Civita
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Latest page update: 18 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Civita
Civita, a scenic village in the Pollino National Park known for its Arbëreshë heritage, offers mostly guesthouses and agriturismi rather than larger hotels. Travellers who prefer established accommodation with broader facilities will find the best options in the surrounding province of Cosenza.
In Rende, Hotel San Francesco is a dependable choice with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and wellness amenities (€€). Also in Rende, Hotel Europa provides modern accommodation with convenient facilities and positive guest reviews (€€). On the Ionian coast, Hotel Roscianum in Rossano offers a resort-style stay with pools, a spa, and family-friendly services (€€€).
In Rende, Hotel San Francesco is a dependable choice with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and wellness amenities (€€). Also in Rende, Hotel Europa provides modern accommodation with convenient facilities and positive guest reviews (€€). On the Ionian coast, Hotel Roscianum in Rossano offers a resort-style stay with pools, a spa, and family-friendly services (€€€).
Where is
Where is Civita?
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The village of Civita is situated within the Province of Cosenza and has a population of around 890 inhabitants.
It stands at an elevation of 450 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include the towns of Castrovillari, Morano Calabro, Sybaris and Trebisacce. |
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Comune di Civita
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Province: Cosenza
Region: Calabria Population: 808 (in 2024 - source) Size: 27 km² Elevation: 450 metres Highlight: Ponte del Diavolo Close by: Castrovillari, Morano Calabro, Sybaris, Trebisacce Recommended stay: Bed and Breakfast La Sentinella |
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One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Tradizioni Albanesi (Albanian Traditions) |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Comments: "Great Tourist Information" 1 of 6 in Calabria listed by Touring Club Italiano |
What People Ask About Civita, Calabria
Is Civita worth visiting?
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What are the main attractions in Civita?
When is the best time to visit Civita?
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Related links
Discover
Discover Civita
Civita is a hill town in the province of Cosenza, perched on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the Raganello Gorge within the Pollino National Park. Founded by Albanian settlers in the 15th century, it is one of Calabria’s historic Arbëreshë communities, where Albanian language and traditions are still preserved. The setting is dramatic, with the town’s stone houses clinging to the slopes and wide views extending across the Pollino landscape of cliffs, valleys, and forests.
Among its most notable landmarks are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, featuring a Byzantine-style iconostasis, and the Devil’s Bridge, which spans the gorge below in a striking stone arch. Narrow lanes wind between old houses with decorated chimneys, a distinctive feature of local architecture. The surrounding area offers access to hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints within the Pollino National Park, while Castrovillari, Morano Calabro, and Francavilla Marittima lie nearby, connecting Civita to the wider cultural and natural landscape of northern Calabria.
Among its most notable landmarks are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, featuring a Byzantine-style iconostasis, and the Devil’s Bridge, which spans the gorge below in a striking stone arch. Narrow lanes wind between old houses with decorated chimneys, a distinctive feature of local architecture. The surrounding area offers access to hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints within the Pollino National Park, while Castrovillari, Morano Calabro, and Francavilla Marittima lie nearby, connecting Civita to the wider cultural and natural landscape of northern Calabria.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Civita
- Centro Storico di Civita perches dramatically on a cliff in the Pollino National Park, its narrow streets and stone houses built around a striking gorge carved by the Raganello river. The village radiates unique charm, with views of rugged mountains and deep valleys. Small piazzas reveal ancient fountains and quiet corners. Walking here offers a journey into a place where nature and history are tightly intertwined.
- Chiesa di San Nicola stands at the village’s core, its modest façade leading to an interior decorated with frescoes and sacred art. The church has been a spiritual centre for Civita’s Arbëreshë community for centuries. It remains a place of faith and cultural identity.
- The Raganello Gorge is a dramatic natural attraction near Civita, offering hiking trails through towering cliffs and flowing waters. The gorge provides opportunities for walking, climbing, and enjoying the region’s rugged landscape. It’s a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area.
- Piazza San Donato serves as Civita’s social hub, surrounded by traditional houses, cafés, and artisan shops. The square hosts festivals and community gatherings celebrating Arbëreshë traditions. Its cobblestones and mountain views create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to experience local culture and customs.
- Guided cultural and nature tours in Civita lead visitors through historic streets, churches, and the surrounding Pollino National Park. Local guides share stories of Arbëreshë heritage, ancient crafts, and the natural environment. Tours often include tastings of local cheeses, wines, and traditional dishes. Exploring reveals Civita’s blend of cultural richness and stunning landscapes.
Tours and Activities
Civita Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Civita Photo Gallery
Calabria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Calabria
1. Tropea
2. Pizzo
3. Scilla
4. Sila National Park
5. Le Castella
6. Capo Vaticano
7. Pentedattilo
8. Santa Severina
9. Riace Bronzes
10. Altomonte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Calabria
1. Tropea
2. Pizzo
3. Scilla
4. Sila National Park
5. Le Castella
6. Capo Vaticano
7. Pentedattilo
8. Santa Severina
9. Riace Bronzes
10. Altomonte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Calabria
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Civita
By Rail: Civita does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Cassano all’Ionio, about 15 kilometres away, on the Taranto–Reggio Calabria line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Cassano all’Ionio to Sibari in around 10 minutes and to Crotone in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From the station, taxis and local bus services are available for the short uphill journey to Civita.
By Road: Civita is located on the eastern slopes of the Pollino National Park in northern Calabria, around 100 kilometres north of Cosenza. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A2 motorway and SS534. From Sibari, the distance is about 25 kilometres, with a journey time of around 30 minutes via the SS92. The town is reached by scenic mountain roads, and parking is available just outside the historic centre.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Civita is located on the eastern slopes of the Pollino National Park in northern Calabria, around 100 kilometres north of Cosenza. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A2 motorway and SS534. From Sibari, the distance is about 25 kilometres, with a journey time of around 30 minutes via the SS92. The town is reached by scenic mountain roads, and parking is available just outside the historic centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Lamezia Terme International Airport: Situated about 150 kilometres southwest of Civita, with a drive of around 2 hours via the A2 motorway and SS534. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Located roughly 220 kilometres north, taking about 3 hours by car via the SS106 and SS7. It provides extensive national and European connections.
- Brindisi Salento Airport: Approximately 190 kilometres northeast, with a journey time of around 2 hours and 45 minutes via the SS106 and SS7. It serves both domestic and international routes.
Private Transfers
Civita Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Civita, offering a direct service without the need to drive or rely on public transport. You’ll be met by a professional local driver and taken straight to your destination in comfort.
Lamezia Terme International Airport is the most practical option for arrivals and departures, with easy road connections to the area. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Castrovillari, Morano Calabro, and Francavilla Marittima, or to other towns and mountain areas within the Pollino National Park.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Lamezia Terme International Airport is the most practical option for arrivals and departures, with easy road connections to the area. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Castrovillari, Morano Calabro, and Francavilla Marittima, or to other towns and mountain areas within the Pollino National Park.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
