Cirò Marina: Coast, History and Wine

Cirò Marina brings together a range of themes for planning your trip: the coast at Punta Alice, archaeological history, historic buildings, wine and summer cultural events. If you are looking for a hotel, first decide which focus matters most for your stay: the beach, cultural heritage, wine, or a specific festival or event date. You can combine this choice with two practical questions: Does your travel period coincide with a special event, and which route is relevant for your journey?

Archaeology and Architectural History

At Punta Alice, the history of the sanctuary can be placed at two clearly distinct points in time. After the mid-6th century BC, the site was monumentalised with the construction of a temple dedicated to Apollo Aleo; the ancient Archaic temple of Apollo Aleo was identified during Paolo Orsi’s excavations in 1924. The gap between the construction phase and the identification is important for establishing the chronology: 1924 refers to the archaeological identification, not the temple’s ancient construction.

The Torre Vecchia points to a different historical function. The square watchtower stands on the slope between Madonna di Mare and the coast and was built after the first Saracen invasions. It was already in use in 1586; in 1591 it was referred to as the “Torre del Capo della Lice”. The two dates refer to different details: 1586 concerns its use, while 1591 is the tower’s historical name. A more recent chapter in the area’s architectural history is the Chiesa di San Cataldo, built in 1903 and extended in 1950.

The Museo Civico Archeologico Cirò houses materials from the Temple of Apollo Aleo, as well as finds from the historical period of the Brettii. It brings together two distinct archaeological references: the sanctuary and a historical period of the Brettii. This gives you another cultural point of reference alongside the temple, tower and church.

Coast and Wine

Spiaggia di Punta Alice is a long stretch of coastline with fine, golden sand. It offers a distinct coastal focus alongside the archaeological and historical themes. These interests differ when planning your trip: the beach brings the coast to the fore, while the temple, tower, church and museum are cultural and historical attractions.

Cirò DOC wine is associated with Cirò Marina and is made from the ancient Gaglioppo grape variety. The varieties are red, rosé and white wine. All three are made from the same grape variety, so the distinction is between wine styles, not different grapes. This provides a regional connection to wine that can be considered separately from the historic sights.

At Casa Russumanno, you can request information or book a wine tasting, a cellar tour or a personalised experience. The options differ in format: you can choose a tasting, a tour or an individual experience. If wine is one of your interests, this gives you different ways to include it in your travel plans.

Events and Getting There

Summer theatre and music events have been held at the Arena Saracena since 2021. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the specific dates for your travel period. During the patron saint festival from 8 to 10 May, the statue of San Cataldo is taken to the historic trading complex, where it remains for an entire night in a small church. The festival takes place on specific dates in May, while you should check the summer event dates against your travel plans.

If travelling by road, take the SS 106 (E90) towards Crotone from the Sibari exit on the A3 Salerno–Reggio Calabria, then turn off for Cirò Marina. Check road conditions and the route before setting out. For travel from elsewhere in Italy, Lamezia Terme Centrale is the main railway reference point; trains connect from there to Cirò station. Check current train connections before your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Torretta, Belvedere Di Spinello, Marina Di Strongoli, Petilia Policastro, Steccato, Cutro, Roccabernarda, Sant'Anna

For the overview of the wider area: Crotone.