Tortora Marina between the Coast and Blanda

Coast and Landscape of Tortora Marina

The coastal plain of Tortora Marina is formed by the alluvial fans of the Fiume Noce and the Fiumarella Tortora. The coastal area includes part of the mouth of the Fiume Noce as well as approximately 800 metres of beach extending in a south-easterly direction. The beach section therefore runs south-east from the mouth area and forms a clearly defined part of the coastal plain.

The area behind the beach near the shore in Tortora Marina features two rows of aeolian dunes. One row consists of mobile dunes, while the other is stabilised by low, bush-like coastal vegetation. The dunes lie directly behind the beach and form a distinct landscape area alongside the shore.

The equipped beach clubs on the beach of Tortora Marina offer parasols and sun loungers. They also provide food and drink services, showers and pedal boat rentals. Thus, this stretch of beach offers both the coastal landscape and specific facilities for spending time by the sea.

Archaeological Evidence and Historic Sites

In the historic centre of Tortora, the Museo Archeologico di Blanda is housed in the Palazzo Casapesenna. Finds recovered since 1990 and educational display panels can be seen there. The museum is located in the Palazzo Casapesenna in the historic centre of Tortora.

The Palaeolithic finds come from Rosaneto, while the grave goods come from the necropolis of S. Brancato. The Museo Archeologico di Blanda also displays Oenotrian and Lucanian pottery, as well as Roman amphorae and jewellery from Blanda. The find locations and groups of finds are therefore each associated with Rosaneto, S. Brancato or Blanda.

The Torre della Nave is a 16th-century coastal tower on a promontory. It served defensive and observation purposes. As a partially preserved ruin, significant sections of its surrounding walls are still visible.

At the foot of the rocky cliff on whose summit the Torre della Nave stands is the Grotta di Torre Nave. Remains of settlements from the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic were found there. The rocky cliff is therefore the shared spatial reference point for the tower and the cave: the Torre stands on the summit, while the Grotta is located at its foot.

The Mausoleo di Blanda Julia is a Roman tumulus mausoleum from the 1st century BC. It is located in the hamlet of Pergolo next to the provincial road, a short distance from Tortora Marina and the Parco Archeologico di Blanda.

At the Parco Archeologico di Blanda, visitors can see the remains of the residential districts, the forum and the Roman fortifications of the ancient settlement of Blanda. The Roman remains in the surrounding area therefore include both the Mausoleo di Blanda Julia and the structural remains of the ancient settlement.

The Chiesa Stella Maris in Tortora Marina was reopened for worship after restoration work. It is therefore located in the same district as the beach, dunes and beach clubs described above.

For those interested in culture, the specific sites are spread across the historic centre of Tortora, the promontory of the Torre della Nave, the hamlet of Pergolo and the Parco Archeologico di Blanda. Tortora Marina also encompasses the coastal landscape with its beach, dunes, beach clubs and the Chiesa Stella Maris.

More Places for Your Trip to Italy

For further travel planning, you can also discover Mormanno, Rovito, Montegiordano, Tortora, Francavilla Marittima, Marina Di Sibari, Amantea and Tarsia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cosenza.