Costa dei Gelsomini: What to See and Do — The Complete Guide
If you are planning a holiday in Southern Italy and have not yet heard of the Costa dei Gelsomini, you are in the right place. This stretch of Calabrian coastline, running between Monasterace and Locri along the Ionian Sea, is one of the most authentic and least crowded coastal areas in Italy.
Crystal-clear waters, medieval villages perched on hilltops, outstanding cuisine, and genuine hospitality you will not easily find elsewhere.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Costa dei Gelsomini
The Ionian coastline of the Costa dei Gelsomini is made up of fine sandy beaches and golden pebble shores, with seawater temperatures reaching up to 28°C in summer. Here are some of the most popular destinations:
- Roccella Jonica Beach — Fine sand, shallow and transparent waters, ideal for families. The seafront is well equipped with beach clubs and quality services.
- Monasterace Beach — Famous for the remains of ancient Greek colonies visible directly along the shore. A unique experience combining history and the sea.
- Caulonia Marina — A wide, unspoilt beach, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet away from the crowds.
- Marina di Gioiosa Ionica — A picturesque fishing harbour with a nearby beach and excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood.
- Riace Beach — One of the most beautiful and wildest beaches in Europe. Its white sand and crystal-clear waters create an enchanting landscape.
The best period for a seaside holiday is from June to September. October is still surprisingly warm, with the sea at around 23–24°C and very few tourists.
Villages to Visit: History and Breathtaking Views
The true soul of the Costa dei Gelsomini is not only the sea — it is also the inland area, with its medieval villages that seem suspended in time.
- Gerace: awarded with the prestigious Orange Flag of the Touring Club, the medieval town with the Byzantine-Romanesque-Norman Cathedral built between the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century
- Stilo: one of the most beautiful villages in Italy: the Cattolica (small Byzantine church, original from the 10th century AD), the medieval gates, illustrious palaces, the library
- Mammola: The historic center of medieval origin with narrow streets and small houses, worth visiting is the Abbey of San Biagio (10th century); the Sanctuary of San Nicodemo; the Kellerana Monastery (10th century). Mammola is also the small gastronomic island of Locride due to the presence of numerous restaurants characterized by “Stocco” fish-based cuisine (symbol of the local gastronomic tradition)
- Bivongi: The village of longevity – Immersed in the green and wild nature of the Stilaro Valley, Bivongi attracts attention for the high number of over-centenarians. Worth visiting is the Marmarico waterfall (it is a natural waterfall of 144 m and is the highest waterfall in Calabria),
Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. John Theristis - Roccella Jonica: is located on the coastal area bathed by the Ionian Sea, the old city is configured as a fortified village with the presence of the imposing Angevin Castle of the Carafa and the medieval tower. On the seafront you can admire, near Piazza San Vittorio, two Egyptian porphyry columns, belonging to or intended for a pagan temple
- Caulonia: A splendid medieval historic center with romantic streets, welcoming squares and stately buildings of great architectural value.
What to Eat on the Costa dei Gelsomini
The cuisine of this area is among the richest and most authentic in Calabria. Here is what you should not miss:
- Swordfish alla ghiotta — A symbolic dish of the coast, prepared with tomato, capers, olives, and fresh oregano.
- ’Nduja di Spilinga — A spicy spreadable cured meat, perfect on warm bread or used as a pasta sauce.
- Fileja — Traditional handmade pasta from the province of Vibo Valentia.
- Bergamot — A unique citrus fruit grown only in this area of Calabria. Try it as jam, liqueur, or in artisan desserts.
- Cirò wine — Calabria’s most famous wine, a full-bodied red produced in the nearby hills.
How to Get Around the Costa dei Gelsomini
A car is the most convenient way to explore the area. The A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo motorway has several exits leading directly to the coast. Those arriving by plane can land at Lamezia Terme Airport, about 100 km away, or Reggio Calabria Airport, about 80 km away, and rent a car at the airport. The train stops at Locri, Monasterace, and Roccella Jonica stations on the Reggio–Taranto line.
📌 Parco dei Principi is located directly by the sea in Roccella Jonica and is the ideal starting point for exploring the entire Costa dei Gelsomini. Book your stay and discover this authentic corner of Calabria.
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tel: 0964 860201
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