A guide to nightlife in Calabria
Although still considered to be off the beaten track, Calabria has recently seen a surge of tourists looking for taste of authentic unspoilt Italy. While the pace is much slower than say, the glamorous Amalfi coast, there’s still a varied nightlife on offer. From all-night cafés to chic cocktail bars, there’s plenty of places to let your hair down after a day of sunbathing or sightseeing. Most nightlife centres around major cities such as Reggio Calabria and Catanzaro, but dig a little deeper and you’ll unearth some charming boltholes in the quieter, less-visited areas, too.
Gaze out to sea at Lido l'Oasi, Tropea
Overlooking the brilliant blue sea, Lido l’Oasi is a quintessential Italian beach bar and restaurant. Head here late afternoon to tuck into freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection before moving on to the outside terrace to sip a refreshing cocktail while watching the sun set over the ocean. With a friendly atmosphere and just a few steps from the beach, it’s no surprise that this family-run hotspot attracts both locals and holidaymakers alike.
Lido l’Oasi can get get busy during the summer months, so bear in mind that you may need to arrive early to get the best outdoor seats. For the perfect end to your evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
Choose from hundreds of beers at Bulldog Ale House, Cosenza
No trip to Cosenza would be complete without visiting this gem. Nestled in the heart of the city, Bulldog Ale House is a beer-lover’s paradise. With an intimate atmosphere and cosy indoor and outdoor seating areas, this small but vibrant brewery is the perfect place for a chilled drink and chat with the locals.
Thanks to its unparalleled selection of drinks, both bottled and on-tap, Bulldog Ale House has gained a widespread reputation as the place to go for great beer. With so many varieties to choose from, the friendly and knowledgeable staff are more than happy to help you decide on the perfect tipple.
Spend an evening people-watching at Bar Gelateria Ercole, Pizzo
Famous for its mouthwatering tartufo dessert, this buzzing café also functions as a bar and is the perfect place for an easy-going evening of people-watching. Head here after dinner to sample delicious gelato and choose from a variety of reasonably priced beers, wines and spirits.
Located in the main piazza in Pizzo, the bar is a prime spot for watching the world go by – preferably with a glass of Prosecco in hand. The outdoor terrace fills up quickly during the summer, so get there early to secure the best seats.
Sip classy cocktails at Al Migliarese, Tropea
If you’re looking for somewhere elegant to while away the evening, Al Migliarese in Tropea ticks all the right boxes. Tucked away in a quaint piazza near the old town centre, with a cosy al fresco lounge area with cushioned seats and mood lighting, you couldn’t find a more romantic setting for an intimate drink.
The mixologists make creative cocktails with a modern twist, each of which comes with complimentary antipasti. While the drinks aren’t cheap, the accompanying nibbles more than make up for the price tag. The impeccable service and relaxing setting make Al Migliarese a firm favourite with those visiting Tropea.
Enjoy unique views at Il Pescatore, Le Castella
With magnificent views of the pristine beach and medieval castle, the location of Il Pescatore is hard to beat. Equally popular with locals and visitors, this bustling seaside bar enjoys a prime seafront setting with both inside and outside seating. If you’re looking for somewhere where you can sit back, unwind and admire the stunning surroundings, this is the place to go.
Il Pescatore is also a great place for food and homemade gelato, so there’s the option to start with dinner and stay until late. It’s one of best areas in Le Castella to watch the sunset, too, and the Aragonese castle is an impressive sight to behold when lit up in the evening.