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Where to Stay in Calabria

Where to Stay in Calabria

Calabria Italy Travel Guide

Finding Your Stay

Types of Accommodation

  • Hotels & Resorts

    From budget-friendly options to upscale resorts, you find a variety, especially in popular coastal towns like Tropea and Soverato.

  • Villas & Apartments

    Ideal for families or longer stays, offering privacy and local living. Many seaside towns have private rentals.

  • B&Bs & Guesthouses

    Often family-run, offering a personal touch and local breakfast, a good way to meet locals.

  • Agriturismi

    Farm stays offering authentic rural experiences, often with farm-to-table dining. Excellent for cultural immersion.

Booking Your Stay

  • Online Platforms

    Major booking sites list a wide array of choices. Booking in advance, especially for peak season, is wise.

  • Peak Season

    July and August are busiest. Book well ahead to secure good options and rates.

  • Location Choices

    Consider coastal towns for beaches, mountain villages for nature, or larger cities for cultural access.

  • Reviews

    Guest reviews offer genuine feedback on cleanliness, service, and location.

Accommodation Spotlight

Calabria's diverse landscapes offer distinct accommodation styles, each providing an unique perspective on the region.

Hotels & Resorts

Pros
  • Convenience and amenities (pools, restaurants).
  • Often located in prime tourist areas.
  • Professional service and English-speaking staff.
  • Easy access to beach clubs in coastal areas.
Considerations
  • Can be less personal than smaller stays.
  • Higher prices, especially in high season.
  • Less exposure to local, authentic life.
  • May lack unique character of traditional properties.

Villas & Apartments

Pros
  • More space and privacy for families or groups.
  • Kitchen facilities for self-catering.
  • Experience living like a local.
  • Cost-effective for longer stays.
Considerations
  • Fewer services than hotels (daily cleaning, room service).
  • Requires more self-sufficiency.
  • May be outside main town centers.
  • Check-in/check-out processes can be less flexible.

Agriturismi & B&Bs

Pros
  • Authentic rural experience and local interaction.
  • Often feature farm-to-table dining.
  • Peaceful settings, close to nature.
  • Personalized service from hosts.
Considerations
  • May require a car for access.
  • Limited amenities compared to larger hotels.
  • Often located away from major cities/coasts.
  • Language barrier can occur with hosts.

Choosing Your Base

Coastal Areas

Beach resorts and towns like Tropea or Soverato suit those seeking sun, sea, and lively evenings. Easy access to water activities.

Inland & Mountainous Areas

Perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking tranquility. Explore national parks or charming hilltop villages.

Special Considerations

Beyond basic needs, certain amenities and policies enrich your stay in Calabria.

Family-Friendly Stays

  • Connecting Rooms: Some hotels and resorts offer options for families needing extra space.
  • Pool Access: Many hotels, especially on the coast, feature pools, great for children.
  • Apartment Living: Renting an apartment or villa gives families space for separate living areas and meal preparation.
  • On-site Dining: Hotels with restaurants simplify meal times, especially with young children.

Pet-Friendly Options

  • Designated Hotels: A growing number of accommodations welcome pets, sometimes for a small fee.
  • Rural Agriturismi: Agriturismi often have more space and a relaxed atmosphere that suits pets.
  • Check Policies: Always confirm pet policies and any additional charges directly with the property.
  • Local Regulations: Be aware of local rules regarding pets in public spaces and on beaches.

Accessibility Features

Physical Accessibility
  • Look for hotels advertising ramp access.
  • Inquire about roll-in showers.
  • Confirm wide doorways and clear pathways.
  • Mountainous towns have steep inclines.
Sensory Accessibility
  • Few specific accommodations for hearing impairments exist.
  • Visual cues and signage vary.
  • Communicating needs in Italian can assist staff.
  • Larger chains may offer more standardized features.

Sustainable Choices

Eco-Certifications

Some properties pursue eco-friendly certifications. Inquire about these.

Local Sourcing

Agriturismi and B&Bs often use local produce and support regional economy.

Water & Energy

Water conservation initiatives are common, notably in drier areas.

Booking & Logistics

Streamline your accommodation planning with these practical tips for bookings and stay management.

Online Booking Platforms

Booking.com

A global platform with a wide selection of hotels, apartments, and B&Bs.

Agoda

Good for Asia, but also lists properties in Italy, often with competitive rates.

Vacation Rentals & Unique Stays

Vrbo

A platform specializing in vacation rentals, ideal for families or groups seeking private homes.

Hostelworld

For budget travelers, offering hostels and guesthouses with a social atmosphere.

Payment Methods

  • Credit/Debit Cards

    Widely accepted at most hotels and larger B&Bs. Visa and Mastercard are most common.

  • Cash Payments

    Smaller B&Bs or agriturismi might prefer cash, especially in rural areas.

  • Local Currency

    Payments are in Euros (€). Exchange currency at banks or ATMs.

  • Secure Transactions

    Use reputable booking sites. Be cautious of direct payment requests outside official channels.

Cancellation Policies

  • Flexible Options

    Many bookings offer free cancellation up to a certain date. Choose this if plans change.

  • Non-Refundable

    These options are cheaper but have strict cancellation terms.

  • Read Carefully

    Always review the specific cancellation policy before confirming your reservation.

  • Travel Insurance

    Consider travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances affecting your trip.

Check-in/Check-out Tips

Arrival Procedures

Check specified check-in times. Inform the property of late arrivals. Have your booking confirmation and ID ready.

Departure Procedures

Confirm check-out time. Settle any remaining balance. Some properties offer luggage storage.

Accommodation Types by Location

Coastal Towns

Expect more hotels, resorts, and vacation apartments due to beach tourism.

Inland Villages

Characterized by charming B&Bs, guesthouses, and agriturismi.

Major Cities

A mix of larger hotels, business-oriented options, and city-center apartments.