The Ultimate Southern Italy Trip: Basilicata and Calabria
The Ultimate Southern Italy Trip: Basilicata and Calabria
Danielle Cohen
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Where to Stay?
What to See/Do:
Northern Calabria
Diamante
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The seaside village of Diamante is located on the Tyrrhenian coast, north-western Calabria. It has one of the only two islands in Calabria, the island of Cirella, a small islet with a shape suggestive and with wild flora where the seabed is splendid and the silver Posidonia reigns. What portrays Diamante like a postcard is the famous Lungomare Vecchio, above the cliff in front of the port, which, impressive and with attention to detail, hosts thousands of people every summer.
A major tourist attraction is the "Chili Pepper Festival", a cultural and gastronomic event that takes place every
year in September starting in 1992.
Diamante is also known as the village of murals,
with numerous paintings that can be admired while walking through the alleys of the historic center initially and which later spread to a larger part of the village.
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Praia A Mare
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Praia a Mare is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Calabria. And the city of the island of Dino and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta, equipped with free and equipped beaches, cycle and pedestrian promenade and a cool avenue
tree-lined interior overlooked by shops, clubs and restaurants.
Of notable importance is the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta, a natural cave formed in a hill
in ancient times it became a place of worship. Legend has it that the statue of the Madonna and Child was
hidden inside, where it still is, by a Christian captain forced to free himself from it Turkish sailors. The wooden Madonna considered miraculous is celebrated in an evocative and heartfelt procession by sea during the days of August which sees the streets of the city already celebrating also for the town fair and for the fireworks that illuminate the coast at night.
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Island Dino
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Dino Island emerges in front of Capo Arena and the Fiuzzi Tower in Praia a Mare. The island is uninhabited except by various species of migratory birds of prey and small ones rodents and reptiles. As regards the vegetation in addition to the scrub Mediterranean area you can find several rare plants such as the dwarf palm and the carnation of the cliffs and the endemic Palinuro primrose.
With the exception of the north side, the rest of the island is characterized by high cliffs, 80 meters overlooking the sea. The erosion of the water then gave rise to suggestive caves dug into the rocks
limestone, some of which can be visited by boat or pedalo, among the best known Waterfall Cave, Lion's Cave and Blue Grotto.
The "Gargiulo" Cave, on the other hand, is accessible only to expert divers and opens at 18 metres
below the surface of the sea, extending into the depths of the island for some tens of meters, completely submerged, except for two air bubbles.
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Maratea, Basilicata:
Maratea
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In addition to being considered a well-known seaside tourism destination, it is also known as the "City of 44 Churches"
The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian, in fact, boasts the
presence of churches, chapels and monasteries scattered throughout its territory, adorned with extraordinary works, beauty such as paintings, statues,
architectural elements and in particular frescoes, dated between 1300 and 1500. which act as setting for all places of worship.
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Skywalk Maratea
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Porto di Maratea
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One of the places to visit once you arrive in Maratea is certainly the Tourist Port, an evocative and relaxing setting particular beauty, the only port in Basilicata, and can contain around 600 boats.
The Port of Maratea is one of the centers of tourist life in the country: it is here that many of the events are held
cultural events and shows during the summer.
Furthermore, the ancient pier of the Port has become a beautiful promenade, along which you will find small restaurants to enjoy the excellent catch of the day, bars and clubs where you can sip aperitifs and drinks on summer afternoons and evenings, and obviously shops, where you can buy small souvenirs.
In honor of the Madonna del Porto Salvo, a characteristic procession on the sea is held every year: the little boat that hosts the Madonna turns along the coast of Maratea until arriving at the island of Santo Janni, followed by the fleet of fishing boats.
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Statue of Christ the Redeemer
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Second in size only to Christ of Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, the statue of Maratea is 21 meters high, with an arm span of 19 meters and a face that measures 3 meters.
The statue is made of reinforced concrete covered with
a mixture of white cement and Carrara marble (the same marble used to make The David)
By virtue of the particular configuration of the face, the
statue, unmistakable point of reference for the
seafarers, gives the impression to an observer
far away that the gaze is facing, contrary
to reality, towards the sea. However, he looks over the city of Maratea to protect his people.
The viewpoint at the foot of the statue is the highlight
panoramic view of the entire Maratea area with a
exceptional 360° view of the magical profile of the
coast and internal montages.
In summer, due to the strong tourist influx, access to the
car is limited to a parking lot a few hundred
meters from the summit, called the Madonna degli Ulivi, where a shuttle service takes visitors to the Basilica
of San Biagio and Christ.
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Spiaggia Nera o Cala Jannita
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Known by many as the islet beach of Santo Janni, which is located right in front to the beach, it is also called Cala Jannita.
The beach is made up of a very particular type
of fine gravel and with an unmistakable color, it looks
Black. Dark sand, clear water and a twinge lush flora envelop the scenery in legends linked to the caves located south of the beach, along the coast, and that you can reach from the sea. The "Sciabella cave" e
towards the south the "turtle cave"
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Where to Eat in Maratea
Tre Nodi- Ristorante sul Porto di Maratea
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SANTI AL PORTO
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Il Rustico trattoria di Giuseppe Piscitelli NUOVA GESTIONE 2024
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Agriturismo Mararanch
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La bella Lucania RistoBottega
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Don Pasquale Ristorante&Cocktailbar, Maratea Centro Storico
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Typical Lucania products to try in Basilicata:
Caciocavallo Silanon DOP cheese
Peperoni cruschi 🌶️
Peperoni di Senise IGP
Pasta alla aviglianese
Other Sights to Visit Nearby
Grotto dell Arcomagno (Grotta del Saraceno)
@daniellecohen
Characterized by a crescent shape, the Arcomagno beach owes its name to this imposing rock arch that "protects" it from the sea. About 25 meters long, it is also known as beach of Aeneas, since it is said that following the fall of Troy the hero found himself precisely on this
beach.
Next to this inlet is also the Grotta del Saraceno, a natural cavity within which it flows a source of fresh water. To reach it you follow a path carved into the rock that offers magnificent views of the coast Tyrrhenian Sea of Calabria.
To reach the Arcomagno beach by foot, you need to use a path carved into the rock - you CANNOT swim into it from the other side/boat tour. This is important to note - it requires a small entrance fee and there are strict rules/security there to maintain its beauty but also to protect you from falling rocks.
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Spiaggia A' Gnola
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This beach is along the border of Basilicata and
the beginning of Calabria, in a well-ventilated position
It is sandy and easy to reach.
For those who, in addition to relaxing, also love outdoor activities, there are excursions to the sea by boats,
inflatable boats and canoes; or you can trek around the Mediterranean bush towards the ancient Castle of Castrocucco or horseback ride.
There is both a free beach and private beaches.
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Spiaggia di Macarro o Cala Grande / di Don Nicola
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Reachable by following the path crossing an immense
and fresh pine forest, the "Macarro" is a spacious beach made up of sand and pebbles, crystal clear water, all dominated by dense vegetation.
It is divided by the public and private beach clubs.
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La Secca
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LOCALITA' LA SECCA - CASTROCUCCO:
The Secca di Castrocucco, dominated from above by the medieval castle of the same name, is a beach that follows the trend of rugged nature on this stretch of coast, characterized by small beaches of sand and gray gravel alternating with coves of stones and pebbles
and rocky indentations. The picturesque panorama also stands out due to the presence of a singular islet covered in green scrub.
Here you'll find a presence of private equipped beach clubs, ideal for those seeking well-being and tranquility. It is the ideal place for a day at the seaside and
sun or for a walk along the coast.
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Calabria
Pizzo:
Church Piedigrotta
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Gelateria Callipo
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Callipo
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Gelateria Belvedere
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Il Cappero Rosso
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Ristorante - Pizzeria SPQR Pizzo
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Tropea
Tropea
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Marinella Di Zambrone
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Spiaggia Michelino
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La Locanda
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La Capannina
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Quei Bravi Ragazzi
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Scilla
Scilla
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Then you go to scilla. The beach side is scilla then the other part is chianalea (where I recommend staying)
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Activities to do:
Where to Eat:
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Civico 5 - #quellidelpaninocolpescespada
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This is a famous swordfish sandwich place MUST GO
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Capo Vaticano
Spiaggia di Grotticelle
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This is the most beautiful beach in Capo Vaticano! You can get a hotel near here that has access to the beach. Once you get to the beach, there are guys that can take you on a boat to the private cove beaches or you can take paddle boats to explore. It’s literally bright blue and filled with fish perfect for snorkeling
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Resort Hotel Rocca Di Vadaro
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Praia I Focu beach
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This is where you can have the boat guys take you. Or You can take the paddle boats along the coast and see everything along the way.
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Ristorante Manitta
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This place is in the mountains like 20 min away by car and AMAZING!!! Filled w Italians so need a reservation
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Mandatory Cheese Stop in the South of Eboli or Battipaglia on the drive home
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Caseificio Forte Mozzarelle di Bufala - Esse e Esse Caseari
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* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Danielle Cohen
Available for hire
Ciao! My name is Danielle and I'm a Californian from San Diego, who's been living full time in Florence, Italy since 2020. I studied in Florence in 2016 and absolutely fell in love with the food, culture, and history, and made it my mission to move back. I moved right before the pandemic, and staying here through all the lockdowns and pandemic life really helped me discover slow travel and find all of Italy's beauty, including lesser known gems, and off the beaten path travel spots.
During my three years in Florence, I have wrote for publications like The Florentine, done freelance marketing with restaurants and a travel agency, giving me high insight into the best destinations, foodie spots, and more.
I am here to help you make the most of your vacation in Italy with curated itineraries for every type of traveler and digital maps to help you enjoy THE BEST food each region has to offer. Let me do the work so you can just relax and enjoy, without any stress! I've had a very unique experience living in Italy the last 4 years, as I made my official move right before the pandemic, after visiting for years. Because of this I learned to travel locally and deeply throughout the numerous incredible destinations in Italy and for that I cater my travel services to finding the most local and mindful experiences, keeping true to discovering and appreciating Italy's culture.
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