Where to go climbing in Calabria

Here is an overview of the best places for climbing in Calabria, including areas, difficulty levels, and rock types.

Torre Sant’Antonio is the ideal place to stay while spending your days climbing. Its central yet beachfront location offers a unique opportunity to enjoy both the sea and the mountains on the same day.

Badolato – S. Caterina / Guardavalle (Southern Ionian Coast)

An emerging area with sectors perfect for introducing tourists and foreign groups to climbing.

• Type: Limestone crags + bouldering on rock outcrops
• Difficulty: 4c – 7b
• Levels: Suitable for all abilities
• Highlights: Perfect mix of sea and mountains; great exposure in winter and spring
• Distance from Torre Sant’Antonio: 6 km

Placanica (Locride)

One of the best sport-climbing crags in the region.

• Type: Sport climbing
• Rock: Compact limestone
• Difficulty: 5b – 8a
• Highlights: Many routes, good bolting, solid rock, short approach
• Distance from Torre Sant’Antonio: 31 km

Roccella Jonica – The “City of the Crag”

One of the most well-known climbing areas among Italian climbers.

• Type: Sport climbing
• Rock: Limestone
• Difficulty: 5c – 8b
• Highlights: Well-bolted routes: easy to reach
• Distance from Torre Sant’Antonio: 31 km

Serra San Bruno (mountains)

Climbing in the forest.

• Type: Bouldering + multipitch
• Rock: Granite
• Difficulty: 5a – 7a
• Highlights: Higher, cooler rock—perfect for summer
• Distance from Torre Sant’Antonio: 50 km

Calabrian Pollino (Mormanno – Laino Borgo)

Excellent for long routes and more “alpine-style” climbing.

• Type: Semi-trad, vertical limestone, multipitch, crags
• Rock: Limestone
• Difficulty: 5c – 7a
• Highlights: Ideal for advanced groups
• Distance from Torre Sant’Antonio: 210 km