Praia a Mare
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Latest page update: 8 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The beach resort of Praia a Mare lies on the Tyrrhenian Coast in the Province of Cosenza, part of the Calabria region in southern Italy. It is situated approximately 108 kilometres north-west of Cosenza and functions as an independent municipality.
The town has its own train station and the closest international airport is Lamezia Terme Airport, around 129 kilometres away. |
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What People Ask About Praia a Mare, Calabria
Is Praia a Mare worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Praia a Mare?
How do I get to Praia a Mare?
What is Praia a Mare known for?
When is the best time to visit Praia a Mare?
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Discover
Discover Praia a Mare
Praia a Mare is a coastal town located in the province of Cosenza, in the northern part of Calabria, along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Situated between the towns of Scalea and Tortora, Praia a Mare is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque coastal landscape. The town offers a peaceful retreat by the sea, with a laid-back atmosphere that attracts visitors looking to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and seaside activities. Praia a Mare's location, surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation, adds to its natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and exploration.
The town itself has a selection of local shops, restaurants, and cafés where visitors can savour traditional Calabrian cuisine, particularly seafood. Praia a Mare’s main attraction is its beach, which is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The town also features a charming promenade, where visitors can take in views of the sea and nearby islands. Praia a Mare offers a combination of coastal charm and modern amenities, providing a comfortable base for visitors.
Close by, the coastal town of Scalea offers additional beaches, as well as historical sites such as the medieval Torre Talao. To the south, the town of Diamante is known for its murals and art scene. Further inland, the Pollino National Park offers vast forests, mountain views, and hiking opportunities, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Praia a Mare, with its beautiful beaches, nearby attractions, and access to both the sea and mountains, offers a varied and enriching experience for visitors to Calabria.
The town itself has a selection of local shops, restaurants, and cafés where visitors can savour traditional Calabrian cuisine, particularly seafood. Praia a Mare’s main attraction is its beach, which is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The town also features a charming promenade, where visitors can take in views of the sea and nearby islands. Praia a Mare offers a combination of coastal charm and modern amenities, providing a comfortable base for visitors.
Close by, the coastal town of Scalea offers additional beaches, as well as historical sites such as the medieval Torre Talao. To the south, the town of Diamante is known for its murals and art scene. Further inland, the Pollino National Park offers vast forests, mountain views, and hiking opportunities, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Praia a Mare, with its beautiful beaches, nearby attractions, and access to both the sea and mountains, offers a varied and enriching experience for visitors to Calabria.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Praia a Mare
- Isola di Dino is a rocky island just off the coast, known for its sea caves, including the Grotta Azzurra and Grotta del Leone. The island is accessible by kayak, pedal boat, or guided boat tours from the beach. Its cliffs, vegetation, and crystal-clear waters make it one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks.
- Spiaggia di Praia a Mare is a long, wide beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, stretching along the Tyrrhenian coast. The beach offers both free-access areas and private lidos with umbrellas, sunbeds, and bars. Water sports and boat rentals are widely available in the summer season.
- Lungomare and Waterfront run parallel to the beach and include walking and cycling paths, shaded seating areas, and a variety of seaside restaurants and cafés. The promenade is a central meeting point for locals and visitors, especially in the evenings.
- Santuario della Madonna della Grotta is set within a cave in the cliffs above the town, reached by a staircase from the main road. The sanctuary includes a chapel and viewing platform, and is a site of pilgrimage, especially during local religious festivals.
- Torre di Fiuzzi is a 16th-century coastal watchtower located near the southern end of the beach, opposite Isola di Dino. Although not open to the public, it remains a prominent historic structure and is often photographed with the island in the background. The surrounding area includes viewpoints and beach access.
Praia a Mare Tours and Activities
Comune di Praia a Mare
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Province: Cosenza
Region: Calabria Population: 6,367 (in 2024 - source) Size: 23 km² Highlights: beaches, Isola di Dino, Torre di Fiuzzi, restaurants Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024-2025 Close by: Tortora Marina, San Nicola Arcella, Tortora, Aieta |
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Praia a Mare
- Borgo di Fiuzzi Resort & SPA is situated directly on the beachfront, offering guests panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Dino Island. This resort features elegantly furnished rooms with private balconies. Amenities include a large private beach, outdoor swimming pool, and a spa offering various treatments. Its seaside location provides immediate access to beach activities and water sports. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).
- Hotel Garden is located in the heart of Praia a Mare, just a short walk from the beach. The hotel offers modern rooms, some with balconies overlooking the sea. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant serving regional cuisine and relax in the garden area. Its central location ensures easy access to local shops, cafes, and the train station, making it convenient for exploring the area. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable).
- Hotel TEA - Praia a Mare is positioned near the seafront, offering guests comfortable rooms with contemporary decor. The hotel features a terrace and bar, providing a relaxing environment for guests. Its proximity to the beach and town centre allows for easy access to local attractions and dining options. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable).
- Hotel Blu Eden is set on a hill overlooking the sea, approximately 1.5 kilometres from the town centre. The hotel provides spacious rooms with balconies offering panoramic sea views. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool or dine at the on-site restaurant. The tranquil setting offers a peaceful retreat while still being accessible to Praia a Mare's beaches and attractions. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).
- Al Vecchio Pioppo is a charming bed and breakfast located in the historic centre of Praia a Mare, just a short walk from the beach. This accommodation offers cosy rooms with traditional furnishings. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast each morning and explore nearby cafes and shops. Its central location makes it ideal for those wishing to immerse themselves in the local culture. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable).
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Praia a Mare
- Ristorante Da Peppe: Located along the seafront, Da Peppe is well known for its refined seafood dishes and relaxed, elegant atmosphere. Menu highlights include linguine with clams, grilled local fish, and seafood antipasti, all paired with a solid selection of Calabrian wines. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Osteria Del Peperoncino: Situated near the centre of town, this osteria celebrates regional flavours, with dishes such as pasta with nduja, chilli-infused meats, and rustic vegetable sides. The informal setting and focus on local ingredients make it a popular choice for an authentic meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Pizzeria Basilicò: A casual spot close to the beach, Basilicò offers wood-fired pizzas, calzones, and simple pasta dishes. Service is quick and friendly, and the setting is ideal for a relaxed evening out. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
- Ristorante L’Arcora: Located slightly inland from the town centre, L’Arcora offers traditional Calabrian dishes in a rustic environment. The menu includes handmade pasta, grilled meats, and seasonal starters, with warm hospitality and a countryside feel. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Il Chiosco di Praia: Positioned along the beachfront, this seasonal kiosk-restaurant serves seafood snacks, salads, and cocktails with views of Dino Island. It’s ideal for a light lunch or informal dinner by the sea. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Praia a Mare Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Praia a Mare
- Scalea (approx. 15 km north of Praia a Mare): A lively coastal town with a rich history, Scalea offers a combination of beautiful beaches, charming old town streets, and stunning mountain views. The town’s historic centre is home to the ancient Norman castle, and visitors can explore the narrow alleys lined with traditional Sicilian buildings. Scalea is also a great base for those looking to explore the surrounding area, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Diamante (approx. 20 km north of Praia a Mare): Known for its striking murals and picturesque seafront, Diamante is a small coastal town that offers a vibrant atmosphere. The town’s colourful streets are lined with cafes and shops, while the nearby beaches provide a perfect spot for swimming and relaxing. Diamante also hosts an annual chili pepper festival, celebrating the local agricultural traditions.
- Morano Calabro (approx. 30 km east of Praia a Mare): A charming hilltop town, Morano Calabro is known for its medieval castle and breathtaking views over the Pollino National Park. The town’s historic centre, with its narrow streets and stone houses, offers a glimpse into traditional Calabrian life. It’s an ideal destination for those interested in history, nature, and stunning landscapes.
- Belvedere Marittimo (approx. 35 km north of Praia a Mare): A scenic seaside town with a medieval old town, Belvedere Marittimo features narrow, cobbled streets and a lovely beach. The historic centre, with its ancient castle, provides a charming backdrop to the modern waterfront. The town offers a relaxing atmosphere and is a great spot for enjoying the coast and exploring the local heritage.
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 Praia a Mare
By Rail: Praia a Mare has its own train station on the Salerno–Reggio Calabria railway line, served by Trenitalia regional and Intercity trains. Regular services connect the town with Salerno, Naples, Paola, and Reggio Calabria. Journey times are approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to Salerno, 2 hours and 30 minutes to Naples, and just over 3 hours to Reggio Calabria. The station is located close to the seafront and within easy walking distance of the beach and town centre.
By Road: Praia a Mare lies on the Tyrrhenian coast in northern Calabria, approximately 115 kilometres south of Salerno and 65 kilometres north of Cosenza. The town can be reached via the SS18 coastal road, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Salerno and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Cosenza. The A2 motorway provides inland access. Public parking is available throughout the town, including areas near the beach and main streets.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Praia a Mare lies on the Tyrrhenian coast in northern Calabria, approximately 115 kilometres south of Salerno and 65 kilometres north of Cosenza. The town can be reached via the SS18 coastal road, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Salerno and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Cosenza. The A2 motorway provides inland access. Public parking is available throughout the town, including areas near the beach and main streets.
Nearest International Airports:
- Lamezia Terme Airport (Aeroporto di Lamezia Terme): Located about 125 kilometres south of Praia a Mare, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The airport serves domestic routes and seasonal international flights to several European destinations.
- Naples Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino): Situated around 215 kilometres north of Praia a Mare, the journey by car takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The airport offers a wide range of connections throughout Italy and across Europe.
