Many tourists overlook the toe of 'The Boot' in Italy, but I think it's one of the most underrated regions

Tropea is one of the most popular coastal towns in Calabria.

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Calabria, the southernmost region of mainland Italy, feels untouched by mass tourism — especially compared to major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice.Some even refer to it as Italy's best-kept secret.A 15,000-square-kilometer collection of beach towns, hilltop villages, and mountainous inland areas right at the toe of "The Boot," Calabria has diverse landscapes, a slow pace, and a distinctly local feel.My father was born and raised in the region, which separates the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, so I've visited it more than eight times.Whether I'm exploring one of Calabria's coasts, mountain ranges, or quaint villages, I'm always struck by how natural, raw, and authentic the area feels. I firmly believe it's one of Italy's most underrated regions.Getting to this part of Italy requires a bit of planning if you're traveling from the US

Calabria doesn't get as crowded as other parts of Italy during the summer months.

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