Discover Strongoli

Strongoli offers several starting points for planning your trip: archaeological finds, historic buildings, the Ciclopedonale della Val di Neto, an annual performance and beach attractions in Marina di Strongoli. If you are looking for a hotel in Strongoli, first consider which of these interests you would like to shape your stay. This will help you factor local history, an activity or a visit to the coast into your decision.

Archaeology and early history

Two Corinthian vessels from different centuries were found on the Murgie plateau, thought to be the site of Macalla: a spherical aryballos from the last quarter of the 7th century BC, depicting a bird with a human body, and a Corinthian alabastron from the first third of the 6th century BC, depicting a winged griffin. The pieces differ in shape, motif and date, giving you specific points of reference for exploring the history of finds at Murgie.

Finds on the Strongoli plateau and the Murgie plateau also point to protourban communities from the Iron Age in the 9th and 8th centuries BC. These indications date further back than the two Corinthian vessels. In Petelia, a gold tablet bearing a Greek inscription was found in a tomb in 1836. You will encounter different archaeological contexts: evidence of early communities, vessels decorated with figures and an inscribed grave find.

Castle, church and event

The Norman castle of Strongoli was built on the site where the acropolis of ancient Petelia is thought to have stood. The collegiate church of Saints Peter and Paul is the former cathedral; it already held cathedral status at the beginning of the 15th century. The castle and church thus offer different historical points of reference: the castle for the presumed ancient acropolis, and the church for its former status as a cathedral.

Another cultural highlight is the Passione Vivente, an annual community performance depicting the final moments of Jesus’s life in the historic centre of Strongoli. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the date for your chosen year before making it part of your plans.

Ciclopedonale and coastal attractions

The Ciclopedonale della Val di Neto is about 38 kilometres long and connects Caccuri, Belvedere di Spinello, Santa Severina, Rocca di Neto, Scandale and Strongoli. The route follows an old pack trail; information boards and equipped rest areas line the way. Its approximate length and the towns it connects give you useful information for planning. Route details may be updated, and facilities may change. Check the current route and information about the rest areas in advance.

Marina di Strongoli is easily accessible by road and has several parking options. The equipped beach clubs offer cafés, showers and toilets. These services may vary by season. If particular amenities are important for your trip, check that they will be available during your travel dates. This lets you consider the beach attractions as a separate focus for your plans, alongside local history, the event or the Ciclopedonale.

Discover more destinations: Torre Melissa, Santa Severina, Crotone, Torretta, Melissa, San Nicola Dell'alto, Isola Di Capo Rizzuto, San Leonardo di Cutro.

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