Reggio Calabria Ferries

The port of Reggio Calabria plays a key role in the ferry network of Italy, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 7 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Reggio Calabria serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Reggio Calabria, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Messina - Reggio Calabria connecting Reggio Calabria with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Liberty Lines run regular services from Reggio Calabria, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Reggio Calabria offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Reggio Calabria is well-connected to Italy's transportation network, with regular train services from Rome (5 hours), Naples (4 hours), and other major cities along the Italian peninsula. The city is accessible via the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo for those traveling by car, connecting to northern Italian cities. Reggio Calabria Airport offers domestic flights, primarily from Rome and Milan, with ground transportation to the ferry terminal available by taxi or city bus. For those driving, several parking facilities are available near the port area, though it's advisable to book in advance during summer months. Local buses connect the train station to the ferry terminal with frequent service throughout the day.

Perched on the toe of Italy's boot, Reggio Calabria offers travelers a stunning Mediterranean experience with views across the Strait of Messina to Sicily. This ancient Greek settlement blends rich historical heritage with modern Italian charm, creating a unique coastal atmosphere. As a key ferry hub in southern Italy, Reggio Calabria serves as both a destination worth exploring and a perfect jumping-off point for island adventures beyond.

Reggio Calabria enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The ideal time to visit is during the late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) when temperatures hover comfortably between 20-25°C and tourist crowds are thinner. Summer brings vibrant local festivals, including the Festa della Madonna della Consolazione in September, offering cultural immersion alongside beach enjoyment. Ferry services operate year-round but increase in frequency during summer months, with more options for island exploration. Winter visits (November-March) offer significantly lower accommodation rates, though some coastal establishments may have reduced hours.

Reggio Calabria serves as an excellent launching point for exploring Sicily, with frequent ferry services to Messina taking just 20-30 minutes across the strait. The Aeolian Islands are accessible via connecting ferries from Messina, offering volcanic landscapes and crystal waters about 2-3 hours from Reggio Calabria. Malta can be reached via longer ferry connections, providing an opportunity to experience its unique blend of cultures and stunning limestone architecture. The journey along the Strait of Messina is particularly remarkable, offering views of what the ancients believed to be the mythological sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis.

No visit to Reggio Calabria is complete without seeing the famous Riace Bronzes at the National Archaeological Museum, two perfectly preserved Greek bronze statues that were recovered from the sea. The city's Lungomare Falcomatà, described by poet Gabriele D'Annunzio as 'the most beautiful kilometer in Italy,' offers breathtaking promenades with views across to Sicily and Mount Etna on clear days. For culinary adventures, sample local specialties like 'nduja (spicy spreadable sausage), bergamot-infused treats, and fresh seafood at restaurants near the Aragonese Castle. The historic center around Corso Garibaldi reveals charming piazzas and the impressive Byzantine-Norman Cathedral, all within walking distance of the port area.

Reggio Calabria is home to the bergamot, a citrus fruit grown almost exclusively in this region and essential for Earl Grey tea production worldwide. The city experiences the fascinating optical illusion known as 'Fata Morgana,' where complex mirages appear above the Strait of Messina, named after the sorceress Morgan le Fay from Arthurian legend. Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC as 'Rhegion,' Reggio is one of Italy's oldest cities, predating Rome by several centuries. The city's port has served as a crucial Mediterranean crossing point for over 2,700 years, connecting European travelers to Sicily and beyond.