Essential information for Calabria

When to go

With hot summers and mild winters, Calabria can be visited at any time of year. In June, July and August, expect temperatures to be in the high 20s, with little rain. August sees highs of around 30°C, making it an ideal time for sun-seekers who want to make the most of Calabria’s many glorious beaches.

For fewer crowds and less extreme temperatures, visit Calabria during June or September. These months are great for outdoor pursuits such as walking and cycling, and the sea is warm enough for swimming. In the winter, the mountains often get snow and temperatures can drop to 8°C.

Health and safety

It’s important to make sure you have comprehensive medical and travel insurance for you and your family while you’re on holiday. Before leaving the UK, it’s worth applying for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles you to free or low-cost emergency medical treatment. However, bear in mind that it won’t make you eligible for non-urgent or ongoing treatment, or medical repatriation. If you’re planning on taking part in sporting activities, check that your insurance covers this.

Tap water in Italy is safe to drink, unless marked otherwise. If you’re not sure, use bottled water or ask before drinking.

For more information, take a look at our holiday extras page, or visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/health.

Passports and visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to go on holiday to Calabria, but they must have a valid passport. It’s a legal requirement that you carry your passport with you at all times, and you may be required to show it at hotels or when paying with a credit card. For the latest information on passports and visas, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Most international flights land in either Reggio Calabria or Lamezia Terme airports. The majority of large towns, cities and resorts in Calabria are connected by an efficient rail service which runs along the coast and connects to the rest of Italy. Bear in mind that some train stations are remote, and you may need extra transport to get to where you want to go. As Calabria is still considered somewhat off the beaten track, taxis are few and far between, but there are regular bus and coach services connecting the major towns.

If you’re looking to travel inland or explore the more remote areas of Calabria, you’ll need a car. The airports and most large towns offer vehicle hire services – remember to bring your UK driving licence with you.

There are regular ferry services from Calabria to Sicily, departing from Reggio Calabria, Tropea and Vibo Valentia.

Advice for travellers with children

With bountiful beaches and friendly seaside resorts, Calabria is a great holiday destination for families. Pizzo, Tropea and Capo Vaticano are some of the most popular areas, and you’ll find a handful of Blue Flag beaches and quiet bays along the coast. Many resorts are family friendly, with some great restaurants serving homely, rustic dishes. Activity-wise, head to Locri or Crotone for historical sites, or go hiking and biking in the Apennine mountains.

Family discounts are available on some public transport, and many local attractions offer free admission for children.

Electricity

Connector type: most electricity outlets require two- or three-pin European plugs, so remember to take an adapter with you on your trip.

Voltage info: 220V to 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz.

Emergency information

In the event of an emergency, the following numbers can be called for assistance:

Ambulance: 118, Police: 113, Fire brigade: 115, Roadside emergency assistance: 116, Military police (Carabinieri): 112

British Consulate

The British Embassy in Rome, which serves Calabria, provides assistance to British nationals in Italy who require urgent help. For example, if you or a relative is a victim of a crime or you’re affected by a crisis while in Italy, you should contact the British Embassy.

Address: Rome Consular Section, British Embassy Rome, Via XX Settembre 80/a, 00187 Rome, Italy

Phone: +39 06 4220 0001

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm.

Hospitals

In the event of a medical emergency, there are several hospitals in Calabria. Contact your medical insurance provider as soon as possible if you’re receiving medical treatment.

Hospital Riuniti Reggio Calabria Address: Via Melacrino Giuseppe, 21 Phone: +39 09 65 39 71 11

Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Reggio Calabria Address: Garibaldi, SNC 89063 Melito Di Porto Salvo Phone: +39 09 65 77 41 11

Hospital Giovanni XXIII – Gioia Tauro Address: Via Madame Curie, 89013 Gioia Tauro RC Phone: +39 09 66 41 81