How to explore Riviera dei Cedri: a 10-day adventure guide

In the northern part of Calabria, in the province of Cosenza, lies a portion of about 80 km of coastline, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and ideally embracing the lush vegetation of the Pollino National Park. In this place where nature rules, where the sea and the mountains, the blue and the green come together, there are ideal conditions for the spontaneous growth of cedars, perhaps the region's most representative citrus fruits. 

And it is they who give their name to this piece of coastline that gives us wonderful views and offers fertile ground for extraordinary experiences. Come with us to discover Riviera dei Cedri (the Cedar Coast) and the urban realities that are part of it.

Along the Riviera dei Cedri and in the surrounding territories, as mentioned, nature takes center stage. For those who love the sea, the undisputed symbol of the Calabria region, but also for those who love mountains, this area can offer relaxation, adventure and dreamy views just waiting to be photographed. But it is also an area rich in history and culture, to be traveled, visited and discovered. Twenty-two municipalities are part of the Riviera, some well-known seaside tourism centers, such as Scalea, Diamante and Praia a Mare, and others that are not so famous; for this reason, they should not be left unexplored.

I Viaggi dell'Arca was created to introduce the hidden corners of Calabria to those who do not know this enchanting region yet; it is a tour operator that wishes to accompany travelers on tours and experiences that goes behind the classic tourist routes and taste the real essence of places. 

Today we want to suggest a 10-day tour to discover 16 of the 22 towns along the coast, drawing inspiration from the eco-sustainable and green philosophy of I Viaggi dell'Arca and proposing a series of activities that will allow you to get to know the area authentically, in person.

The province of Cosenza can be reached by car from the nearest airport, Salerno - Costa D'Amalfi, which is about 140 km away. Set out with us to discover the Riviera dei Cedri.

For our first day we will explore 2 municipalities, Praia a Mare and Tortora, both famous for their beautiful sea, for which they have earned the Blue Flag 2025. So we arrive at the airport, rent a car and board to reach our first stop in about an hour and a half.

Praia a Mare is a well-known destination for beach tourism, which with its sandy beach of about 5 km offers a little piece of paradise for relaxing. Nature lovers and the more adventurous, on the other hand, can reach the “secret” places found here, such as the caves of Dino Island, a small piece of land off Praia or the most famous one, the Grotta Azzurra, the Light-Blue Cave, so named for the characteristic color of its walls. You can also reach the Torre di Fiuzzi, formerly used as a lookout for the arrival of possible enemies, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta, at the top of a set of steps. It is a place of prayer and contemplation inside three rocky cavities, where plays of natural light provide a mystical atmosphere.

We move on to Tortora, about 3 km from Praia a Mare. This small town of about 5,000 inhabitants is so named, apparently, because of the presence of the bird of the same name (Tortora means Dove in Italian), which finds an ideal habitat here and dwells on the town's coat of arms. Here, in addition to enjoying the beach and the sea, you can walk through the charming old town, full of picturesque narrow streets, or visit the Museo Archeologico di Blanda. The museum collects a number of historical artifacts and features multimedia reconstructions of the eras and populations that have succeeded in Tortora, from the Greeks to the Romans, from the Carthaginians to the Lombards.

For our second day, we reach two notable destinations inland: Papasidero and Orsomarso.

About 40 minutes away in Tortora, Papasidero is a tiny village of just 500 inhabitants nestled in the green of the Pollino National Park, atop Mount Ciagola. This tiny place hides a number of must-see wonders, such as the Grotta del Romito, a UNESCO site renowned for its Paleolithic rock carvings, or the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Constantinople, which sits atop a rock face on a bank of the Lao River.

But the river is definitely the main attraction of Papasidero, because there is a splendid nature reserve around it, perfect for hiking, walking, sessions in the adventure park, but also for those who like to challenge the water: here you can in fact take canoe and rafting tours that will add a pinch of adrenaline to your stay. 

Orsomarso, our next destination, is nestled in the mountain range of the same name and is also crossed by a river, the Argentino. We reach this village of 1,000 inhabitants in about 20 km and discover the beauty of the Argentino Nature Reserve, a UNESCO site rich in unique plant and animal species-such as the golden eagle and the Apennine wolf-that can be spotted with a bit of luck.

Hiking and walking are a must here, especially across important sacred sites: here is the Cave of the Virgin of Lourdes, inside which is a 3-meter statue of the Virgin, commemorating the centenary of the apparitions in the French town.

It is also possible to admire the Clock Tower, a priceless testimony to the Mercurion, an area straddling Basilicata and Calabria where Greek-Oriental Basilian monks prospered in the 6th century. The tower was actually the apex of a monastery located here, and today it is an excellent viewpoint to admire the beauty of the Pollino.

For our third day, we remain in the Pollino area, driving 37 km from Orsomarso to Aieta, one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages.

Only 10 km from the sea, Aieta is truly enchanting to travel through, with its many churches and hand-crafted stone portals adorning its alleys. Here the centuries-old textile tradition is noteworthy, which is still practiced today by skilled weavers with ancient machinery to make traditional clothes, to be purchased for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. 

Let's move on to Santa Domenica Talao, another charming inland village about 25 km away, also lapped by the Lao River. Here, too, ancient traditions linger, and in between strolling through the picturesque alleys of the old town you can visit the Museo della Terra, which pays homage to local customs and rural life. You can also enjoy the breathtaking view from Piazza Italia, a gathering place for the townspeople, which allows a glimpse of the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna, as well as the entire Riviera.

The fourth day of our tour involves Buonvicino and Bonifati.

Buonvicino, about 30 km from Santa Domenica Talao, is also part of the circuit of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, thanks to its excellently preserved 14th-century historic center, composed of noble palaces and noteworthy buildings. Also worth considering is the natural beauty that surrounds it, full of hiking trails and waterways from the Corvino stream, where 50 different species of wild orchid can be seen.

Do not leave Buonvicino without first tasting its culinary treasure, the famous black truffle that grows luxuriantly in the vegetation. 

We leave the Pollino hinterland and return to the sea at Bonifati, just under 30 km away from Buonvicino. Situated in a hilly, mountainous setting, it is surrounded by two hills, the ruins of Bonifati Castle, dating from the Angevin period, and several coast towers - the most famous being the Parise Tower, the Torre del Capo Tower, and the Fella Tower.

Our fifth day continues in Verbicaro, about 40 km away from Bonifati. This charming village ideally combines the views of the Pollino with those of the Riviera, of which Marine Park is an integral part, providing breathtaking views and full immersion experiences in nature for travelers of all kinds.

Verbicaro is also known as the “City of Wine,” because of the production of its AOC red wine. Wandering around the town, you 'll come across the many local wineries - anciently catuvo - and enjoy a glass of the delicious nectar produced here, which can be easily paired with local strong-flavored dishes. The long history of Verbicaro wine can be learned in the Museum of Wine and Peasant Life, which displays all the tools useful for wine production and a number of relics related to rural culture.

With a 20-minute drive we finally arrive on the coast, in Santa Maria del Cedro, a famous seaside tourism center that won the Blue Flag for the fifth year in a row. It rises on the slopes of Cozzo del Pellegrino, which is part of the massif of the Orsomarso Mountains, is embraced by the Lao River and lies within the “Riviera dei Cedri” Marine Park. Most importantly, it will give you among the most beautiful sunsets over the sea of your life.

Founded by Basilian monks, the town experienced its tourism boom starting in the 1980s but is a must-see destination at any time of the year, not just in summer. Indeed, there are countless areas to visit, such as the archaeological excavations of the ancient city of Laos from the Magna Graecia period.

However, crucially important is the fruit that gives the village (and the portion of the coast) its name: the cedar. This citrus fruit is not only at the heart of many gastronomic preparations, such as liqueurs, jams, and preserves, but also the essence of this location's link with Jewish culture: every summer, in fact, the Feast of Tents, Sukkot, is celebrated. Rabbis from all over the world come to Santa Maria to harvest the fruit, a clear tribute to those mentioned in the Bible, and build a series of huts - a reminder of the Judean peoples' crossing of the desert. 

The cedar is also the protagonist of a museum entirely dedicated to it, which explains the history and virtues of this fruit, as well as the essential steps for its processing.

Founded by Basilian monks, the town experienced its tourism boom starting in the 1980s but it is a must-see destination at any time of the year, not just in summer. Indeed, there are countless areas to visit, such as the archaeological excavations of the ancient city of Laos from the Magna Graecia period.

We open our sixth day with a short drive, just 11 km, to Maierà, in the picturesque Valley of the Mills. Still present and visible today, the stone mills certainly represent the heart of a special, evocative landscape, as well as evidence of the long local milling tradition. 

The name probably derives from the Hebrew M'arà, cave, because inside the numerous cavities in the area Jews took refuge to escape persecution and Basilian monks settled to pray. Maierà is therefore a fascinating place, for those who love mountains and original places to visit, but it is also a center of great importance for its gastronomy. In fact, the delicious diavolillo pepper is grown here, the protagonist of numerous dishes and even a museum dedicated exclusively to it.

But you can also enjoy first courses of fresh hand-rolled pasta with goat meat sauce, with chickpeas and many other delicacies to accompany a full-bodied glass of local wine. Of course, if you want to learn how to prepare these delights, you have the chance to attend show cooking and workshops held by locals.

Let's continue our journey discovering the Cedar Riviera by returning to the sea. For our seventh day we move about ten kilometers to arrive at another resort that needs no introduction: Diamante. 

Also a Blue Flag town, Diamante is known for its production of chili peppers and home to the Peperoncino Festival, a must-attend summer event. But it is also known as the “City of Murals” because since the 1980s street artists have been meeting there to decorate the walls of its buildings with beautiful works of art. 

If you love the sea, however, you can't miss a trip to nearby Cyrea Island, a sheer rocky outcrop resembling a whale, around which you can explore the deep sea and various coves with snorkeling sessions. Also not to be overlooked is the lively nightlife on the beach and in town, perfect for younger people who want to have fun after a day at the beach. 

If Diamante is an ideal choice for exploring the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Belvedere Marittimo is no different. We reach the beautiful beaches of the village with just a 8-kilometer drive and we are suddenly captivated by the distinctive landscapes of this place. In addition to sea and beach, it boast a series of clay gullies, real natural stone sculptures recreated by erosion and atmospheric phenomena. In addition, you cannot miss a visit to the beautiful Aragonese Castle.

But in Belvedere there is also space for romance: indeed, it is known as the "City of Love", because the relics of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, are kept right here.

For our eighth day we move a little less than 30 km to get to San Nicola Arcella, another Blue Flag on this itinerary to discover the Riviera dei Cedri, and a wonder-filled town.

Here, again, the sea is the star, inspiring us to explore the bay by boat or pedal boat. For example, from the Marinella beach, the most representative, you can reach the island of Dino, where you can catch a glimpse of the noble palace of the Lanza Princes, an example of Baroque architecture now used as a resort and event location. Also by boat, you can cross the striking Arcomagno, or Saracen Cave, a natural stone arch that will provide beautiful sunset photos. 

If, however, you prefer to explore the seabed, know that you can experience snorkeling among the rocky walls and be surrounded by the blue Tyrrhenian Sea.

Finally, for trekking lovers, you can follow the path that leads to the Crawford Tower; through coastal paths, in fact, you can reach this picturesque Saracen tower from the 16th century that was the home of writer Robert Francis Marion Crawford from the late 19th century to the early 20th century and became the protagonist of many of his literary works.

Another beloved vacation spot, Scalea offers unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear sea and everything relaxing and fun that is required for a vacation. We reach it in just a 10-minute drive and are immediately captivated by its peculiar conformation: a spur of rock where the urban agglomeration plunges into the sea as if descending from a ladder.

You can also catch a glimpse of a series of majestic-looking cliffs, resembling mythological creatures looking out from the water, of what is known as Baia del Drago, Dragon Bay. Here you can also explore, either by swimming or by boat, a series of coves, such as the Baia del Carpino, the Spiaggetta, and the Piscina, as well as caves, such as the Baia della Pecora. 

But if all this natural beauty is not enough for you, know that you can explore the surroundings with trekking routes at various levels and come across a number of historic buildings, such as the Talao Tower, an example of Aragonese military architecture from the 16th century, or the Norman Castle.

We have come to the end of our itinerary discovering the Riviera dei Cedri and its picturesque villages. For our last day we move half an hour from San Nicola Arcella, discovering Sangineto. 

A locality embraced by the Pollino National Park, it also boasts a Lido area and is therefore an ideal destination for both those who love mountains and trekking and those who prefer the beach and relaxation. 

Here there are many routes to beat, following, for example, the steps of historical residences (above all the Prince's Castle) or religious buildings (there are many churches and shrines); however, we want to recommend the Sentiero dei Sogni (Dreams' Path), a path of about 6 km immersed in the green, which leads to the famous Cascata del Vuglio (Waterfall of Vuglio): located inside a cave, it will make you dream with the play of natural light and the fairy-tale atmosphere.

If you knew Calabria so far only for the sun&sea combo, we are sure you will now visit this beautiful region with different eyes and during every season.

By exploring the smaller towns and often off the classic tourist routes of the enchanting Cedar Riviera, as you may have seen, you can discover its natural, historical and traditional beauty and return home with a suitcase full of unforgettable memories.