Isola di Capo Rizzuto – Coast, Marine Protected Area and History

Between the Marine Protected Area and Coastal Fortresses

Isola di Capo Rizzuto combines protected marine nature with an unusually rich history along the coast. Those looking for accommodation here can focus their trip on beaches and underwater experiences or explore fortresses, museums and religious sites just as intensively. The various facets can be found in the municipality’s districts and nearby excursion destinations, allowing you to tailor your stay to your interests and preferred pace of travel.

Sea, Nature and Underwater Experiences

In the Area Marina Protetta Capo Rizzuto marine protected area, rocky stretches of coast alternate with fine sandy beaches. The area’s protected flora and fauna live in the sea. This combination of different coastal landscapes and a protected underwater world makes the natural environment interesting for observation, days at the beach and maritime excursions, without limiting the landscape to just one type of holiday.

Divers can choose from 15 underwater routes in the Area Marina Protetta Capo Rizzuto marine protected area. The Gunny wreck also lies in the shallows of Capo Rizzuto at a depth of 24 metres. Both the diversity of the underwater landscape and a specific historic dive site are therefore defining themes of the coast.

From April to October, Aquavision offers various glass-bottom boat excursions in the Area Marina Protetta Capo Rizzuto marine protected area. During the school term, educational trails with activities are also available in the Le Castella district. The educational laboratory for children and the touch pool at the CEAM aquarium complement the nature experiences with vivid insights into the marine world.

Le Castella: Fortress and Archaeology by the Sea

The Fortezza di Le Castella stands on a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. It is part of the protected marine area Area Marina Protetta di Capo Rizzuto. Archaeological investigations at the fortress uncovered Bronze Age pottery finds as well as remains of a fortified Greek military outpost. Visible fortress architecture and a long history of settlement reaching back to antiquity thus meet at this site.

Everyday History, Fortifications and Religious Sites

In Palazzo Barracco, the Museo civico demologico dell’economia del lavoro e della storia sociale displays objects from rural everyday life and crafts. The exhibits include a 16th-century olive press and a 19th-century ox cart. If, alongside the coastal landscape and architectural history, you would also like to learn about the former world of work and everyday life, this museum collection offers a concrete approach to local social history.

The Santuario della Madonna Greca is located in the district of Capo Rizzuto in Isola di Capo Rizzuto. In the historic townscape, the new city wall was reinforced with bastions and had two gates: the Porta Magna, also known as the Porta di Terra, and the Porta della Marina. Shortly after the middle of the 16th century, the royal court also had the two royal coastal watchtowers of Capo Rizzuto and Manna built. Alongside the sea, these structures give the trip a clearly recognisable historical focus.

Discover More Destinations

Le Castella, Roccabernarda, Steccato, Santa Severina, Crotone, Cutro and Melissa

For the overarching travel overview: Crotone.