Spropolo – Near the Sea, Nature and Castles

Spropolo is a small village in the immediate vicinity of the sea and is located not far from the Promontorio d’Ercole (Capo Spartivento). Those interested in the Ionian coast of Calabria, protected marine areas, beaches and historic sites will find several specific destinations in the surrounding area.

Coast and protected natural areas

The Costa dei Gelsomini Regional Marine Park stretches along the coastal section between Capo Bruzzano in the north and Punta di Spropoli in the south. The municipality of Palizzi is also part of the park.

The coastal section of the Costa dei Gelsomini is designated as a Site of Community Importance: SIC IT9350160 includes Spiaggia di Brancaleone. This coastal section has long served as a nesting area for the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta. At national level, the Ionian coast of the Province of Reggio Calabria is also considered one of the two most important breeding areas for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta.

Another special feature lies in the sea in front of the beach. The marine area off the beach belonging to the ZSC Calanchi di Palizzi Marina is a potential breeding area for the loggerhead sea turtle. This marine area also contains patches and clumps of Posidonia oceanica. The coastal section and the sea in front of it are two separate areas: the nesting area is on the coast, while the potential breeding area is offshore.

Beaches in the Spropolo area

Several beaches are located around Spropolo. These include Spiaggia di Brancaleone, Spiaggia di Torrevarata, Spiaggia dello Scoglio Cuzzufri and Spiaggia di Bova Marina.

The SPROPOLI coastal section in Palizzi is 1,621 metres long. This length refers to the SPROPOLI section in Palizzi, not to the four other beaches in the Spropolo area.

Castles and archaeological sites

Historic destinations also shape the surrounding area. Castello di Palizzi Superiore is a castle near Spropolo. Castello dei Carafa, Castello Normanno di Bova and the Parco archeologico urbano di Brancaleone Vetus are also located in the surrounding area. Castello dei Carafa and Castello Normanno di Bova are also castles. The Parco archeologico urbano di Brancaleone Vetus is an archaeological site.

Landscape and cycling

The distinctive landscape features include the Calanchi Bianchi di Palizzi, a spectacular formation of marl, clay and Trubi. The combination of different rock and sediment types gives this landscape its own character. The cycling tour offers scenic views and is almost entirely flat.

Which priorities matter when choosing a hotel

When choosing a hotel for your stay in Spropolo, you can first decide on your preferred focus: proximity to the sea and beaches, the protected areas with their habitats, castles and archaeological sites, or a cycling tour with scenic views and an almost entirely flat route.

Other destinations for your own orientation are Cittanova, Pozzi, Palizzi, Tritanti, Condofuri, Laureana Di Borrello, San Luca and Santa Cristina D'aspromonte.

For the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.