Reggio Calabria and its surroundings

Just a few steps from Ross Family Suites lies the Museum of Magna Graecia, a cornerstone in the history of Calabria and all of Italy, an unmissable stop for the entire family. Among its timeless historical treasures, the outstanding Riace Bronzes stand out: the “heroes of the sea”, discovered on the seabed of the Ionian Sea. Other highlights include the Treasure of Locri and the colourful Room of Roman Mosaics, which will undoubtedly fascinate the little ones. The museum also preserves the Treasures of the Strait and a prehistoric section featuring artefacts dating back to the Paleolithic era. The museum offers educational workshops and interactive activities such as treasure hunts, which stimulate children’s imagination and cognitive development. Thanks to the project “The Museum for All”, the institution is fully inclusive and makes visits accessible for people with intellectual and visual disabilities.

Reggio Calabria’s seafront promenade is not just a simple walk by the sea, but a one-of-a-kind experience for all five senses. Along the “most beautiful kilometre in Italy”, between Art Nouveau villas and sunsets over the Strait of Messina, you will be amazed by the optical phenomenon known as the Fata Morgana, which on summer mornings makes Sicily appear incredibly close thanks to particular atmospheric conditions. A stroll along the Falcomatà Promenade, with its breathtaking views and the company of your family and friends, will leave an unforgettable memory of your stay in Calabria.

Two emblems of the city of Reggio Calabria, along with the Museum of Magna Graecia and the Falcomatà Promenade. Historically a strategic defence point for the city, the Aragonese Castle was built during the Byzantine era and later renovated by King Ferdinand I of Aragon with the addition of two significant circular battlemented towers. After centuries of restoration, it now hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. Just a few steps away stands the Cathedral of Reggio Calabria, built in a Neo-Romanesque style and considered the largest sacred building in the region. It preserves the Miracle of Saint Paul and welcomes thousands of worshippers and visitors from all over the world every year.

Scilla and Chianalea are two enchanting villages that, between myth and legend, will thrill the little ones. It is precisely the waters of the Strait, where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas meet, that form the mythological setting of Ulysses’ journey, who had to cover his ears to resist the sirens’ song and escape the sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis. In this legendary village stand out the Ruffo Castle, dominating the town from above, the Belvedere of Piazza San Rocco with the famous statue of Scilla, and Marina Grande, the main beach of the town. Also unmissable is Chianalea di Scilla, a true pearl of the Mediterranean, known as the “Little Venice of the South” for its houses built directly on the water.

If you wish to discover a charming destination in the Calabrian inland, suspended between sea and mountains, you cannot miss Gambarie d’Aspromonte, a small town located in the protected area of Santo Stefano in Aspromonte, about 1400 metres above sea level. In winter you can enjoy skiing on slopes suitable for all levels, while in summer nature offers incredible experiences and landscapes: the Aspropark, the first mountain adventure park, the Gambarie Bike Park, which allows you to explore the Aspromonte Park by mountain bike, or the excursions and trekking paths you can take through forests and beech woods, with a stunning view of the Strait and the Aeolian Islands. Gambarie is the perfect destination to enjoy moments of relaxation and adventure with your family, in direct contact with the nature of Aspromonte.