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Destinations
New Adventure Sea offers guided tours along the Ionian Coast of Calabria, particularly in:
Caminia | Copanello | Pietragrande | Soverato | Le Castella | Isola Capo Rizzuto
Caminia
Caminia, a breathtaking natural bay located in the municipality of Stalettì (CZ) along the Ionian coast of Calabria, is renowned for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Key Details
Location: Part of the "Costa dei Saraceni" (Saracen Coast) in the Gulf of Squillace, nestled between the rocky cliffs of Copanello and Pietragrande.
The Beach: A mix of well-equipped beach clubs (lidi) and vast stretches of free beach. It is heavily protected by cliffs on both sides, keeping the water usually very calm.
Getting to the Bay: It is best reached by car via the Strada Statale (SS) 106 Ionica, exiting towards Stalettì or Caminia. There is paid parking along the seafront, although arriving early in the morning is strongly recommended during the summer.
Main Highlights
The Torrazzo: The massive cliff on the right side of the bay, famous for its natural cavities, including caves and the Grotta di San Gregorio.
Snorkeling and Diving: The rocky perimeter and clear waters make it an excellent spot for snorkeling and exploring marine life.
History: A short distance away are the remains of the medieval Byzantine Church of Panaja and the nearby Cassiodorus Pools.
Copanello
Copanello, a renowned seaside village on the Ionian coast of Calabria, Italy, is located within the municipality of Stalettì in the province of Catanzaro.
Nicknamed the "Pearl of the Ionian," it is famous for its dramatic rocky cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and historical monuments.
The destination offers a mix of natural beauty, historical importance, and modern tourist facilities.
Main Attractions and Highlights
Copanello Beach: A stunning 2-kilometer stretch of coastline known for its golden sand mixed with fine pebbles and calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for families and children.
Pools of Cassiodorus: Natural and ancient Roman pools carved into the rock along the coast. Historically linked to the 6th-century Roman statesman and writer Cassiodorus, who founded a monastery in this area.
Costa dei Saraceni & Nearby Coves: Part of the "Costa degli Aranci" (Orange Coast), the area features spectacular rock formations that drop directly into the sea, with breathtaking nearby beaches such as Caminia and Pietragrande located a short distance away.
Libero Gatti Natural History Museum: A local natural history museum in the city houses a vast and impressive collection of shells from around the world.
Ruins of the Church of San Martino: The historic ruins of an ancient church that connect to the region's ancient monastic history.
Soverato
Soverato Marina is the lively coastal district of Soverato, known as the "Pearl of the Ionian" in the province of Catanzaro, Calabria. Located just a few minutes' drive south of your current location, it is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and pristine beaches.
Main highlights of the area include:
Beaches and Nature
Ippocampo Bay: A protected marine park famous for its incredibly clear waters and rare seahorses. The coast features fine white sand and a gently sloping seabed.
Santicelli Botanical Garden: An oasis located on a hill overlooking the bay, offering lush Mediterranean vegetation and breathtaking panoramic views of the coast.
Nearby Coves: A few minutes' drive north, you can explore the spectacular and highly regarded beaches of Caminia and Copanello.
Leisure and Nightlife
The Lungomare: A lively 3 km (1.9 mi) promenade lined with palm trees, with beach clubs, restaurants, and bars. It is the epicenter of Soverato's renowned summer "movida" (nightlife and entertainment).
Church of the Madonna di Porto Salvo: Known as the "Fishermen's Church," it was built in 1906 and is a treasured local landmark right by the sea.
Pietragrande
Pietragrande is one of the most iconic and scenic coastal destinations along Calabria's Costa degli Aranci (Orange Coast), located between Montauro and Stalettì (a few kilometers north of Soverato) in the province of Catanzaro.
Here's a quick guide to what makes this place so special and how you can experience it:
The Beach and the "Big Rock"
Lo Scoglio (Big Rock): The destination takes its name from a towering 12-meter-high granite rock rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea. It's a huge attraction for thrill-seekers, with deep, safe waters directly below for cliff jumping.
The Coast: The beach itself is a beautiful mix of sand and fine gravel, quickly transitioning into deeper turquoise waters. It's bordered by towering rocky cliffs that offer an intimate and secluded atmosphere.
Snorkeling: The surrounding rocky seabed and clear waters make it an excellent spot for snorkeling and exploring the local marine life.
Facilities and Nightlife
Lido di Pietragrande: The main beachfront establishment on the site. It offers umbrella rentals, a bar, a restaurant, and even a swimming pool.
La Scogliera (Nightlife): Built right into the rocks, the venue transforms into a popular disco and nightclub in the evenings, attracting a younger crowd during the summer.
Le Castella
Le Castella is a famous coastal village on Isola di Capo Rizzuto, located in the province of Crotone, on the Ionian coast of Calabria. This town is world-famous for its spectacular Aragonese Fortress, a monumental structure standing on a small island connected to the mainland only by a narrow, picturesque strip of sand.
The Aragonese Castle
Ancient Origins: Excavations reveal layers from the Greek (5th century BC) and Roman periods.
Military Evolution: It features a massive cylindrical Angevin tower from the 14th century and imposing bastions reinforced by the Aragonese in the 16th century.
Film Set: It has hosted great cinematic masterpieces such as Pasolini's The Gospel According to St. Matthew and Monicelli's Brancaleone's Army.
What to See Inside: The panoramic bastions, the remains of the ancient village, a small historic church, and the medieval tower are open to visitors.
Nature and Crystal-Clear Sea
Protected Area: The village is located in the heart of the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, the largest marine reserve in Italy.
Beaches and Seabed: Le Castella Beach features soft, red sand and shallow waters, making it ideal for families.
Diving Excursions: You can explore the rich marine biodiversity and underwater archaeological sites on glass-bottom boats.
Isola di Capo Rizzuto
Isola di Capo Rizzuto is a municipality located on the Ionian coast of Calabria, in the province of Crotone, famous for being one of the most renowned seaside and nature destinations in southern Italy. Despite its name, it is not an island but a promontory jutting out into the beautiful Ionian Sea.
Main Treasures
Marine Protected Area: It is the largest marine reserve in Italy (and among the largest in Europe), extending over 42 km of coastline with pristine seabeds rich in flora and fauna.
Le Castella: The most famous village, home to the Aragonese Fortress of the same name. This unique castle is built entirely on an islet connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand.
Beaches: The coastline is characterized by fine golden sand, rocky coves, and stretches of reddish sand. Among the most beautiful are Sovereto Beach, Le Cannella Beach, Capo Piccolo, and Spiaggia Grande.
What to Visit and Activities
Capo Colonna: A little further north, you can visit the Magna Graecia Archaeological Park of the same name, dominated by the iconic Doric column from the ancient temple of Hera Lacinia.
Snorkeling and Diving: Thanks to the crystal-clear, protected waters of the Marine Area, diving or boat trips with underwater viewing are the main activities for exploring seagrass meadows and ancient shipwrecks.
Gastronomy: Local cuisine offers the best of Calabrian tradition, including fresh fish, the famous 'nduja, and fine wines, especially the Sant'Anna di Isola di Capo Rizzuto DOC.
