Perched between Homer's mythical Scylla and Charybdis, the clifftop castle town of Scilla and its jewel-like fishermen's quarter Chianalea are among the most photogenic sights in all of southern Italy — best savoured privately, without bus-tour crowds.
What to expect
The 30-minute coast road drive from Reggio to Scilla is spectacular in itself, hugging the Strait of Messina with Sicily floating in the distance. In Chianalea, your guide leads you through labyrinthine lanes to secret viewpoints above the turquoise water. You'll climb to the Ruffo Castle for sweeping panoramas over the strait and then descend to the beach for a granita di limone at a legendary bar. The intimacy of private access lets you absorb the village's timeless rhythm at leisure.
Good to know
Scilla is approx. 30 km north of port — allow 1 hour each way in summer traffic. A half-day (4–5 hrs) is comfortably achievable within most all-aboard windows. Pre-book your private guide; the castle has a small admission fee of approx. EUR 3. Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Reggio Calabria — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Reggio Calabria
- Riace Bronzes: Private Expert Tour of MArRC Museum
- Lungomare Falcomatà & Duomo: Private City Highlights Walking Tour
- Tropea & the Coast of the Gods: Private Luxury Day Excursion
- Mount Etna Summit Crater Hike: Private Guided Volcanic Adventure
- Reggio Calabria Food & Wine Tasting: Private Culinary Immersion