Reggio Calabria is on the tip of Italy’s toe, on the edge of Calabria, right beside the gorgeous Strait of Messina, and almost overlooked by Sicily. It’s pretty much the dead centre of the Mediterranean too. Talk about location, location, location! Considering its myriad of natural charms, and the fact that this spot has been significant for hundreds of years so is rife with historic treasures, Reggio Calabria is quite a quiet city as far as visitor numbers. Many people pass through, but few explore the wonderful museums or stroll the long and panoramic seafront. So not only are the best places to stay in Reggio Calabria excellent bases for exploring this city, as well as its surrounds, they’re also very affordable. Both our Gurus picks offer great value for stylish rooms and ocean views, one a chic B&B, and other a small, contemporary hotel.

The best places to stay in Reggio Calabria are definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a reasonably price Italian beach holiday — with kids or not — and without the summer crowds of the well known resorts. As well as being long and picturesque, the seafront is sandy, with lapping aquamarine waters, and plenty of public access and facilities, as well as private beaches and lidos.

Beyond the beach, the town's most famous attractions are probably the National Museum, and its Raice Bronzes: two Greek-made bronze statues of larger-that-life heros, discovered in the sea about fifty miles away. If you're here for the culture our recommendations for the best places to stay in Reggio Calabria are also perfect — you could easily stay very comfortably and affordably for a week or more getting to know the bronzes and the museum’s other treasures.