Praia a Mare Travel Guide

Discover the stunning beauty of Praia a Mare, in southern Italy. Our comprehensive travel guide features everything you need to know about the attractions, landmarks, accommodations, and local cuisine.


Praia a Mare Travel Guide - Explore Southern Italy

Praia a Mare is a charming town located in the province of Cosenza in Calabria, Southern Italy. The town is situated between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Pollino National Park and offers visitors a unique blend of sun, sea, and mountains. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and stunning landscapes, Praia a Mare is the perfect destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Introduction to Praia a Mare

Praia a Mare translates to “beach of the sea” and is a fitting description of the town. Praia a Mare features stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the majestic Dino Island.

The town is full of history and culture, with numerous museums and historical landmarks. It is also an excellent starting point for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails and biking routes that offer breathtaking views of the sea and the mountains. Praia a Mare is also home to a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to more affordable guesthouses.

List of Places to Visit in Praia a Mare

There are plenty of attractions and landmarks to explore in Praia a Mare. Here are some of the must-visit places in the town:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Arcomagno Cave - A prehistoric archaeological site located near the town’s shore.
  • The Dino Island National Park - Home to a range of flora and fauna.
  • The Shrine of the Madonna Della Grotta - A Catholic church located in the mountains that overlooks the town.
  • The Municipal Museum - Featuring a range of historical artifacts from the town.

Natural Attractions of Praia a Mare: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Praia a Mare’s Beaches - known for their crystal-clear waters, white sands, and stunning views.
  • The Pollino National Park - Home to several hiking trails and panoramic views of the mountains.
  • The Talao Tower - A historic tower located on the highest point of the town that offers panoramic views of the sea and the mountains.
  • The Sea Caves - These are unique to Praia a Mare, featuring natural rock formations that open out into the sea.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Praia a Mare

Praia a Mare is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With plenty of hiking and biking trails, Praia a Mare is the ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the sea and mountains. Here are some of the most popular hiking/biking routes:

  • The Sentiero delle Cale - A hiking trail that runs through the caves of Praia a Mare.
  • The Monte Mancuso Trail - A challenging hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the Pollino National Park and the sea.
  • The Coastal Bike Trail - A leisurely bike trail that runs along the coast of Praia a Mare.

Best Things to Do in Praia a Mare: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Praia a Mare that cater to all tastes, ages, and preferences. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours:

  • Boat Tours - Explore the Dino Island and the Grotta Azzurra on a boat tour.
  • Scuba Diving and Snorkeling - Discover the underwater world of Praia a Mare.
  • Horse Riding - Take a horseback ride along the scenic trails of Praia a Mare.
  • Paragliding - Take a bird’s eye view of Praia a Mare with a paragliding session.

Week-Long Itinerary for Praia a Mare

Praia a Mare is a destination that can be explored in a week. Here is a seven-day itinerary to help you plan your trip:

Day 1: Arrival in Praia a Mare. Day 2: Explore the stunning beaches and scenery of Praia a Mare. Day 3: Visit the historical sites and landmarks in the town. Day 4: Head to the Pollino National Park for a day of hiking or mountain biking. Day 5: Take a boat tour or go scuba diving. Day 6: Take a leisurely bike ride along the coast. Day 7: Spend your last day shopping for souvenirs and local products before departing Praia a Mare.

Food and Drink Scene of Praia a Mare

The food and drink scene of Praia a Mare is as rich and diverse as its history and culture. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pizza - Praia a Mare is famous for its wood-fired pizza.
  • Swordfish - A traditional dish that is typically grilled or roasted.
  • Spaghetti with clams - A classic seafood pasta dish.

Local Beverages

  • Limoncello - A sweet lemon liqueur made from the lemons of the Amalfi coast.
  • Wine - Praia a Mare is surrounded by vineyards that produce quality wines.

Where to Stay in Praia a Mare: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Praia a Mare offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay in Praia a Mare:

  • Pian Delle Starze - A luxury hotel located in the Pollino National Park.
  • La Locanda Del Parco - A guesthouse located in the heart of Praia a Mare.
  • B&B La Stella di Praia - A bed and breakfast located near the beach.

What to Buy in Praia a Mare: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Praia a Mare is known for its ceramics and traditional crafts. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Ceramics - Handmade ceramics are a popular souvenir and make for an excellent gift.
  • Chilli Pepper - Calabria is known for its spicy cuisine, so a jar of chilli pepper oil or flakes is a must-have.

Local Culture and Customs of Praia a Mare

Praia a Mare has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its ancient history and geography. The local people are friendly and welcoming, and visitors can expect to experience traditional southern Italian hospitality.

Best Time to Visit Praia a Mare

The best time to visit Praia a Mare is in the summer, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the town is still worth visiting in the offseason, as the weather remains mild, and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Praia a Mare

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try local cuisine.
  • Explore the beaches and mountains.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash on the beach or mountains.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions.
  • Be disrespectful to the locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Praia a Mare

Praia a Mare is a safe town to visit. However, visitors should take the usual precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas at night and not leaving their valuables unattended.

Health in Praia a Mare

Praia a Mare is a relatively healthy town with no major health concerns. However, visitors should take the usual precautions, such as drinking bottled water and using mosquito repellent during the summer months.

Getting to Praia a Mare: Transportation Options and Logistics

Praia a Mare is easily accessible by air, train, or bus. Here are the different ways to get to Praia a Mare:

Airports Near Praia a Mare

  • Lamezia Terme International Airport - Located 145km from Praia a Mare.

Bus Stations Near Praia a Mare

  • Autolinee Liscio - Services Praia a Mare and the surrounding areas.

Other Options

  • Train - Praia a Mare has a train station that connects to major cities in Italy.

How to Get Around in Praia a Mare

Praia a Mare is a small town that is easy to explore on foot. Buses and taxis are also available for those who wish to travel further afield.

Where to Go Next from Praia a Mare: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Praia a Mare is an excellent starting point for exploring the southern Italian region of Calabria. Here are some of the nearby destinations worth visiting:

  • Tropea - A picturesque coastal town known for its stunning beaches and excellent seafood.
  • Scalea - A historic coastal town, home to ancient Greek and Roman ruins.
  • Maratea - A coastal town located in the province of Potenza, famous for its picturesque Old Town and stunning beaches.

Conclusion

Praia a Mare is a hidden gem in the region of Calabria, Southern Italy, that offers plenty of attractions, landmarks, and outdoor activities. From stunning beaches to mountain trails, Praia a Mare is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an immersive southern Italian experience.