• Capo Colonna
  • Castello Carlo V Crotone
  • Sila
  • Restaurant L Ancora
  • Restaurant La Rustica
  • Restaurant Mare Chiaro
  • Restaurant Pagus
  • San Severino
  • Acquapark Odissea
  • La Castella

Dining

About this is a lot to write, because the restaurants in this region are not only excellent but there are also a lot of. There are plenty of pizzerias and a variety of restaurants, but which is the best? That depends primarily on the individual taste, but also the choice of "meat or fish”. Because this region is excellent with fresh fish, but those typical restaurants have unfortunately little attention for the meat. Because there are a few restaurants here for a really good piece of meat, the BBQ at Casa Bahati might be a good alternative solution. 

In recent years we have tried almost all restaurants (per restaurant at least 2 times) and we have done our best, also to eat well ourselves, to be able to give advice to our guests. However, a restaurant can change owners or operators after a year, but the most important thing is the chef in the kitchen who determines the level.

So, in our opinion, it is recommended for now:
  • the best fish restaurant is "L'Ancora" on the tip of Capo Rizzuto, but "La Rustica" is also worth a visit. See their websites; 
  • the best pizzeria (pizza's and pinsa's) is “Mare chiaro” in the center of Capo Rizzuto, but “La Quercia” is also a good one. Ordering and pick-up is also possible. See their websites; 
  • the best meat restaurant is “Pagus” at Isola Capo Rizzuto, just outside the village on the SS106. 

Although it partly depends on what and how much is eaten and drunk, but a full and extensive meal, including wine and/or soft drinks and coffee after (anno 2023) will cost between € 30 and € 40..  

We can not mention all pizzerias and restaurants on this site, but Bas & Janny (in Italy Bastiano & Janina) are always available to advise and, if desired, make reservations there. Reservations are necessary, especially in August. However, you can always eat at home, with or without the bbq.

Activities and Trips

The activities in the holiday season in this region are from mid-July to early September. The daily festivities, for young and old, are announced each year by the municipality at the beginning of July. Usually this concerns performances by well-known Italian singers, dance groups, performances by folklore groups, dinner parties (sagra) with specific Italian dishes and such. This includes the well-known stalls with anything and everything, usually closed with a good dose of fireworks. For the youth there is almost daily some entertainment on the nearby beach, such as football, volleyball, whether or not in competition. There are many places in Calabria valuable to visit. These can be divided in a half or the entire day. For example, a half day can be spent on:

  • Capo Rizzuto (1 km), with the aquarium in which the flora and fauna of the (protected) Ionian Sea is shown;
  • Le Castella (10 km) with the Aragonese castle in the sea, with ferry-service for various trips; a cozy village;
  • Santa Severina (35 km), this picturesque village is up the mountain, which towers above the landscape, with its castle and chateau Carafa, a nice town square and beautiful views all over the province; 
  • Crotone (20 km) the city of Pythagoras, with its daily markets, harbours, historic center, Carlo V Castle, National Museum, long promenade, museums, etcetera; 
  • Capo Colonna (15 km), archaeological highlight, with its excavations, the tower Torre Nao and the  temple of Hera Lacinia. 

An entire vacation could be spent on trips, because Calabria have lots of fun and picturesque towns. For example::

  • Crotone, the city where you could spend several days if you like shopping, markets and visiting historic sites; 
  • Sila National Park, the extensive (forest) area in the heart of Calabria, with mountains up to 1,800 mt. height and where you can walk for hours without meeting anyone. In this unspoiled nature, the village Palumbosila and nearby the Lake Ampollino (at 1500 mt. height) is almost a must to visit. It’s also a wonderful place to picnic. At the Sila-area are many picturesque places, it is also generally fresher than at the coast, and there is always something for everyone; 
  • Rossano, with its AquaPark “Odissea 2000" might be a pleasant change from the sea for the children. This place is approx. 125 km., but to know whether that distance is worth, look at www.odissea2000.it. 

 

For getting a bit in the mood of this region and to become and learn some more about the protected area of this sea, have a look at www.riservamarinacaporizzuto.it (italian and English). For those who have the feeling to spoile or coddle themselve (it's still holiday, isn’t it), can always go to Crotone Beauty Farm Casa Rossa (20 km). That pleasant care and/or relaxation is possible for several hours, one day or several days. If you are interested, check it out on www.casarossa.it.