Reggio Calabria is straightforward to navigate, but a few practical details make the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one. This guide covers getting here, getting around, what to pack, and answers to the questions travelers most frequently ask. The city is safe, affordable by Italian standards, and compact enough that you can walk between most points of interest in under 20 minutes.. For more context on the city and links to all our guides, visit the Reggio Calabria travel guide.
Travel Tips for Reggio Calabria: Arriving
Reggio Calabria Airport (REG)
Tito Minniti Airport (IATA: REG) is 5km south of the city center in the Ravagnese district. ITA Airways flies from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate. Ryanair operates seasonal routes from Bergamo, Bologna, and Turin. Volotea connects to Venice and other Italian cities. The terminal is small with one baggage claim, a cafe, and a car rental desk. Bus 28 runs from the airport to Reggio Calabria Centrale station every 60 minutes, taking 18 minutes and costing €1.50 (ticket from the driver or ATAC app). A taxi to the center costs €20 to 25 and takes 10 minutes. Car rental agencies at the airport include Europcar, Sicily by Car, and Maggiore.. Check the Reggio Calabria weather by month guide for detailed climate data.
Arriving by Train
Reggio Calabria Centrale station is on Piazza Garibaldi, a 5-minute walk from the Lungomare and the Museo Nazionale. Trenitalia operates InterCity and Regionale services from Naples (4.5 hours, €30 to 50), Rome (6 to 7 hours, €50 to 80), and cities across Calabria. The high-speed Frecciarossa reaches Reggio from Rome in about 5.5 hours. Regional trains connect to Scilla (€2.60, 20 min), Tropea (€7, 1.5 hours), and other coastal towns. The station has a ticket office, automatic machines, a bar, and luggage storage (€5 per bag per day, open 8:00 to 20:00).. See our best time to visit Reggio Calabria guide for seasonal planning.
Arriving by Ferry
Ferries from Messina, Sicily dock at the Porto di Reggio Calabria on Via Marina, a 10-minute walk from the city center. Bluferries and Caronte & Tourist operate pedestrian and car ferries every 30 to 60 minutes from 5:30 to 23:30. The crossing takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs €3.50 one way for pedestrians, €15 to 25 for cars. From the ferry terminal, turn left onto Corso Vittorio Emanuele III to reach the Lungomare and the centro storico.. Browse things to do in Reggio Calabria for attractions and day trips.
Travel Tips for Reggio Calabria: Getting Around
The city center is compact and walkable. You can cover the main sights (Museo Nazionale, Duomo, Castello Aragonese, and the Lungomare) entirely on foot in a single day. ATAC buses serve the suburbs and airport, running from roughly 6:00 to 22:00. Single tickets cost €1.50 and are valid for 90 minutes; buy them at tabaccherie (tobacco shops displaying the blue T sign) or via the ATAC mobile app. Validate tickets on board. Taxis congregate at Piazza Garibaldi (in front of the station) and Piazza Duomo. Fares within the center run €8 to 12; agree on the price before departing or insist on the meter. Uber operates in Reggio but only the more expensive Uber Black tier.. For what is on during your trip, check the Reggio Calabria events and festivals calendar.
Travel Tips for Reggio Calabria: Practical Information
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Reggio Calabria and tastes fine. Bottled water costs €0.50 to 1.00 at supermarkets.
- Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up to the nearest euro at cafes and bars. In restaurants, leave €1 to 2 per person or 5-10% for exceptional service.
- Italian is the primary language. English is spoken at hotels and major museums but less so in small restaurants and shops. Download Google Translate with the Italian offline pack.
- The currency is the euro (€). ATMs (bancomat) are plentiful along Corso Garibaldi and near the station. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and museums. Carry €20 to 50 in cash for small cafes, markets, and bus tickets.
- Pharmacies (farmacia) display a green cross sign. The Farmacia Centrale on Corso Garibaldi near Piazza Duomo is open 24 hours. For medical emergencies, the Grande Ospedale Metropolitano (GOM) is located in the northern suburbs on Via Provinciale Spirito Santo.
- The emergency number is 112 (European emergency number). For police (carabinieri), dial 112. For ambulance, dial 118.
- Reggio Calabria is generally safe. Exercise normal caution around the train station at night. Pickpocketing occasionally occurs in crowded festival areas. The ‘ndrangheta (organized crime) exists but does not target tourists. Avoid discussions about local organized crime with strangers.
- Aperitivo culture is strong in Reggio: bars serve a drink with complimentary snacks (olives, chips, small sandwiches) from about 18:00 to 20:30. Aperol Spritz costs €4 to 6, a glass of local wine €3 to 5.
Travel Tips for Reggio Calabria: What to Pack
- Summer (June to September): Lightweight clothing, swimwear, sun hat, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sandals. A light sweater or wrap for air-conditioned restaurants and evening sea breezes. Mosquito repellent is useful near the beach at dusk.
- Spring/Autumn (April to May, October to November): Layers including a light jacket or cardigan, comfortable walking shoes, and a compact umbrella for occasional rain. May and October can still deliver beach days so pack swimwear.
- Winter (December to March): A warm jacket, scarf, and closed shoes. Temperatures rarely drop below 9°C (48°F) but the humidity makes it feel cooler. Rain gear is essential for December and January.
- Year-round: A reusable water bottle (tap water is safe), comfortable walking shoes for the Lungomare and day trips, and a power adapter (Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs, 230V/50Hz).
- Church visits: Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering the Duomo and other churches. Carry a light scarf in summer for this purpose.
Suggested Hotels in Reggio Calabria
Grand Hotel Excelsior
Reggio’s top 4-star waterfront hotel, steps from the Museo Nazionale and the central station. The rooftop terrace and Ristorante Galà overlook the Strait of Messina. Best for couples and first-time visitors wanting a full-service hotel in the best location. Check rates and availability. Learn about districts in the Reggio Calabria neighborhoods guide.
Hotel Medinblu
Boutique property in a restored palazzo between Corso Garibaldi and the beach. Rooftop bar with city views and individually designed rooms with original architectural details. Best for design-focused travelers and couples looking for a more personal stay. Check rates and availability. Find accommodations in our where to stay in Reggio Calabria guide.
Hotel Continental
Solid mid-range 3-star in the city center, 800 meters from the Lungomare. Clean rooms with air conditioning and a good breakfast buffet. Best for budget-conscious travelers and solo visitors. Check rates and availability
Travel Tips for Reggio Calabria: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do a day trip to Sicily from Reggio Calabria?
Yes, and it’s one of the best reasons to visit Reggio. Ferries to Messina depart every 30 to 60 minutes, take 20 to 30 minutes, and cost €3.50 one way for pedestrians. You can visit Messina in a half-day or continue by train to Taormina (1 hour from Messina, €8). The last ferry back from Messina to Reggio departs around 23:00. No passport control: Sicily is part of Italy, so this is a domestic journey.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Reggio Calabria?
Yes. Reggio Calabria’s tap water meets all EU safety standards and tastes fine. You’ll see public drinking fountains along the Lungomare and in piazzas. Carry a reusable bottle and refill throughout the day.
Do people speak English in Reggio Calabria?
English proficiency is lower than in Rome, Milan, or Florence. Hotel front desks, museum staff at the Museo Nazionale, and younger restaurant workers usually speak basic English. In smaller shops, bakeries, and among older residents, you’ll need a few Italian phrases. Download the Italian language pack on Google Translate for offline use. Key phrases: ‘buongiorno’ (good morning), ‘grazie’ (thank you), ‘per favore’ (please), ‘il conto’ (the bill), ‘quanto costa?’ (how much does it cost?).
Do I need a car in Reggio Calabria?
Not for the city itself. The center is walkable and ATAC buses cover the suburbs and airport. A car becomes useful for day trips to Aspromonte, Gerace, Pentedattilo, and the northern coast. If you plan multiple day trips, rent a car from the airport (Europcar, Maggiore, Sicily by Car) or from agencies on Via Ravagnese near the station. Daily rental rates start at €30 to 50. Parking in the center is metered (€0.50 to 1.00 per hour) and can be hard to find in July and August.
What are the best souvenirs from Reggio Calabria?
Bergamot products are the signature local item: this citrus fruit grows almost exclusively in the province of Reggio Calabria. Buy bergamot essential oil, candied bergamot peel, bergamot-infused honey, or bergamot-scented soap at shops on Corso Garibaldi or at the Bergamot Museum gift shop. ‘Nduja (spicy spreadable salami from nearby Spilinga) makes an edible souvenir, available vacuum-packed at salumerie (delis) and supermarkets. Ceramic items hand-painted with Calabrian motifs are sold in artisan shops on Via Aschenez.
Is Reggio Calabria safe for tourists?
Yes. Reggio Calabria is safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Exercise the same caution you would in any Italian city: watch valuables in crowded areas, avoid dark unlit streets late at night, and be alert around the train station after dark. The organized crime reputation of Calabria concerns internal affairs that do not affect tourists. The biggest practical risk is pickpocketing during the crowded Madonna festival weekend in September.
