Crotone

Walk through Crotone's narrow medieval streets to discover the 16th-century Castle of Charles V, or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area. Visit the neo-classical Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its 12th-century baptismal font, and explore the Archaeological Museum's collection of Greek artifacts. Stop at Capo Colonna to see the last remaining column of the ancient Temple of Hera Lacinia standing against the Ionian Sea.

Marine Protected Area and Beaches

Swim and snorkel in the clear waters of Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, where visibility often reaches 20 meters deep. Walk across the narrow pathway to Le Castella, an Aragonese fortress built on a small island. The beaches near Crotone stretch for several kilometers, with fine golden sand on the northern shores and coarser sand mixed with pebbles in the south. The calm waters make these beaches good for families with children.

Castle of Charles V

Climb to the 16th-century castle on the ancient acropolis for panoramic views across the Gulf of Taranto. Inside the Town Museum, you'll see artifacts from ancient Kroton, including Greek pottery and bronze weapons. Walk along the original fortress walls and explore the watchtowers, where soldiers once guarded against pirates.

Exploring the Historic Center

Step into the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta to see its 12th-century baptismal font and the icon of the Black Madonna beneath neo-classical and baroque arches. The surrounding streets wind through the old town, leading to small squares where locals gather in the evening. Visit the National Archaeological Museum on Risorgimento Street to see Greek statues, pottery, and jewelry displayed across two floors.

Ancient Greek Legacy at Capo Colonna

Drive 13 kilometers south to the archaeological park of Capo Colonna, where one column still stands from the Temple of Hera Lacinia. The site includes two temple foundations - the smaller structure dates to the 8th century BC. The on-site Archaeological Museum displays items from the 1987 Tesoro di Hera discovery, including gold jewelry and ritual objects.

Local Food and Wine

Try quadraro, a traditional fish soup made with local catch, in restaurants throughout the old town. The spicy tripe is another local specialty. Drink Cirò DOC wine, produced from gaglioppo grapes in the nearby hills, and taste pecorino Crotonese cheese made by shepherds in the surrounding mountains.

Day Trip to Santa Severina

Take a 40-minute drive to Santa Severina, where a Norman castle sits atop a steep hill. Visit the seventh-century Baptistry and the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, built in 1274. The castle now houses the Archaeological Museum of Castles and Fortifications in Calabria, displaying medieval weapons and armor.

Getting Around

Reach Crotone via domestic flights to Crotone Airport or by train from major Italian cities. The Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway and coastal SS106 Ionica connect the city by road. Most attractions in the historic center lie within a 20-minute walk of each other, though expect some steep climbs on the way to the castle.