Advice on a week in Calabria

[Rickpb2020]

Well, we've been getting details out of the way in terms of travel next April to Calabria. Fly into Naples, train to Calabria. We're leaning to renting a place in Reggio Calabria for 5 days as a "base". Then we can spend time wandering in Reggio Calabria, a day trip on the Ferry to Messina, and one or two day trips by train or bus to nearby towns. Looking for some feedback on this. Are there any other towns that better to use as a "base"? Good suggestions on nearby towns can be reached by public transportation and are interesting to visit. We're only mildly interested in churches and museums; but prefer art, architecture, markets, local neighborhoods and of course food.

 

[Alpinista]

Check the cruise ship schedule for Messina if doing a day trip there....also affects Taormina.

 

[Rickpb2020]

Check the cruise ship schedule for Messina if doing a day trip there....also affects Taormina.

Wow, didn't think about that. Thanks.

 

[daphnik]

Calabria is a good spot to do your day trips, I agree with the location. For one day Scilla and Tropea are very enjoyable, and with the ferry I agree Messina is the closest connection (very nice as well is Lipari and Vulcano, a bit further away). We have found good suggestions in blogs like trip advisor, ferry hopper and reddit (you can check for example here and here).

 

[Rickpb2020]

So, getting ready for our stay in Reggio Calabria. Any advice on small local Osterias or Trattorias? We like small local places to eat. Not looking for fancy modern places.