Dino Island
Dino Island is a gem of the Tyrrhenian Sea, located off the Calabrian coast near Praia a Mare. This small island, the largest of the two belonging to Calabria, is celebrated for its incredible natural beauty and the crystal-clear waters that surround it.
The island is covered in lush vegetation and features imposing limestone cliffs that rise directly from the sea. One of the main attractions of Dino Island is its sea caves, accessible only by water. Among these, the most famous is the Blue Grotto, named for the way sunlight filters through the water, creating a luminous blue effect. Other notable caves include the Lion’s Grotto and the Arch Grotto, each with its own unique features. Visitors can explore the island through boat tours that regularly depart from the nearby coast, offering a unique opportunity to swim in these clear waters and snorkel.
Dino Island is not only a paradise for nature and adventure lovers but also an important site of geological and biological interest, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Calabria.
Cirella Island
Cirella Island is a charming spot on the Calabrian coast, located opposite the ancient village of the same name, not far from Diamante. This small island is known for its tranquil environment and lush Mediterranean vegetation, providing an ideal habitat for various bird species and endemic flora.
Characterized by rocks and cliffs, Cirella Island is renowned for its clear waters and rich marine life, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The transparent waters allow easy observation of the seabed, populated by a wide variety of fish and marine organisms.
Despite its small size, Cirella Island is rich in history. It hosts the remains of an ancient watchtower, bearing witness to the island’s strategic past as a point of defense against pirate attacks. This place not only captivates with its natural beauty but also with the mystery surrounding its ancient history.
Guided boat tours are available from the nearby coast, allowing visitors to explore the island and enjoy its stunning views and tranquil beaches. Cirella Island is a must-visit for those seeking a day of relaxation and adventure, immersed in nature and history along the beautiful coasts of Calabria.
Papasidero
Papasidero is a charming village nestled deep in the mountains of Calabria, along the valley of the Lao River. This picturesque town is renowned for its rich historical and natural heritage, making it an ideal destination for lovers of history and outdoor adventure.
One of the main attractions of Papasidero is the Grotta del Romito, a prehistoric site of great archaeological significance. Inside the cave, rock engravings and human remains dating back up to 12,000 years have been discovered, offering a unique window into the lives of ancient peoples who inhabited this region.
The village itself is a labyrinth of narrow streets and stone houses, with breathtaking views of the valley below. At the center of the town stands the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a historic building containing well-preserved frescoes and sacred art of significant interest.
For nature enthusiasts, Papasidero also offers numerous opportunities for hiking and river activities, such as rafting and kayaking on the Lao River, known for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular landscapes.
Visiting Papasidero provides a fascinating experience where history, culture, and natural adventures merge in a context of extraordinary beauty, making it an ideal place for an escape from daily routines and a plunge into the past and wild nature of Calabria.
Renaissance Palace of Aieta
Spinelli Palace stands in the ancient town of Aieta and dominates the surrounding structures with its grandeur. It was constructed in the 16th century by the Marquis Cosentino, lords of Aieta since 1577. The palace was transferred to the Cosentino family in 1571 and was sold to the Spinelli of Scalea in 1767.
In 1913, it was declared a national monument and later became the property of the Municipality of Aieta in 1980.
Declared a national monument, this building represents one of the most precious gems of the region, being one of the few examples of Renaissance architecture in Southern Italy.
The palace is distinguished by its elegant stone facade, characterized by a masterful portal with carved decorations depicting floral and animal motifs, symbols of prosperity and good fortune. The interior of the palace is equally impressive, with vaulted ceilings and well-preserved frescoes that adorn the walls, offering a visual spectacle of art that tells stories of the past.
Inside the palace, visitors can explore various rooms that house a collection of antique furniture and artworks, which together create an immersive atmosphere of the Italian Renaissance. A notable feature is the Fireplace Room, where a large, finely decorated stone fireplace served as a gathering and warming point during the winter months.
Blanda Museum
The Blanda Museum in Tortora is an unmissable cultural site for those visiting the Calabria region, located in the picturesque town of Tortora. This museum is primarily dedicated to history and archaeology, offering a window into the past through its extensive collection of artifacts found in the surrounding area, which once hosted the ancient city of Blanda.
The museum’s collection is rich and varied, including artifacts from the Bronze Age to the medieval period. The exhibits feature ceramics, coins, everyday tools, and jewelry that narrate the daily life of the ancient inhabitants of this region. Particularly notable is the section dedicated to tomb finds, which illustrates the funerary practices and religious beliefs of ancient populations.
The museum not only preserves these historical testimonies but also engages in education and dissemination through interactive and educational exhibits, making it an ideal place for school visits and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Calabria’s history and the civilizations that have inhabited it.
Visiting the Blanda Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich historical and cultural fabric of Tortora, making it an essential stop for those who wish to explore the archaeological and cultural heritage of the region in depth.
Christ of Maratea
The Christ of Maratea, also known as the Christ the Redeemer of Maratea, is one of the most imposing and symbolic statues in Italy, located on the summit of Monte San Biagio, majestically overlooking the stunning coast of Maratea in Basilicata. This statue, approximately 22 meters high with an arm span of 19 meters, is visible from numerous points along the coast and serves as both a spiritual and touristic landmark for the region.
Crafted from Carrara marble by Florentine artist Bruno Innocenti, the statue was inaugurated in 1965 and is clearly inspired by the more famous Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, though it features its own distinctive characteristics and a unique expression. Beyond its artistic grandeur, the Christ of Maratea also draws visitors for its religious significance, acting as a symbol of peace and blessing for the faithful who arrive here from around the world.
The surrounding area offers a sanctuary, an ancient convent, and the ruins of a medieval church dedicated to San Biagio, the patron saint of Maratea, enriching the experience with a deep historical and cultural sense. The site also boasts one of the most spectacular panoramic points in the region, with views extending over the Gulf of Policastro and the surrounding mountains, making a visit to the Christ of Maratea an unforgettable experience both for its scenic beauty and spiritual depth.
Lavender Park
The Lavender Park of Morano Calabro is a charming and aromatic place, located in the heart of Calabria. This unique park offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in vast fields of lavender, which during the summer months are painted in a vibrant purple hue and scent the air with their unmistakable aroma.
The park is not just a visual attraction; it is also a complete sensory experience. Visitors can stroll among the lavender rows, participate in workshops dedicated to the distillation of lavender essential oil, and discover the many therapeutic properties of this plant. During the blooming season, the park also organizes festivals and events that celebrate the beauty and qualities of lavender, drawing tourists and enthusiasts from all over.
In addition to the lavender fields, the park features picnic areas and nature trails that allow visitors to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding landscape, making the Lavender Park of Morano Calabro a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway and connection with nature.
Murals of Diamante
The Murals of Diamante are one of the most colorful and artistic attractions in Calabria, transforming the picturesque village of Diamante into a true open-air art gallery.
This artistic phenomenon began in the 1980s when, in an attempt to revitalize the town and celebrate local culture, artists from around the world were invited to paint the walls of houses, facades, and alleys of the historic center.
Today, Diamante boasts over 300 murals that adorn the village streets, each telling different stories through vivid images, often accompanied by poems and written reflections. These artworks range from scenes of everyday life, portraits of people, depictions of local traditions to social and political commentaries, offering an eclectic and deeply personal overview of the community.
Visiting the Murals of Diamante is a unique experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in local culture and history while exploring the narrow streets and squares of one of the region’s most enchanting villages. Each year, new murals are added during the annual festival, keeping the tradition alive and continuously enriching the visual experience.
Romito Cave
The Romito Cave in Papasidero is an archaeological site of exceptional historical and cultural value, located in the heart of the Pollino National Park in Calabria. This prehistoric cave is famous for its rock carvings and archaeological findings that demonstrate human presence since the Upper Paleolithic, about 12,000 years ago.
Inside the cave, archaeologists have discovered significant artifacts, including stone tools, remains of bonfires, and, most notably, some of Italy’s oldest rock engravings. The most famous piece is the “Bos Primigenius,” an engraving depicting a wild bull, executed with extraordinary skill and considered one of the most significant artistic expressions of the prehistoric period in Europe.
Visiting the Romito Cave offers tourists not only the chance to admire these extraordinary archaeological artifacts but also to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a distant past, exploring an almost unchanged natural environment. The path to the cave, set amidst the lush vegetation of the Pollino Park, adds an additional layer of wonder and adventure to the experience.
