Lazzaro: Archaeology and bathing waters

If you are looking for a hotel in Lazzaro, considering what you want to focus on can help you choose a location: would you like to explore archaeological remains, or are you more interested in activities on the water? Lazzaro offers different points of interest for both. The Antiquarium displays finds from several settlement periods in the Motta San Giovanni area; the Leucopetra Archaeological Area and other sites offer insight into specific architectural and material remains. By the water, a rated bathing water area and a seafront promenade serving as a starting point for underwater exploration are the main highlights.

Archaeology in the Museum and Archaeological Area

The Museo Civico Archeologico Antiquarium Leucopetra displays archaeological finds documenting Greek, Roman, and later settlements in the Motta San Giovanni area. The museum thus offers a perspective on several settlement periods. The Leucopetra Archaeological Area has a different focus: specific remains and finds are preserved there. When planning your visit, it is worth treating the two places as distinct archaeological attractions rather than assuming they feature the same collection.

Among the visible remains in the Area is an imposing late Roman mausoleum. Fragments of marble sarcophagi of Attic and Asian manufacture have also been preserved. The Area also includes a late antique settlement, where tableware, a roof tile inscribed with Greek-Byzantine characters, and a significant late imperial hoard were found. Other finds include a pseudo-circular kiln dating to the 5th century and a small necropolis with tombs containing grave goods. The archaeological highlights thus range from monumental remains to objects and burial evidence.

Access and orientation

The Leucopetra Archaeological Area is in Lazzaro, a few metres from the SS.106 road. The Antiquarium has different access arrangements that are important for planning: it can be reached by stairs; there is no ramp for people with disabilities or lift. The access information for the Antiquarium was updated on 9 May 2024. Check these conditions before your trip.

The Leucopetra Archaeological Area has mobile walkways for people with disabilities, an information point, toilets, and lighting. Its facilities also include information panels in Braille and tourist signs. Check the current condition of the site and its facilities before your visit. The walkways and information provided there should be distinguished from the stair access at the Antiquarium.

Further archaeological traces

Archaeological remains can also be found at other named sites. Finds from an early Christian necropolis were discovered at Capo dell’Armi near Lazzaro. Recent excavations near the San Vincenzo stream uncovered part of a Roman villa with six rooms, three of which had Roman mosaics. The different dates help distinguish between the sites: one features remains of an early Christian necropolis, while the other is part of a Roman villa.

Bathing waters and underwater exploration

In 2025, the 1,707-metre Lazzaro–Lido Sogno bathing water area was rated “Eccellente” (Excellent). Bathing water classifications can change, so check the current rating before your visit. For planning purposes, both the named area and the year of the rating matter.

Lazzaro’s seafront promenade is a starting point for deep underwater exploration along rocky ledges. In some sections, these run mostly parallel to the beach. The bathing water area’s rating and the description of underwater exploration therefore provide different points of reference: one refers to a specific area and rating year, the other to the starting point and the course of the rocky ledges.

Discover more destinations: Tritanti, Palmi, Pellaro, Mammola, Santa Cristina D'aspromonte, Monasterace, Favazzina, Gambarie

For the broader travel guide: Reggio Calabria.