Local attractions

Le Castella is a seaside resort on the Ionian coast of Calabria in the province of Crotone part of the municipality of Isola Capo Rizzuto. It is very famous for the fascinating and mysterious Aragon fortress, which stands in the middle of the sea, connected to the mainland by a short, thin strip of sand. The succession of different types of beach right next to one another, with the crystal clear waters of the sea, create a wonderful and unique landscape so interesting and rich in biodiversity that it has become the most extensive marine reserve in Italy.

Who is it aimed at?
Friends, couples, families, groups

Arrival
By car, bus

Good to know
In the past, the area was called Castra, Castra Hannibalis and Castellorum Maris. The etymology of the name emphasizes the Latin plural, which indicates the presence of several fortresses near to the village.

Gerace stands as an important testimony to the Calabrian and Italian Middle Ages. The town is located in the Aspromonte National Park on a hill overlooking the coasts of Locride and the Ionian Sea. Mediaeval scenery and charm come from the nature of the village itself, and by the numerous silent witnesses to the past, including the castle and the co-cathedral, as well as numerous historical buildings and churches of Byzantine origin.

Who is it aimed at?
Friends, couples, families, groups

Arrival
By car, bus

Good to know
Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption, which dates back to the 11th century and is the largest church in Calabria.

Murat Castle is a 15th century fortress. Gioacchino Murat, Napoleon's brother in-law, was imprisoned here before he was sentenced to death.

Who is it suitable for?
Families, couples

Getting there
Car, train, on foot

Other comments
Opening times differ over the seasons

 

The town of Nicastro was founded in the Byzantine era. In 1683 an earthquake shaped the history of the city.

Who is it suitable for?
Families, couples, friends, singles

Getting there
Train, bus

Cosenza boasts a variety of culture and architecture. The city lies between seven hills, as shown in its coat of arms.

Who is it suitable for?
Families, couples, friends, singles

Getting there
Train, bus, taxi

The Plane Tree of Curinga in Calabria is estimated to be 1,000 years old. The trunk of the tree is completely hollow. In 2020 it took first place in the 'Italian Tree of the year' event and in 2021 second place in the 'European Tree of the year' event.

Who is it suitable for?
Families

Getting there
Car, on foot

Catanzaro lies between two seas. The Calabrian capital is famous for producing velvet and silk.

Who is it suitable for?
Families, couples, friends, singles

Getting there
Tram, bus, car

As well as various churches, Serra San Bruno has a long history in the production of charcoal.

Who is it suitable for?
Families, couples

Getting there
Car, train

Website Link: http://www.visitserrasanbruno.it/itinerari/sulla-via-dei-carbonai/

The small town of Tropea sits on the west coast of Calabria. It is especially known for its old town, perched on a cliff, and its beautiful beaches. Particularly beautiful is the Benedictine pilgrimage church of Santa Maria dell'Isola, which towers overlook the historic quarter and can be reached with a few steps.

Who is it aimed at?
Friends, couples, families, groups

Arrival
By car, bus

Good to know
When the weather is clear, you can see the volcanic island of Stromboli and other islands from the Lipari archipelago.

Located on a promontory, Capo Vaticano features incredible bays and beaches. From there, you have a view of the Strait of Messina, which separates Calabria from Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.

Who is it aimed at?
Friends, couples, families, groups

Arrival
By car, bus

Good to know
The Aeolian Islands can be visited by boat.

Costa Viola is the southernmost part of the Tyrrhenian coast. Here, the sea is deep and open, and the water appears purple at certain times of the day. Alongside the heavenly natural landscape, the hilltop town of Bagnara Calabra overlooks the sea, surrounded by vineyards. Nearby is the delightful fishing village of Scilla, offering one of the most beautiful views in Italy.

Who is it aimed at?
Friends, couples, families, groups

Arrival
By car, bus

The picturesque community of Pizzo is home to the world-famous Piedigrotta Church. This grotto church was built to protect an image of the Madonna which, according to legend, three shipwrecked sailors rescued from their ship at the end of the 17th century. Alfonso and Emilio Barone created numerous tufa sculptures with biblical motifs in the grotto between 1900 and 1979.

Who is it aimed at?
Friends, couples, families

Arrival
By car, bus

Good to know
Today, the church is the second most visited monument in Calabria after the Riace Bronzes.