Praia A Mare: Dino Island, Coast and Cultural Heritage

Praia A Mare combines a coastline stretching around five kilometres with natural and cultural sites. The mountains of Pollino National Park reach all the way to the sea here. This gives you several ways to plan your trip: the beaches and Dino Island, distinctive landscape features, or the town’s attractions.

Coast and Dino Island

Along the coast, freely accessible beaches alternate with equipped beach areas. Opposite Capo dell’Arena lies Dino Island. It covers around 50 hectares and reaches a maximum height of 100 metres. Several sea caves were formed by the erosion of the rock.

Dino Island can only be accessed from the side facing the coast. Small boats can dock at a landing there and bring people ashore. Check locally whether access is available seasonally before planning a visit. This way, the island remains a separate item in your itinerary rather than being treated as just another easily accessible stretch of coast.

Natural environment and distinctive species

Since June 2017, Dino Island has been designated a Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance (SCI). Another distinctive feature is its limestone cliffs, which are home to the largest population of Primula palinuri in Calabria. The plant is endemic and has a small range. Taken together, the island, its rocky landscape and this species make for a specific nature-focused attraction for travellers interested in the landscape and its characteristic plants.

The sea caves are also part of the island’s distinctive landscape, having been formed by the erosion of the rock. Together with its size and maximum height, they make Dino Island a striking, distinct feature of the coastal landscape. These natural features are different in character from the beaches, which are distinguished by the mix of freely accessible and equipped areas.

Culture, art and history

The Museo Comunale di Praia a Mare houses a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art with more than 200 works. The works were donated by Italian and international artists. The Santuario Madonna della Grotta is a place of worship at the foot of Monte Vingiolo, around 90 metres above sea level. Praia a Mare therefore offers different cultural points of interest: an art collection and a religious site in its own distinctive mountain setting.

The statue of Madonna della Grotta is carried in a procession through Praia a Mare every year for three days, from 14 to 16 August. Check the dates for the year of your visit before travelling. Visitors looking to find their bearings can go to Palazzo Esposizioni, an information centre for tourists and visitors exploring Praia a Mare. Cultural events and activities are also organised there.

Historical architecture includes the Torre di Fiuzzi and the Castello dei Marchesi Cosentini d’Ajeta. The Torre di Fiuzzi dates back to the 16th century and is twelve metres high. It was connected to the watchtower at the western end of Dino Island; both were used to relay warnings in times of danger. The Castello dei Marchesi Cosentini d’Ajeta is located in the Bay of Fiuzzi, 91 metres above sea level and opposite Dino Island. The two buildings thus offer different historical points of interest: a watchtower with a documented warning function and a castle by the bay.

Activities and trip planning

For tandem paragliding flights with FlyTirreno, passengers are accompanied by a professional flight instructor from the Ae.C. Riviera dei Cedri school. Check the current arrangements before booking. On the water, Aqua Experience Praia offers sailing courses in the waters around Dino Island, as well as SUP excursions with certified guides. The provider also rents pedal boats and Big SUP equipment. Confirm dates, providers and equipment availability in advance.

These activities offer different experiences: tandem flight is the focus of paragliding, while Aqua Experience Praia offers courses, guided SUP excursions or equipment rental. Factor the relevant conditions into your day’s plans rather than treating all the options as a single programme. Alongside the coast, island and cultural sites, this distinction can help you organise your stay around your own interests.

Find hotels in Praia A Mare

When looking for a hotel in Praia A Mare, base your choice on the focus of your trip: the coast and Dino Island, nature or cultural heritage. Also check time-specific activities and access to the island before making them a fixed part of your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lungro, Mandatoriccio, Fiumefreddo Bruzio, Bisignano, Oriolo, Croce di Magara, Laurignano, Longobardi.

For the main travel overview: Cosenza.