Cetraro and the Riviera dei Cedri
Welcome to Cetraro
Sea, history and traditions of the Tyrrhenian coast
The Riviera dei Cedri is the stretch of Tyrrhenian coast in the province of Cosenza running from Tortora to Paola. It is named after the citron, the citrus fruit grown for centuries between Diamante and Santa Maria del Cedro and chosen every summer by rabbis from all over the world for the feast of Sukkot.
Cetraro is its heart: an old hilltop town of Brettian origins, a seaside district with a marina and beaches of sand and pebbles, cliffs and caves, with the mountains behind. From Villa degli Ulivi you can quickly reach the sea, the old town and the finest spots on the coast.
To the south, about half an hour away, Paola is home to the Sanctuary of Saint Francis, patron saint of Calabria and of seafarers: the 15th-century cloister, the hermitage and the Devil’s Bridge, in a green valley.
What to see
From Cetraro to the whole Riviera
The town of Cetraro
In the old town on the hill: the Mother Church of San Benedetto Abate, built between 1086 and 1104 at the behest of Montecassino Abbey; Piazza del Popolo with the Neptune Fountain, and Palazzo del Trono, home of the Museum of the Brettii and the Sea.
Torre di Rienzo and the Rizzi cliffs
North of the harbour, the 17th-century Torre di Rienzo watchtower overlooks the Rizzi cliffs: caves, coves and clear water to explore from the sea.
The marina and the beaches
The Blue Flag marina, between Lampetia beach and Cetraro Marina: sand and pebbles, beach clubs and boat trips along the coast.
Not to be missed
Diamante, murals and chilli
About twenty kilometres north: an old town painted with hundreds of murals, the terrace above the sea, Cirella island and, in September, the Peperoncino Festival. On the way, Santa Maria del Cedro and its Citron Museum.
Dino Island and Arcomagno
Further north, Praia a Mare and San Nicola Arcella: the sea caves of Dino Island by boat and the beach beneath the Arcomagno rock arch.
Events
Festivals in Cetraro and along the coast
Summer in Cetraro is all about traditions: the patron saint San Benedetto, the sea and the contests between districts.
The Days of San Benedetto
In July Cetraro celebrates its patron saint with religious events, culture and shows in the old town.
The procession at sea
During the patron saint's days the statue of San Benedetto sets out to sea from the harbour, followed by the fishermen's boats.
The Torneo dei Rioni
Created in 1986 in honour of San Benedetto, it pits the town's districts against each other: Cetraro's most heartfelt festival.
Peperoncino Festival
In September Diamante, about twenty minutes away, celebrates Calabrian chilli peppers with tastings, markets and shows.
Postcards
The Riviera dei Cedri in pictures
Cetraro lies on the coastal SS18 road. Free private parking is available inside the villa.
Cetraro station is on the Tyrrhenian line (regional and Intercity trains). Paola, served by Frecciarossa high-speed trains, is about 20 minutes away by train.
The nearest airport is Lamezia Terme: from there take the train to Paola and Cetraro, or drive for about an hour.
The villa is in the Santa Lucia area, on the hills of Cetraro. We send precise directions with your booking confirmation.
Getting here
By car, train or plane
Need travel advice? Write to us: we are happy to help.
The perfect base to discover Calabria
Sea, towns and flavours just minutes away, and in the evening the pool at sunset.