A plunge into Calabria's parks and marine areas

Let's start with the 'queen' of the Calabrian coast. We are located in the central Ionian Sea, in the province of Crotone, along the so-called Costa dei Saraceni, whose name evokes the ancient pirate raids, the memory of which is preserved in the fortified architecture of these towns and in the legends surrounding some of their famous local figures. This is where the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area is located, one of the largest in Italy in terms of size and, at 14,721 hectares, also among the largest in Europe. What makes this marine area so important from a nature conservation perspective, apart from its size? First and foremost, it is renowned for its rich flora and fauna, boasting extensive Posidonia meadows and several rare endemic species, most notably the vibrantly coloured parrotfish. 

This marine habitat is protected and safeguarded in accordance with precise regulations and divided into 'Zones', but it is nevertheless accessible to snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, both through guided underwater excursions and through enjoyable boat trips (including those on a glass-bottom boat), which allow young and old to fully appreciate the wonders of the Calabrian sea. It is not uncommon to come across the captivating sight of a submerged shipwreck, dating from times gone by, ranging from the most ancient to the remains of vessels from the Second World War, as this area is a significant shipping route, both for trade in antiquity, with high archaeological potential, and for modern-day traffic.

The white and red beaches are no less impressive, as are the archaeological sites above water. Overlooking this area are the Capo Colonna Promontory, which is home to the Capo Colonna National Archaeological Park, custodian of the only surviving column of the ancient Greek Temple of Hera Lacinia, and Punta Le Castella, with the iconic Aragonese Castle on the water, one of the region’s most iconic sights.

In addition to the ‘Capo Rizzuto’ Marine Protected Area, the region protects and enhances other enchanting marine sites through the establishment of 6 Calabrian Marine Parks located in the remaining four provinces, which include Sites of Community Importance (SCIs):

• Riviera dei Cedri Regional Marine Park
• "Scogli di Isca" Regional Marine Park
• Secca di Amendolara Regional Marine Park
• 'Baia di Soverato' Regional Marine Park
• "Fondali di Capocozzo-S. Irene, Vibo Marina-Pizzo, Capo Vaticano-Tropea" Regional Marine Park
• "Costa dei Gelsomini" Regional Marine Park

Starting from the stunning Riviera dei Cedri, the Scogli di Isca and the Secca di Amendolara, all marine parks in the province of Cosenza, we come to Calabria's only two islands: Isola Dino (in the municipality of Praia a Mare) and Isola di Cirella (in the municipality of Diamante), as well as the striking Scoglio della Regina (in the municipality of Acquappesa). These exceptionally valuable natural wonders are home to species that are rare and uncommon throughout the country, such as Juniperus phoenicea, Anthyllis barba-jovis and the rare Pteris vittata, which is listed as a species in decline and on the verge of extinction in the Mediterranean. The 'Scogli di Isca' Marine Park, a WWF Blue Oasis, lies between the municipalities of Amantea and Belmonte Calabro and, as its name suggests, is characterised by the presence of two rocks known as Isca Grande and Isca Piccola, which differ in size and depth.

Moving on to the province of Catanzaro, in the wide Gulf of Squillace on the Middle Ionian Sea, known as the Orange Tree Coast, we find the ‘Baia di Soverato’ Regional Marine Park. Also known as the ‘Baia dell’Ippocampo’ (‘Seahorse Bay’), due to the unusual presence in its waters of the endangered species Hippocampus (commonly known as the ‘seahorse’), the bay lies within the municipality of Soverato, one of the Ionian coast’s most popular seaside resorts. Here, you can also observe the Mediterranean pipefish (Syngnathus abaster) and the large Tonna galea shell.

On the opposite side, the Tyrrhenian coast of the renowned Costa degli Dei, in the province of Vibo Valentia, we can enjoy the wonders of the "Fondali di Capocozzo-S. Irene, Vibo Marina-Pizzo, Capo Vaticano-Tropea" Regional Marine Park. Boasting some of the most beautiful examples of Mediterranean flora and fauna, these vast seabeds are home to extensive Posidonia meadows and are characterised by the unmistakable formation of rocky shoals running parallel to the coast, carved and reshaped by the sea into truly spectacular arches, pools and crevices.

Finally, the province of Reggio Calabria offers the natural beauty of the “Costa dei Gelsomini” Regional  Marine Park, located between the Grecanic municipalities of Capo Bruzzano and Punta Stilo. This is the undisputed nesting ground of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), particularly in the area around Brancaleone, which is nationally recognised as one of the two main breeding sites for this species and is home to a Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.