Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Praia a Mare lies just short of Basilicata, the start of a stretch of wide, pebbly beach that
continues south for about 30km to Cirella and Diamante. This flat, leafy grid of a town
sits on a wide pale-grey beach, looking out to an intriguing rocky chunk off the coast: the
Isola di Dino .
Just off the seafront is the tourist office ( 0985 7 25 85; Via Amerigo Vespucci 6; 8am-1pm) ,
which has information on the Isola di Dino sea caves. Alernatively, expect to pay around
€5 for a guided tour from the old boys who operate off the beach.
Autolinee Preite ( 0984 41 30 01; www.autoservizipreite.it ) operates buses to Cosenza (€5.50, two
hours, 10 daily). SITA ( 0971 50 68 11; www.sitabus.it ) goes north to Maratea and Potenza.
Regular trains also pass through for Paola and Reggio di Calabria.
Aieta & Tortora
Precariously perched, otherworldly Aieta and Tortora must have been difficult to reach pre-
asphalt. Rocco ( 0973 22 943; www.roccobus.it ) buses serve both villages, 6km and 12km from
Praia respectively. Aieta is higher than Tortora and the journey constitutes much of the re-
ward. When you arrive, walk up to the 16th-century Palazzo Spinello at the end of the road
and take a look into the ravine behind it - it's a stunning view.
Diamante
POP 5400
This fashionable seaside town, with its long promenade, is central to Calabria's famous
peperoncino (chilli) the conversation-stalling spice that so characterises its cuisine. In
early September a hugely popular chilli-eating competition takes place. Diamante is also famed
for the bright murals that contemporary local and foreign artists have painted on the
facades of the old buildings. For the best seafood restaurants head for the seafront at
Spiaggia Piccola.
Autolinee Preite ( 0984 41 30 01; www.autoservizipreite.it ) buses between Cosenza and Praia a
Mare stop at Diamante.
Paola
POP 16,900
Paola is worth a stop to see its holy shrine. The large pilgrimage complex is above a
sprawling small town where the dress of choice is a tracksuit and the main activity is
 
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