Reggio Calabria at a glance
Reggio Calabria is a city worth a half day or a full day, not a beach resort. The main reasons to come are the national archaeological museum (MArRC) with the Riace Bronzes, a long seafront promenade and the short crossing to Messina in Sicily.
The museum, the Lungomare and the ferry are all close together, so the day is easy to plan on foot. Reggio is also one of the three commercial airports in the region, next to Lamezia Terme and Crotone. If you want to sleep in the city, see where to stay in Calabria.
The Riace Bronzes and the national museum
The Riace Bronzes are the reason most people come. They are shown at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria, at Piazza De Nava 26.
The museum has lifts to the collection levels. The ticket seller says the closest station is Reggio Calabria Lido, about 2 minutes on foot. Access to the necropolis is with a staff member.
A reserved time slot does not guarantee that you can walk straight into the room with the bronzes. Expect a queue at busy times and start with that room if you are short on time.
Restoration of the outside of Palazzo Piacentini began on 28 September 2026. The museum says the work is outside and that normal use of the rooms does not change. The announced sections are Via Veneto from 16 to 27 October 2026 and Via Vollaro from 28 October to 10 December 2026.
Our picks: Reggio Calabria
The National Archaeological Museum as a ticket or as part of a guided old-town tour.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Reggio Calabria old town and Riace Bronzes museum tour
Three hours with a licensed guide: a walk through the old town and a visit to the National Archaeological Museum. Check on the booking page whether the museum ticket is covered.
Check availability →National Archaeological Museum ticket in Reggio Calabria
Museum entry and a postcard are included. A guided tour is not.
Check availability →Reggio Calabria tours and day trips
Guided visits in Reggio Calabria and the surrounding area, including options that include the Riace Bronzes, with live prices and availability.
Museum tickets and opening hours (2026)
Prices as listed by the ticket seller in October 2026. Check the final amount at checkout before you pay.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Museum, adult | €10 |
| Museum, reduced | €2 |
| Exhibition and museum | €13 |
| Reduced exhibition | €5 |
| Under 18, and everyone on the first Sunday of the month | Free |
The reduced ticket is for eligible EU visitors aged 18 to 25 and other groups listed on the ticket page. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 20:00, with last entry at 19:30. The museum is closed on Monday. School groups must book ahead.
The Lungomare Falcomatà
The Lungomare Italo Falcomatà is the seafront promenade. The city describes it as running from Piazza Indipendenza to Piazza Garibaldi, about 1.7 km. It is a public promenade for a walk with the strait in view, and a good way to spend the time after the museum.
Walk it in the late afternoon, when it is cooler, and bring water in summer. If you want to extend the day, the crossing to Messina is described below.
Swimming in Reggio: check before you go in
Do not assume that you can swim anywhere along the Lungomare. For the 2026 season the city published a swimming ban for several sections where water quality was rated poor (orders 79 and 78 of 22 June 2026). They include Gallico to Limoneto, Circolo Nautico, Lido Comunale Pontile Nord, Pontile Sud, Villa Zerbi, Ravagnese to Sabbie Bianche, Pellaro to Lume, 500 m north of the Torrente Annunziata and Circolo Velico.
Follow the signs on site. For beach days, see our guide to the beaches of Calabria.
Reggio to Messina by fast passenger boat
Liberty Lines runs a fast passenger service across the Strait of Messina. The crossing takes 35 minutes to Messina and 30 minutes back. The published timetable shows 19 departures per direction from Monday to Friday and 8 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. These are planned numbers, not a guarantee, and the service is for passengers, so do not count on taking a car.
Check the current timetable and fare on the day, since cancellations are announced daily. Looking for another stop on the Strait? Scilla and its Chianalea fishermen's quarter lie on the same stretch of coast, and the things to do in Calabria list has more ideas.
Reggio Calabria: frequently asked questions
Where can I see the Riace Bronzes?
At the national archaeological museum, MArRC, at Piazza De Nava 26 in Reggio Calabria. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 20:00.
How much is the museum ticket in 2026?
An adult ticket is €10 and a reduced ticket is €2. A ticket for the exhibition and museum is listed at €13, reduced €5. Under 18s and everyone on the first Sunday of the month enter for free.
Is the museum closed because of the building work?
No. The restoration of the outside started on 28 September 2026, and the museum says normal use of the rooms does not change.
Can I swim at the Lungomare?
Not everywhere. The city banned swimming at several named sections for the 2026 season. Read the signs and ask locally before you go in.
How long is the crossing to Messina?
The fast passenger boat takes 35 minutes to Messina and 30 minutes back, according to the operator. It is a passenger service, so check the timetable for the day you travel.
Is Reggio Calabria worth a day?
Yes, if you like museums and a walk by the water. Plan the museum first, then the Lungomare. For beach days, look at Tropea and the Costa degli Dei.