Experiencing the sea

The many shades of blue of the sea and the whiteness of the sand. These are the colours of the Ionian coast of Calabria, a salt spray scented location, where you can benefit from the warmth of the sun rays and dive into the crystal clear water, which is the home of a rich biodiversity as well of ancient wrecks, bearing witness of the past.

This destination is perfect for those who are looking to spend their vacation by the sea, all relax and fun, but it is also the ideal for those who wish to enrich, in between swims, their experience with pleasant walks, suitable for the whole family or practising some outdoor sport activities on the beach, or, why not, with some snorkeling and diving among ship wrecks, which history decided to preserve in this strip of the Ionian Sea.

Unmissable experiences

The beaches on the Coast of Angels feature long stretches of white sand, combined with small crushed stones on the shoreline. The main colour is the one of the Ionian Sea, tainted with various shades of turquoise, which turns into blue, as the sea becomes deeper. Ancient local people used to fear it, since enemy raids used to come from the sea, but today, local people and tourists love it and crowd its beaches as soon as the first sun of the year comes up.

Owing to the wide presence and efficiency of the beach facilities, it is possible to reach the beach bare-handed and rent all that you need for a comfortable beach stay (sun beds, towels, parasols) and take advantage of the restaurants.

What about those who love going to free public beaches? The coast satisfies the needs of all bathers and is provided with km of sand (beach), with no human contamination. The clear and glittering water is a clear invitation for dives and long swims. Those who love exploring the sea bottom can get a diving mask and flippers and admire the rich underwater world, where ancient wrecks live together in harmony with the sea plants and animals.

For children, pediatricians recommend the beach of Santa Caterina dello Ionio, acknowledged with the Green Flag, where the water is shallow and very clean.

For a fast meal, an ice cream or a cold beer, you can stop at the many stands, which, along with the restaurants, offer delicious local specialties, which recall the scent of the sea.

Sunset, everyone knows, is one of the most poetic moments to experience: the sky turns red and the sun plays hide-and-seek, slowly disappearing on the horizon. It’s happy hour: a drink and delicious appetizers, which only in Calabria are equal to bruschette with ‘nduja, homemade pickles and sardines in oil.

At night, the stands and the beaches turn into beach bars and entertain those who love nightlife and sun rise on the beach.

Unusual experiences and fun facts

The boardwalks of the our coastal sea centres stretch out for many kilometres and are an invitation for pleasant walks, useful to appreciate the sea breeze and colours, to straighten up your thoughts, to enjoy ice cream with friends or to practise some physical activity. They are often flanked with palm trees and rose bays, which take turns with stands and restaurants, from which the scent of the catch of the day spreads out. Adults and young people, joggers and bikers love to crowd the street next to the shoreline in the early hours of the day, at dusk or after dinner (when temperatures are cooler).

On summer nights, young people place their towels on the moist sand and gather around fires listening to music, tales and eating a take-away pizza.

Relax, well-being and hospitality, this is what the visitors of the Coast of Angels look for. Adrenaline sports leave room for less committing ones, such as fishing, diving and beach games and the long stretches of sand manage to assure enough space for a quiet beach stay for everyone, even on Ferragosto. In our towns, forget unbearable and crowded beaches, here there is enough room for everyone!