Isola di Capo Rizzuto is the Hidden Gem in the Treasure of Her Majesty Calabria

Adham Koenderink

Updated: 16 September 2025 ·

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Isola di Capo Rizzuto is the Hidden Gem in the Treasure of Her Majesty Calabria

Sea, Coast, Promontory, Shore, Fortification, Castle, Ruins, Coastal and oceanic landforms, Rock, Water
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Not yet invaded by mass tourism, not yet tarnished by progress, Capo Rizzuto is one of the places to discover and love RIGHT AWAY.

Those who were born there but moved elsewhere, especially up north for work, carry the Island of Capo Rizzuto in their hearts ALWAYS. Anyone who knows a local from the area knows this well: in a state of nostalgia, they will always talk about this beautiful coastal locality in the Ionic Calabria, which is truly a paradise not just in summer, and they will find every opportunity to return. And they are right: why search for exotic beaches when we have such spectacular ones? Besides the beaches, in this sun-kissed territory that boasts the beauty of nature, still somewhat undervalued by mass tourism, in the municipality of Isola Capo Rizzuto, one can also admire significant monuments such as the Aragonese Castle, museums, the lighthouse, and the remains from classical times. It is ideal for those who have seen everything and done everything: to organize a vacation or a weekend in Isola Capo Rizzuto.

Meanwhile: where is Capo Rizzuto located? An incredibly simple question: Isola di Capo Rizzuto, in the province of Crotone, is a small town of about 17,000 residents not far from the capital. The distance between Isola di Capo Rizzuto and Crotone is only about twenty kilometers. Getting to the town is easy. By car, simply exit at Cosenza Nord on the Salerno-Reggio Calabria road and continue on the E846 towards Sila-Crotone. Upon arriving in Crotone, you should continue on the E90 that leads into the town. You can also travel by airplane to reach Isola di Capo Rizzuto. The nearest airport is Lamezia Terme, in the province of Catanzaro.

Isola di Capo Rizzuto, what to see. Among the symbolic monuments of Isola Capo Rizzuto, the Aragonese Castle is perhaps the most famous. This ancient structure dates back to the 15th century and stands on the island of Capo Rizzuto, at Le Castella, protecting the coast. When the tide is low, it is possible to reach the fortress on foot, walking on a thin strip of land, otherwise, the castle appears to literally rise from the water. Recently, the Aragonese Castle has been restored and made accessible, and it is probably the first thing to see in Isola Capo Rizzuto and its surroundings. The second is the beautiful archaeological park of Capo Colonna, which includes Greek remains submerged by the sea. The quality of the waters, clear and crystalline, allows you to fully enjoy the spectacle without any effort, and the ruins of the ancient Greek walls are still there, in all their splendor. The area of Capo Colonna is named so because you can still admire a beautiful Doric column, which probably originally belonged to a temple dedicated to Hera Lacinia. Just a short distance away, in the Capo Bianco area, you can admire some imposing fortified towers, Torre Vecchia and Torre Nuova, lookout points against pirate raids. Finally, at the southern end of the town, the lighthouse stands beautifully in an area rich in natural beauty and attractions.

Isola di Capo Rizzuto, places to visit. Moving into the inhabited area of Isola Capo Rizzuto, in the historic center, it is a must to visit the Civic Museum of Demology of Labor Economy and Social History, set up in Palazzo Barracco. Here everyday objects typical of peasant civilization are displayed, such as an ancient press from the 1500s and other agricultural and artisan tools. Another museum that absolutely must be seen is the one at Capo Colonna in Crotone, where artifacts recovered during excavations at Capo Colonna are exhibited, including friezes, sculptures, and terracotta objects. Also of great interest is the wreck of Punta Scifo, a Roman-era ship laden with precious marbles inside.

What is the sea like at Isola di Capo Rizzuto? Don't let the locals hear you, they might get offended! Of course, it's beautiful! Clear, crystalline, wonderful: the sea of Capo Rizzuto, in Calabria, has for some years been protected by the establishment of the Marine Protected Area, which aims to safeguard the rich flora and fauna that populate its splendid seabeds. There is much pride in this. Isola di Capo Rizzuto, aquarium. Perfect reproductions of the protected marine habitats have been created at the CEAM Aquarium, the brand new and beautiful city aquarium. This way visitors can closely observe the plants, fish, and other creatures present in the fantastic marine environment of the area.

Isola di Capo Rizzuto: beaches. There are a total of 34 km of coastline in Isola di Capo Rizzuto. Nightclubs, bars, and pubs attract tourists and visitors from all over the south every summer evening, while during the day, the beaches are overwhelmed with visitors. There are beautiful and famous beaches, almost all made of red sand and overlooking a crystal-clear sea. Among the most characteristic beaches is Le Castella, near the Aragonese Castle, equipped with facilities and amenities. The quieter beaches of Capo Bianco, mostly free, are also worth a visit. Other splendid beaches to discover include Le Cannella, the Cavallucci Beach, Sovereto, and especially Capo Piccolo, a true gem nestled in the greenery of a lush Mediterranean scrub. Who wants to leave, huh?