Calabria is a suggestive region, rich in natural beauties that deserve to be seen throughout the year and especially in the summer . Mountains, plains, villages and seaside resorts that leave any type of traveler breathless.
Organizing a summer holiday in the Ionian Calabria area means leaving for cities full of character and pristine beaches of superlative beauty. Here is what to see in Crotone and Sibari, two of the main cities of this area, and which are the most spectacular beaches not to be missed.
Holidays in Sibari, what to see
When it comes to Sibari one of the first things that comes to mind are the archaeological excavations. The Archaeological Park of Sibari is a real open-air museum, where there are the testimonies of the three cities that once dominated this area, namely Sibarys, Thurii and Copia. The area, which has an extension of 50 thousand square meters, preserves the remains of the road network and the suggestive ruins of a Roman theater, together with the foundations of the buildings. In the list of what to see in Sibari, its castles cannot be missed , including the Castle of Roseto Capo Spulico and the Norman Castle of Amendolara.
Another attraction of Sibari are its famous lakes : the area has been reclaimed and today there is the possibility of taking suggestive walks between their waters and those of the Ionian Sea. Also in this locality there is also the Sibari Avventura park , made up of two kilometers of paths that wind through climbing, suspension bridges and small climbs, ideal above all for the little ones.
One of the main beauties to see in Sibari is, however, certainly the sea. Marina di Sibari is the village where the beach of Sibari is located , characterized by 8 kilometers of coastline , with very fine alluvial sands and particularly shallow waters: the beach slopes gently towards the sea and for this reason this coast is ideal for families with children. In this marine stretch there are both free beaches and equipped lidos, with various clubs and services for every need. Sibari beach is also perfect for those who love water sports , which can be practiced in complete safety and tranquillity.
Crotone, sea and what to see
The Crotone area is certainly one of the most evocative of all Ionian Calabria . This territory is set between the clear waters of the Ionian Sea and the greenery of its verdant parks. The city of Crotone was founded by the Greeks in 718 BC and was one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia. One of the symbols of the Calabrian capital is the Castle of Charles V , which is located at the highest point of the city and dominates the surrounding area, from Punta Alice to Capo Colonna.
Another thing to see in Crotone is the National Archaeological Museum : opened to the public in 1968, this place houses some of the most significant finds from all of Magna Graecia. One of the most significant rooms in the museum is dedicated to Hera Lacini and its treasury , made up of jewels of exceptional craftsmanship, such as Hera's diadem. The temple of Crotone was then dedicated to Hera Lacinia , of which only a column remains today, which has become one of the symbols of the capital. In the list of what to see in Crotone , ideal for children even in the summer, there is also the Garden and the Museum of Pythagoras : a park designed as a science museum, designed to demonstrate how the great philosopher Pythagoras managed to interpret various disciplines .
Crotone is a city which, in addition to its architectural and landscape beauties, also boasts the presence in its surroundings of marvelous beaches , overlooking the Ionian Sea. Punta Alice beach , in Cirò Marina, is characterized, for example, by a wide expanse of golden sand, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and crystalline sea. This beach was awarded the Blue Flag in 2018 . Another beach to have received this recognition is that of Torre Melissa , made special by its clear pebbles which give the sea spectacular turquoise hues.
Within the territory of Crotone we then find the beach of Torre Scifo or Punta Scifo beach , located near the promontory of Capo Colonna. It is a pearl of golden sand sheltered by cliffs that fall into the Capo Rizzuto Marine Park. Another very particular beach in the Ionian area of Crotone is Le Cannella , whose name is linked to the particular beach which has nuances that recall oriental spices.
In the Ionian Calabria , then, you could also visit other sea areas and natural places such as:
· Capo Rizzuto , an ideal location for lovers of snorkelling and water sports.
· Soverato , known for its white sand beaches and sheltered bays.
· Cirò Marina , known for the clarity of its sea and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
· Parco della Sila , located on the largest plateau in Europe and including almost 74,000 hectares of land.
In order not to lose all the naturalistic, architectural and marine beauties of the Ionian Calabria area, discover all our offers now and leave for your summer holidays in total relaxation!