Greek temples and Roman ruins offer a window into Isola di Capo Rizzuto’s classical past. This corner of Calabria is peppered with thousand-year-old castles, churches and monuments – and swept up in Homeric legends. When it comes to modern day odysseys, there’s a beautifully preserved marine reserve and contemporary boutique hotels to dive into.
WATER
Spanning 15,000 sea hectares, Capo Rizzuto Marine Reserve is a protected playground for anyone from sailors and divers to toe-dippers. Skimming the surface, glass-bottomed boats frame rainbow-coloured sea creatures. Underwater, the seabed comes to spectacular life.
CULTURE
Travel the short distance from Isola di Capo Rizzuto to Crotone Old Town for Roman history and ancient Greek culture. This was Pythagoras’ home town for a spell and today it proudly houses the golden diadem of Hera, in Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Crotone. It’s worth dedicating a couple of hours to this museum, taking in the running Gorgon and bronze Sirens too.
LANDMARKS
Le Castella is anchored in the ocean and linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway, giving it the feel of a floating castle. With foundations thought to date back to the third or fourth century BC, this Aragonese fortress makes a powerful impression. Stay until dark when it lights up, and enjoy dinner in one of the town’s little ristorantes.
Raise a glass to the gods with Cirò, one of the world’s oldest wines said to have been served to ancient Greek Olympians.