What to see and do in Calabria in May

Calabria in May offers bright days, lush nature, villages to visit and outdoor experiences between the sea, mountains and Marian shrines to reach on pilgrimage.

Calabria's tourist attractions in May are a springtime delight: blooming rose gardens, typical products that herald the arrival of summer and trips to some of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, not to mention the first dips in the sea during the low season!

Ready to discover what to see and do in Calabria in May?

The best way to discover Calabria in May is to set off on foot! May is the ideal month, neither too hot nor too cold, to slowly discover the unspoilt nature of Calabria's three National Parks, the Serre Regional Park and dozens of protected nature reserves, from the mountains to the sea. In Calabria, there are many Trails mapped and recognised by MiC and CAI, in addition to the specific Regional Register of Trails in Calabria, perfect for those who want an introspective and sporting experience to be savoured at a slow pace.

Discover here the complete list of trails to enjoy in Calabria in May and throughout the seasons: Trails of Calabria.

The month of May is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which is why it is called "Marian" and represents the best time to devote oneself to religious tourism through pilgrimages to some of the most important places of worship. In May, Calabria adorns itself in devotion to the Virgin Mary: whether from the East or the West, the Virgin Mary is venerated in numerous Marian shrines throughout Calabria, from north to south. Spring, with the reawakening of nature and the spirit, accompanies the desire to embark on the most beautiful journeys of faith in often inaccessible, panoramic locations, in close contact with nature.

Some examples of pilgrimages to make in Calabria in May? The one that, during the Pentecost period, leads to the famous Shrine of the Madonna di Porto in Gimigliano, in the Sila area of Catanzaro: linked to the plague epidemic of 1626, the sanctuary was built around the miraculous icon of the Madonna of Constantinople, which the painter Marco Pizzuto (known as Marcangione) found completed by himself after leaving it sketched. The image, therefore defined as 'acheropita', i.e. not painted by human hands, represents the Madonna breastfeeding and has been housed in the church of Gimigliano since 1753, becoming the destination of a pilgrimage that culminates in the Feast of the Madonna di Porto, on the first Tuesday after Pentecost.

In May, Calabria is a riot of blooming roses, colouring the landscape and gardens with a thousand shades. What better place to admire their blossoms and uses, from cosmetics to cooking, than the "Village of Roses" itself? We are talking about Roseto Capo Spulico, in the province of Cosenza, famous for hosting one of the most important Frederick II castles in Calabria, for the production of a prized variety of cherry (crowned Most Beautiful Cherry in Italy) and, of course, for the cultivation of roses.

As its name suggests, this beautiful town on the Costa degli Achei, already a Blue Flag destination and ideal for an early season swim, enjoys a mild microclimate, particularly favourable to a delicate flower such as the rose. This is why, since ancient times, the area has been devoted to this crop, linking it to its Greek origins: it seems, in fact, that the renowned rose gardens that still surround the town today were used to fill the pillows of the sybaritic princesses (of the ancient city of Sybaris) with petals; while, in our times, they supply a small but virtuous local perfume company.

Speaking of flowers, anyone who thinks that Calabrian cuisine is all about chilli peppers and strong flavours is mistaken! An unusual way to discover Calabrian gastronomy in May is through the first fruits of the season: flowers and fruits with intoxicating colours and scents. Natural essences and wild herbs, secret ingredients of local tradition, as well as of the healthier Mediterranean Diet. Calabria in May is in full spring bloom: from the high-altitude peach orchards, which in May colour the slopes of the Pollino National Park pink, to the Strait of Messina, intoxicated by the unmistakable scent of Reggio Calabria PDO Bergamot.

Two other native essences, used both in cooking and in cosmetics? Jasmine and opium poppy, both grown along the Riviera dei Gelsomini, in the lower Ionian coast of Reggio Calabria. Finally, among the herbs and field products that grow in Calabria in May and throughout the spring, there is no shortage of asparagus, cardoons and wild artichokes, chicory and nettles: all essential ingredients for country omelettes, delicious soups and gourmet risottos.