calabria ferry routes
The Reggio Calabria ferry port is one of the main ports in Calabria with several connections to the Aeolian Islands and Messina in Sicily. Since most of the routes are seasonal and operate generally from June to September check our website for schedules and prices.
- The Messina to Reggio Calabria ferry route lasts only 30 minutes as it corresponds to a distance of 6 nautical miles. Take the ferry to Sicily from Reggio Calabria and with a short trip you will have a full day of wonderful experience
- Lipari to Reggio Calabria is a direct route with a sailing distance of 39 nautical miles and a travel time of 3h 10 min
- Panarea to Reggio Calabria ferry trip lasts 3h 30 min
- The Salina to Reggio Calabria ferry route has a journey time of 1h 40min from June to September. The distance is estimated to be 44 nautical miles. From the port of Salina you can take the ferry from other Aeolian islands like Vibo Valentia
- Vulcano to Reggio Calabria with a ferry time of 2h 45min and a distance of 37 nautical miles
- Stromboli to Reggio Calabria is a famous route due to the volcano with travel time of 4h 10min and a sailing distance of 45 nautical miles
Reggio Calabria ferry port
Reggio Calabria ferry port is located on the northern part of the city center. Car and passenger ferries as well as fast hydrofoils operate mainly during the summer season.The terminal provides all the facilities for the travelers such as restaurants, bars and a good connection with the public means of transport. Parking near the port is available.
Near the port, there is a wide range of clothing shops, delicatessens, local products and many more.
Reggio Calabria city center to ferry port
From Reggio Calabria city center, there are several buses that can take you to the ferry port. For more information you can visit ATAM Buses. They depart from Piazza Garibaldi and you can buy tickets from a newsstand or bar.
Reggio by bike is another option if you like to explore the city. The bike can be taken from the stall of the port or from several other central spots of the town. This is a bike sharing service and you can be informed here.
Airports in Calabria
If you wish to arrive in the region by plane, there are three airports in Calabria:
Reggio Calabria Aeroporto dello Stretto,
Sant'Anna Airport in Crotone and
Lamezia Terme International Airport.
The most convenient way to take the ferry from Reggio port is Reggio Calabria Airport at a distance of 5 km from the city.
There is a direct bus line that connects Reggio Airport and Reggio port with 2 daily departures. The train station near the airport can be reached with the free shuttle buses and from there, you can take the train to Reggio Calabria Station Santa Caterina. You can also take a taxi as the distances are not long, about 12 km.
Things to see and do in Reggio Calabria
During your stay, there are a lot of things to do in Reggio Calabria. The following are included in the must to see list of the most important attractions:
- At the north end of Corso Garibaldi you can find the National Archaeological Museum with the Riace Bronzes, the ancient 2.500 years old Greek statues, recovered from the sea at Riace. It is one of the most important museums dedicated to Ancient Greece, also known as the Museum of Magna Grecia (Greater Greece). The exhibits range from the prehistoric to the Roman period and include a great collection of artifacts and status which you should not miss to see
- Aragonese Castle, today a place of cultural and social events, is located in Square Castello, and is considered one of the most important historical symbols of the city
- The Roman Baths discovered after the earthquake of 1908 at the end of the waterfront is worth visiting during your stay in Reggio. Observe the mosaic made of white limestone and black lava probably of Aeolian origin
- Piazza Italia is the formerly known Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, which is the most important square in Reggio Calabria with the monument for the unification of Italy in the center. Admire the impressive white marble statue of a woman with a sword in honor of the martyrs who died on 2nd of September 1847 in the battle against the Bourbon kings
The underground part of Piazza Italia is worth visiting and thanks to several excavations you can see the different phases of construction from the Greek age until the 19th century. Around the square you can see the Palazzo San Giorgio, Palazzo Corrado Alvaro and Cilea Theater with a great program of concerts and operas presented every year
- Piazza Duomo with the Cathedral situated in Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi historic center. You can also visit the Diocesan Museum of the Cathedral and Palazzo Laface of the homonymous family, an Art Nouveau building which was damaged by the earthquake of 1908 and renovated. Several archaeological finds are kept at the National Archaeological Museum
- The Basilica de San Paolo alla Rotonda, on the southern part of Reggio with the impressive mosaic works is dedicated to Saint Paul who passed from the city on his way to Rome. A visit to the Piccolo Museo San Paolo situated behind the church exhibits a precious selection of art works like icons, sculptures and many more
- Take a walk along the waterfront with the view of the strait of Messina, Sicily and Mount Etna. Feel the seabreeze and smell the scents of the region. On the 1,7 kilometers of Lungomare Falcomata, you can find restaurants, bars and beach bars
During the summer months the municipality organizes a tourist train that makes a tour around the city center
- An all day excursion to Chianalea, a picturesque small village of 350 residents but with a lot of activities and interest for tourists. This worth visiting place, characterized by the houses built on the rocks offer a unique experience to visitors not only with the Lido Chianalea Calabria but also with the opportunities for walking and trekking through the narrow streets and paths leading to the Ruffo Castle
- In the Province of Reggio, you can find Plati Reggio Calabria, on the slope of the Aspromonte mountains, probably named after the Greek word “Aspros” which means “white”. Near the sea, there is the Aspromonte National Park, rich in waterfalls, valleys, forests where numerous species live like the Wolf, the Eagle Owl and the Peregrine
Reggio Calabria beaches
Most of Reggio Calabria beaches can be visited mostly from May to October which is the best period to visit the area. Among the best beaches are the following:
- Pellaro Beach has two parts. The south part is preferred as it is sandy and pebbly and it is ideal for kitesurfers and fans of sea sports. From the beach you can see the Volcano Mount Etna
- Lazzaro is an organized beach where you can rent umbrellas and chairs and swim all day. The coastline is wide and long and many hotels for a holiday stay. The summer is long and the sea is warm for a trip from Spring to Autumn
- Melito di Porto Salvo is located in the southern part of the province of Calabria with a lot of hotels nearby. It is organized and sandy and it is a good idea for a comfortable family vacation and rest During your stay you can visit the Garibaldi Museum and the church of Madonna di Porto Salvo
- Pentimele Beach is a resort in the north of Reggio and you can choose between the organized and the free part. You can go with family and friends and spend the whole day near the sea with the crystal clear waters
At a longer distance from Reggio Calabria, there are many beaches that you can visit but you need more driving. If you have the time you can visit Roccella Jonica, Locri, Gioiosa Ionica, Campomarzio and many more for every taste.
Useful tips for your trip
- Hop on a city tour convertible bus and see the main attractions of the city. For more information you can visit ATAM Buses
- Check the luggage allowance for the hydrofoils to Aeolian Islands before your trip, as there are restrictions
- Be at the port 1 hour before departure for check-in and embarkation especially in high season
- Motor vehicles are not allowed in hydrofoils
