Discover Cetraro: Coast, Cultural Heritage and Hotels

Cetraro combines a dramatic coastal landscape with a historic town center and religious buildings. The surrounding landscapes also vary: along the coast, cliffs, small beaches and grottos shape the scenery; inland, routes pass through forests and lead up to a mountain pass. History is reflected both in the architecture and in the traces of the town’s former coastal defenses.

Coast and Cliffs

The Scogliera dei Rizzi is designated as Natura 2000 site IT9310038 and was declared a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in June 2017. The cliff rises more than 100 meters vertically. At its base, numerous boulders, small beaches and many grottos shape the coastline. Dramatic rock formations and smaller stretches of beach meet here; the protected-area designation is as much a part of this stretch of coast as its rugged terrain.

A coastal walking route runs along the shore, passing the Testa del Leone rock and the Grotta dei Rizzi. It reaches Lampezia Beach, which has bathing facilities and is connected to a modern seafront promenade. This makes it possible to distinguish the coastline, with its named natural features, from routes through forests and upland areas. If you are especially interested in coastal landscapes, the focus here is on cliffs, grottos and the beach.

Historic Town Center and Buildings

Narrow lanes, arches and striking views characterize Cetraro’s historic center. The Tore di Mare, di Basso and di Sopra bear witness to the town’s former fortifications. The Torre di Rienzo adds to this picture the history of coastal defense: it was part of a system against pirate attacks ordered by Viceroy Pedro de Toledo around 1535. Its square layout and three vaulted floors define its architecture, while its defensive role gives the building a historical context.

The Chiesa del Ritiro is also known as Santa Maria delle Grazie or San Francesco and was founded in 1454 by the Observant Minorites. Its design brings together Renaissance elements, a marble altarpiece from the same period, a Gothic portal and late Baroque features. Thus, elements of different styles come together in this building. The Chiesa di San Benedetto offers a different historical connection: it was first mentioned in a document from 1104 and soon developed into a Cassinese priory.

The Museo dei Brettii e del Mare is housed in the Palazzo del Trono. It includes an archaeological section, a cartographic section and a library. Together with the churches and the historic center, the museum adds archaeological and cartographic themes to the town’s architectural history. The Santuario di Santa Maria del Monte Serra is located on Monte Serra, in the municipality of Cetraro, at 600 meters above sea level. It was declared a diocesan sanctuary on July 16, 1988.

Routes Between the Coast and the Uplands

The routes differ in their landscapes and destinations. The coastal loop stays along the shore and reaches Lampezia. The mountain loop through Santangelo, by contrast, passes through forests of Douglas fir, pine, beech and fir trees before reaching Passo della Contessa at an elevation of 921 meters. Another route, the Anello dei Laghi del Monte Caloria, passes by Laghetto di Pressico. It is the only lake in the municipality of Cetraro. The coastline, forest and mountain pass therefore offer distinct points of interest.

Annual Festival and Recent Harbor History

The festival at the Santuario del Monte Serra is celebrated every year on August 5; the specific program may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the festivities in advance. The fixed date adds an annual event to the churches and historic buildings that can be visited year-round.

The harbor is also part of Cetraro’s recent history. A tourist marina opened there in July 2009. It could accommodate around 500 berths and had floating pontoons, water and electricity hookups, toilets and showers. These details describe the marina as it was at the time and make the harbor’s development a clearly dated part of the townscape.

Discover more destinations: Tortora Marina, Maierà, Campora San Giovanni, Malito, Cutura, Cirella, Mandatoriccio, Terme Luigiane.

Back to the regional travel overview: Cosenza.