Paola
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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 Paola
Accommodation in Paola is more varied than in many of the smaller towns along the Tyrrhenian coast, with a selection of established hotels in and around the centre as well as options closer to the seafront. Visitors can choose between properties that offer easy access to the historic core of the town and those situated nearer to the promenade.
Among the most established choices are Hotel Blumentag, a comfortable hotel near the beach with positive guest feedback on its convenient location, and Hotel San Francesco, set on the hillside overlooking the town, known for its larger facilities including a restaurant and wellness services. Another option is Hotel Alhambra, which combines central positioning with consistently good reviews from travellers. These three provide a balance between location, facilities and guest satisfaction.
Among the most established choices are Hotel Blumentag, a comfortable hotel near the beach with positive guest feedback on its convenient location, and Hotel San Francesco, set on the hillside overlooking the town, known for its larger facilities including a restaurant and wellness services. Another option is Hotel Alhambra, which combines central positioning with consistently good reviews from travellers. These three provide a balance between location, facilities and guest satisfaction.
Where is
Where is Paola?
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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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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) |
What People Ask About Paola, Calabria
Is Paola worth visiting?
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What are the main attractions in Paola?
When is the best time to visit Paola?
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Related links
Discover
Discover Paola
Paola is a coastal town in the province of Cosenza, located along the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Calabrian coast. Built on a slope between the sea and the Coastal Range, it combines a historic upper town with a modern seaside district below. The old quarter is a maze of steep streets and stone houses, offering panoramic views across the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia, while the lower area provides a long beach and lively promenade during the summer months.
The town is best known as the birthplace of Saint Francis of Paola, founder of the Order of Minims, whose sanctuary — the Santuario di San Francesco di Paola — is one of Calabria’s most important pilgrimage sites. Other notable landmarks include the Church of Madonna di Montevergine and remnants of the medieval town walls. Fishing and maritime trade remain part of local life, while road and rail connections link Paola conveniently to Cetraro, Amantea, and Fuscaldo, making it a key centre along the Calabrian Tyrrhenian coast.
The town is best known as the birthplace of Saint Francis of Paola, founder of the Order of Minims, whose sanctuary — the Santuario di San Francesco di Paola — is one of Calabria’s most important pilgrimage sites. Other notable landmarks include the Church of Madonna di Montevergine and remnants of the medieval town walls. Fishing and maritime trade remain part of local life, while road and rail connections link Paola conveniently to Cetraro, Amantea, and Fuscaldo, making it a key centre along the Calabrian Tyrrhenian coast.
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.
Tours and Activities
Paola Tours and Activities
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
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Paola
By Rail: Paola has its own train station on the Battipaglia–Reggio Calabria line, operated by Trenitalia. It is a key stop for both regional and long-distance services, including InterCity and Frecciabianca trains. Travel times are around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lamezia Terme and 3 hours from Naples. The station is located near the town centre, with easy access to local transport and amenities.
By Road: The town is situated along the Tyrrhenian coast in northern Calabria. From Lamezia Terme, the journey takes about 1 hour by car (65 kilometres) via the SS18 and A2 motorway. From Cosenza, it’s roughly a 45-minute drive (40 kilometres). Parking is available near the railway station and throughout the town centre.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town is situated along the Tyrrhenian coast in northern Calabria. From Lamezia Terme, the journey takes about 1 hour by car (65 kilometres) via the SS18 and A2 motorway. From Cosenza, it’s roughly a 45-minute drive (40 kilometres). Parking is available near the railway station and throughout the town centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Lamezia Terme Airport: Approximately 65 kilometres south of Paola, with a drive of around 1 hour. This is the closest major airport, offering year-round flights to Rome, Milan, and several European cities, with seasonal routes expanding in summer.
- Naples Capodichino Airport: Located about 280 kilometres north, with a drive time of roughly 3 hours via the A2 and A3 motorways. It is one of southern Italy’s busiest airports, serving numerous domestic and international destinations.
- Reggio Calabria Airport: Around 210 kilometres south, taking about 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach by car. Although smaller, it has regular flights to a few major Italian cities and can be an alternative for arrivals from the south.
Private Transfers
Paola Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and reliable way to travel to or from Paola, providing a direct service without the need to drive or rely on public transport. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional local driver.
Lamezia Terme International Airport is the most convenient option for arrivals and departures, with easy access by road. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Fuscaldo, Cetraro Marina, and Belmonte Calabro, or to other towns and resorts along the Tyrrhenian Coast of Calabria.
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 convenient option for arrivals and departures, with easy access by road. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Fuscaldo, Cetraro Marina, and Belmonte Calabro, or to other towns and resorts along the Tyrrhenian Coast of Calabria.
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.
