Car & Van Hire - Reggio di Calabria

As one of Italy's southernmost cities, Reggio di Calabria basks in a warm Mediterranean climate and has a major harbour. It has been important as a maritime base for centuries, and the port remains the main hub of city life. With sandy beaches and exceptional seafood, Reggio di Calabria is a great destination for travellers looking to relax and unwind.

To see the best of the city, take a stroll down the Lungomare Falcomata. This is the seaside promenade, running along the beaches. It offers great views across the sea and is particularly popular at sunset. In fact, sometimes it feels like the whole city gathers here in the early evening to watch the sun go down and get some fresh sea air. Take a detour at the end of the beach to admire the Monumento de Athena. The view here, with the blue waters of the Mediterranean in the foreground and snow-capped mountains in the distance, is unforgettable.

Many of the main buildings in Reggio di Calabria were originally built to defend the city from attack. These include the imposing Castello Aragonese, where you can climb the battlements and towers. There is little remaining of the Fortini di Pentimele, but the ruins, high on a hill overlooking the town, are still worth exploring.

One of the most remarkable sights in the region is easily accessible with car rental in Reggio di Calabria. Pentedattilo was a small village, continuously inhabited from 640 BC until 1783, when an earthquake caused the villagers to flee. In the late 20th century, there were some attempts to repopulate it, but it largely remains a ghost town with an undeniably eerie atmosphere. Behind it, the towering Rocks of Pentedattilo are great for a photo opportunity – or, if you're feeling adventurous, you might even try climbing them.

One of the best options for a day trip with a car or van rental in Reggio di Calabria is Aspromonte National Park. The rugged wilderness of Southern Italy feels like an entirely different world. There are 11 marked trails to choose from. One of the easiest is just under 2 km and will take you to Amendola Falls. If you want a challenge, the path from Samo to Montalto follows 26 km of gorgeous scenery.

While in Aspromonte, be sure to visit the village of Gallicianò. The people who live here are descendants of Ancient Greek settlers who arrived in the 8th century BC. In this isolated part of the country, the Greek language has endured for millennia, which gives this picturesque mountain village a unique atmosphere.

If you have experience driving in Italian cities, you will already know to watch out for the ZTL. Almost every city has a limited traffic zone in its historic centre. In the case of Reggio di Calabria, the ZTL is long and narrow, covering the historic centre and stretching along Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi as far as the intersection with Via Vollaro. Traffic limitations here are strictly enforced: no vehicles can enter without a permit at any time. Even motorbikes and scooters are restricted.

To avoid accidentally entering the ZTL and getting a fine, you should learn to recognise the road sign. Across Italy, the entrance to ZTLs is marked by a round sign with a red ring surrounding a white circle. You will see this in almost every city, as well as in many towns and villages of historical importance.

There is a car ferry that connects Reggio di Calabria to Messina on the nearby island of Sicily. The crossing takes about 35 minutes. If you are thinking about taking the ferry, be sure to discuss it with our representatives when you hire your car.

Calabria is a sparsely populated region, and you are unlikely to see much traffic on the roads. Many experienced travellers say that it is quite relaxing compared to the stress of Naples or Sicily. Roads can be narrow, particularly in the countryside. In the mountains, expect winding roads with sharp turns. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, as you may need to drive slowly to stay safe.

Calabria is very large, and there are often long distances between villages. You should carry a paper map, as mobile signals can be spotty in some areas. Check routes in advance for petrol stations. In rural areas, petrol stations often close between 13:00-15:30 and all day Sunday, so if you are going to explore the countryside, it's wise to refuel and stock up on provisions before leaving the city.

All over Italy, drivers are required to keep their headlights turned on during the day as well as the night. Headlights are mandatory when outside urban areas but can be turned off in cities if you wish.