Crotone
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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 Crotone
Crotone, on Calabria’s Ionian coast, combines ancient heritage with a modern seafront, making it both a cultural and beach destination. The city has a number of established hotels that provide good bases for exploring the coastline and nearby archaeological sites such as Capo Colonna.
Best Western Hotel San Giorgio is one of the top-rated choices, featuring modern rooms, a pool, restaurant and strong guest feedback for comfort and service (€€). Hotel Palazzo Foti, located on the seafront, offers comfortable rooms, on-site dining and a central position, often praised for convenience and views (€€). Another option is Hotel Helios, with direct beach access, a pool and family-friendly facilities, regularly highlighted for its seaside setting (€€).
Best Western Hotel San Giorgio is one of the top-rated choices, featuring modern rooms, a pool, restaurant and strong guest feedback for comfort and service (€€). Hotel Palazzo Foti, located on the seafront, offers comfortable rooms, on-site dining and a central position, often praised for convenience and views (€€). Another option is Hotel Helios, with direct beach access, a pool and family-friendly facilities, regularly highlighted for its seaside setting (€€).
Where is
Where is Crotone?
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The city of Crotone is the capital of the Province of Crotone with a population of 64,710 inhabitants.
Founded in 710 BC, the city was originally named Kroton and was one of the most important centres of the Magna Graecia region. It was at one stage home to the famous Greek mathematician: Pythagoras, who has a museum named after him in the city. Crotone is situated on the Ionian Coast with the city of Catanzaro, the regional capital of Calabria, lying 72 kilometres south west. |
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With its seaside location, the first and most obvious attraction of the city is its long, sandy beach. The seafront (lungomare) is where you'll find a good selection of restaurants specialising in fresh fish dishes.
Although much of the city centre is relatively modern in appearance, the most striking sight is its 16th century castle (Castello di Carlo V) which sits in an elevated position overlooking the harbour. The walk up to the castle takes you past an intricate web of narrow streets which give a different perspective to the city.
Although much of the city centre is relatively modern in appearance, the most striking sight is its 16th century castle (Castello di Carlo V) which sits in an elevated position overlooking the harbour. The walk up to the castle takes you past an intricate web of narrow streets which give a different perspective to the city.
Comune di Crotone
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Province: Crotone
Region: Calabria Population: 58,294 (in 2024 - source) Size: 180 km² Highlights: beaches, Castello di Carlo V, Archaeological Museum Close by: Capo Colonna, Le Castella, Cirò Marina, Cariati |
What People Ask About Crotone, Calabria
Is Crotone worth visiting?
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Discover
Discover Crotone
Crotone is a coastal city in Calabria, situated on the Ionian Sea along the region’s eastern coast. It occupies a low promontory surrounded by long stretches of beach and the calm waters of the Gulf of Taranto. The modern city extends inland from its historic core, while fishing boats and yachts line the harbour. Its location offers wide views over the sea, with the Sila Mountains forming a distant backdrop, linking the coast with Calabria’s inland landscapes.
Founded by the ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC, the city retains important archaeological remains from Kroton, one of the most powerful colonies of Magna Graecia. Highlights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Archaeological Museum, and the Castle of Charles V, which dominates the old town from its elevated position. South of the city lies the Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, home to the surviving column of the Temple of Hera Lacinia. Well connected by road and rail, Crotone also serves as a gateway to the natural reserves and beaches of the Ionian coast.
Founded by the ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC, the city retains important archaeological remains from Kroton, one of the most powerful colonies of Magna Graecia. Highlights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Archaeological Museum, and the Castle of Charles V, which dominates the old town from its elevated position. South of the city lies the Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, home to the surviving column of the Temple of Hera Lacinia. Well connected by road and rail, Crotone also serves as a gateway to the natural reserves and beaches of the Ionian coast.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Crotone
- Castello di Carlo V dominates the historic centre and dates back to the 16th century, built on earlier medieval foundations. The fortress includes towers, thick walls, and an internal courtyard, and houses a museum with exhibits on local archaeology and military history. It offers views over the city and coastline.
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Crotone is located near the castle and contains one of the most important collections in Calabria. Highlights include artefacts from ancient Kroton, statues from the sanctuary of Hera Lacinia, and items related to the philosopher Pythagoras, who lived in the area in the 6th century BC.
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta stands in the heart of the old town and dates to the 9th century, though it has been modified many times. It features a Baroque interior, a 15th-century baptismal font, and the revered icon of the Madonna di Capocolonna, the patroness of Crotone.
- Lungomare Gramsci and Spiaggia di Crotone form the city’s seafront area, with a sandy beach, palm-lined promenade, and a mix of cafés and restaurants. The beach is popular in summer, with calm waters and lidos offering umbrellas, sunbeds, and refreshments.
- Capo Colonna and Archaeological Park lie just south of the city and include the remains of the ancient sanctuary of Hera Lacinia. The single standing column of the temple is one of the most iconic symbols of Magna Graecia. The site also features a museum, walking paths, and views over the Ionian Sea.
Crotone Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Crotone
- Ristorante Da Ercole: Located near the waterfront, Da Ercole is known for its fresh seafood dishes, including swordfish, mussel pasta, and grilled calamari. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with indoor and outdoor seating available. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- La Perla del Porto: Situated close to the marina, this restaurant combines Calabrian recipes with creative presentation. The menu features both land and sea options, and the modern dining room offers views over the harbour. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Trattoria Miseria e Nobiltà: Found in a quiet side street in the city centre, this trattoria offers simple, home-cooked dishes using local produce. Popular choices include pasta with nduja, meatballs, and seasonal vegetable sides. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Lido degli Scogli: Set along the coast a short drive from the centre, this restaurant specialises in seafood and offers open-air dining overlooking the sea. The setting is relaxed, and the menu includes raw fish platters, risottos, and grilled fish. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Agriturismo Il Querceto: Located in Rocca di Neto (approx. 18 km north of Crotone), this agriturismo serves traditional Calabrian food made with ingredients from the surrounding farm. Meals are served in a rustic dining room or on the outdoor terrace. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Crotone Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Crotone
- Capo Colonna (approx. 10 km southeast of Crotone): A prominent archaeological site on a headland, Capo Colonna is home to the remains of the ancient Temple of Hera Lacinia. The site includes a single standing column, a small museum, and expansive views over the Ionian Sea.
- Le Castella (approx. 25 km southwest of Crotone): A coastal village famous for its Aragonese castle set on a small island connected by a narrow causeway. The area is part of the Marine Protected Area of Capo Rizzuto, with clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving.
- Santa Severina (approx. 30 km northwest of Crotone): Perched on a hill between the sea and the mountains, Santa Severina is one of Calabria’s most picturesque villages. It features a well-preserved Norman castle, Byzantine baptistery, and medieval streets with impressive views over the Neto Valley.
- Strongoli (approx. 15 km north of Crotone): Known for its wine production, Strongoli has ancient origins dating back to Magna Graecia. The old town sits on a hill with panoramic views, while the surrounding area is dotted with vineyards and olive groves.
- Isola di Capo Rizzuto (approx. 20 km south of Crotone): A coastal town that gives its name to the protected marine reserve, Isola di Capo Rizzuto offers sandy beaches and access to natural marine habitats. The area is also rich in archaeological remains and coastal watchtowers.
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 Crotone
Crotone's main train station is called Stazione di Crotone and is located at the edge of the city, around 3 kilometres from the seafront; a walk of half an hour or a 10 minute taxi ride. From the station you can take a direct train to Reggio Calabria, a journey of 3 hours and 25 minutes with 14 stops along the way including Catanzaro Lido, Soverato and Siderno among others.
Whilst Crotone does have its own airport, it does have its limitations with most flights going to one destination: Milan Bergamo Airport in the north of Italy. This can be useful for connecting flights to London Stansted with Ryanair, but for direct flights there's Lamezia Terme Airport which is an hour and 40 minutes away by car, a distance of 104 kilometres.
Crotone and the area that surrounds it are full of history and you can make a day of it by visiting two important archaeological sites. In the city itself there's the Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum) while just a short drive south along the coast is the famous Capo Colonna. Other places of interest close by include the seaside locations of Le Castella, Cirò Marina and Cariati.
Whilst Crotone does have its own airport, it does have its limitations with most flights going to one destination: Milan Bergamo Airport in the north of Italy. This can be useful for connecting flights to London Stansted with Ryanair, but for direct flights there's Lamezia Terme Airport which is an hour and 40 minutes away by car, a distance of 104 kilometres.
Crotone and the area that surrounds it are full of history and you can make a day of it by visiting two important archaeological sites. In the city itself there's the Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum) while just a short drive south along the coast is the famous Capo Colonna. Other places of interest close by include the seaside locations of Le Castella, Cirò Marina and Cariati.
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Public transport: train station 2 km from centre, local buses
By train: Reggio Calabria - 3 hours and 25 minutes |
By car: Catanzaro - 1 hour 14 minutes, Cosenza - 1 hour 22 mins
Fly to: Crotone Airport, 18 mins by car (15 km) |
Private Transfers
Crotone Private Transfers
Private transfers to or from Crotone are a convenient solution for travellers arriving in or departing from this coastal city in Calabria. The region has limited high-speed rail connections, and public transport options can be infrequent, especially for travel beyond the city itself.
Crotone has its own small airport, but most international visitors arrive via Lamezia Terme International Airport, which is around 110 kilometres away with a driving time of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. The nearest major railway station is Crotone Station, served by regional trains on the Ionian line.
Whether you're heading to the coast, the Sila mountains, or another town in Calabria, a private transfer ensures a direct and reliable journey. To arrange a transfer to or from Crotone, please fill in the form below with your travel details.
Crotone has its own small airport, but most international visitors arrive via Lamezia Terme International Airport, which is around 110 kilometres away with a driving time of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. The nearest major railway station is Crotone Station, served by regional trains on the Ionian line.
Whether you're heading to the coast, the Sila mountains, or another town in Calabria, a private transfer ensures a direct and reliable journey. To arrange a transfer to or from Crotone, please fill in the form below with your travel details.
