Paola Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the historic coastal town in Calabria
Table of Contents
Paola
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Latest page update: 18 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The seaside town of Paola is situated on the Tyrrhenian Coast in Cosenza Province.
It has a population of 15,688 inhabitants and is located 109 kilometres north west of Cosenza, the provincial capital. Among the highlights are the beach and centro storico (old town) while nearby places of interest include the Santuario di San Francesco di Paola and San Lucido. |
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Discover Paola
Paola is a town located in the province of Cosenza, in the northern part of Calabria, along the Tyrrhenian coast. Situated between the towns of Cosenza and Amantea, Paola is known for its coastal beauty and historical significance. The town is best known for being the birthplace of Saint Francis of Paola, with his sanctuary being one of the main attractions. Paola’s position along the coast provides stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and offers easy access to both the mountains and the beach.
The town itself features several historical landmarks, including the Sanctuary of Saint Francis of Paola, which draws visitors from all over. The historic centre is filled with narrow streets, traditional buildings, and local shops where visitors can enjoy the simplicity of Calabrian life. Paola is also known for its excellent seafood, with local restaurants offering a variety of fresh dishes from the sea. The town has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a pleasant place to explore.
Close by, the town of Amantea offers additional coastal attractions, including beaches and a charming old town. To the south, the city of Cosenza provides a wealth of cultural and historical sites, including museums and landmarks such as the Cosenza Cathedral. To the east, the Sila National Park offers vast natural landscapes, including forests, mountains, and hiking trails. Paola, with its mix of coastal beauty, historical significance, and access to both nature and urban centres, provides a diverse experience for visitors to Calabria.
The town itself features several historical landmarks, including the Sanctuary of Saint Francis of Paola, which draws visitors from all over. The historic centre is filled with narrow streets, traditional buildings, and local shops where visitors can enjoy the simplicity of Calabrian life. Paola is also known for its excellent seafood, with local restaurants offering a variety of fresh dishes from the sea. The town has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a pleasant place to explore.
Close by, the town of Amantea offers additional coastal attractions, including beaches and a charming old town. To the south, the city of Cosenza provides a wealth of cultural and historical sites, including museums and landmarks such as the Cosenza Cathedral. To the east, the Sila National Park offers vast natural landscapes, including forests, mountains, and hiking trails. Paola, with its mix of coastal beauty, historical significance, and access to both nature and urban centres, provides a diverse experience for visitors to Calabria.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Paola
- Santuario di San Francesco di Paola is the town’s most important religious site, dedicated to Calabria’s patron saint. Located on a hillside above the town, the sanctuary includes cloisters, chapels, and a museum with relics of the saint. A peaceful wooded area surrounds the complex, and a pathway leads up from the town below.
- Centro Storico di Paola spreads across the slopes beneath the sanctuary and features stone houses, narrow lanes, and stairways. Highlights include small churches, fountains, and traditional shops, all set against views of the sea and surrounding hills. The area preserves much of its medieval layout and atmosphere.
- Spiaggia di Paola lies just below the town and is a mix of sand and pebbles with calm waters suitable for swimming. In summer, lidos operate along the coast, offering sunbed rental, bars, and beach sports. A promenade runs parallel to the shoreline and includes seating areas and palm trees.
- Piazza del Popolo and Civic Centre form the heart of the modern town, with cafés, restaurants, and local businesses. The square is used for events, markets, and community gatherings, and connects to both the seaside and the upper historic centre.
- Railway Station and Transport Links make Paola a key hub on the Tyrrhenian rail line. The station lies close to the beach and provides connections to cities such as Lamezia Terme, Cosenza, and Naples. Local buses and taxis serve the upper part of town and the sanctuary.
Paola Tours and Activities
Comune di Paola
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Province: Cosenza
Region: Calabria Population: 14,791 (in 2024 - source) Size: 43 km² Elevation: 0-94 metres Highlights: beach, centro storico (old town) Close by: Santuario di San Francesco di Paola, San Lucido Recommended accommodation: Hotel Cliché (6 km) |
Photo Gallery
Paola 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
