Cirò Marina: Coast, History and Wine

Cirò Marina combines a long stretch of coastline with archaeological remains, sacred and military architectural heritage, wine and events. In addition to the coast at Punta Alice, the Sanctuary of Apollo Aleo, Cirò DOC wine and the Arena Saracena provide further specific points of interest.

Archaeology at Punta Alice and in the Museum

After the middle of the 6th century BC, the sanctuary area near Punta Alice was monumentalised through the construction of a temple dedicated to Apollo Aleo. The ancient Archaic temple of Apollo Aleo near Punta Alice was identified during Paolo Orsi’s excavations in 1924. The Museo Civico Archeologico Cirò houses materials from the temple as well as finds from the historical phase of the Brettii.

Towers and Sacred Architectural Heritage

Torre Vecchia is a square watchtower on the slope between Madonna di Mare and the coast. It was built after the first Saracen invasions; it was already in use by 1586, and in 1591 it was referred to as “Torre del Capo della Lice”. Chiesa di San Cataldo was built in 1903 and expanded in 1950.

Coast and Wine

Spiaggia di Punta Alice in Cirò Marina is a long stretch of coastline with fine, golden sand. The Cirò DOC wine associated with Cirò Marina is made from the old Gaglioppo grape variety in red, rosé and white versions. At Casa Russumanno, visitors can request information or book a wine tasting, a winery tour or an individual experience.

Summer Events and Patron Saint’s Festival

Since 2021, summer theatre and music events have been held at the Arena Saracena. During the patron saint’s festival from 8 May to 10 May, the statue of San Cataldo is taken to the historic commercial complex; it remains there for an entire night in a small church. For travel planning, the theatre and music events at the Arena Saracena and the patron saint’s festival can be considered separate cultural dates alongside the historic buildings.

Arrival by Car or Train

For travel from elsewhere in Italy, Lamezia Terme Centrale is the key railway reference point; from there, train connections are available to Cirò station. Those arriving by car take the SS 106 (E90) towards Crotone from the Sibari exit of the A3 Salerno–Reggio Calabria motorway, then turn off towards Cirò Marina. The two routes differ specifically in their railway reference point, Lamezia Terme Centrale, with a connection to Cirò, and the road route from Sibari via the SS 106 (E90).

Choose Accommodation According to Your Travel Interests

When deciding on accommodation, you can compare the specific focal points: Spiaggia di Punta Alice and the coast, the Temple of Apollo Aleo and the Museo Civico Archeologico Cirò, Torre Vecchia and Chiesa di San Cataldo, Cirò DOC wine, as well as the Arena Saracena and the patron saint’s festival. This allows you to choose accommodation in Cirò Marina based on the travel profile you set yourself: culture, coast, wine or events can be the focus.

More Destinations

Marina Di Strongoli, Cutro, Cotronei, San Leonardo di Cutro, Melissa, Torretta, Belvedere Di Spinello, Steccato

For the higher-level travel overview: Crotone.