Riviera dei Gelsomini

A coastline that smells of the Mediterranean, among villages and golden beaches

Sea

Bianco - Regione Calabria

Can you smell the heady scent of jasmine? Welcome to the Ionian coast of Calabria, named after this Mediterranean flower: the Costa dei Gelsomini Regional Marine Park (or, more simply, the Riviera dei Gelsomini).

We are in one of the most evocative areas of the region, in Locride, in the province of Reggio Calabria. This stretch of coastline has a characteristic that makes it unique: wild and unspoilt like few others, it is one of the world's favourite nesting sites for Caretta Caretta turtles.

In addition to annual nesting, the Costa dei Gelsomini (Jasmine Coast) is also home to one of the most important Turtle Rescue Centres in the Mediterranean. It is located in Brancaleone, along a stretch of beach designated as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). There are many things to see along the Riviera dei Gelsomini, starting with the breathtaking cliffs of Capo Bruzzano, in the municipality of Bruzzano Zeffirio, with its golden beach and crystal-clear waters.

All around, at the foot of the first slopes of the Aspromonte mountains and among the sandy ravines, are some of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages (Gerace and Stilo), including those with a Greek (Bova) and Armenian ethnic minority. Don't miss the Blue Flag and Green Flag seaside resorts, from Siderno to Monasterace (the last one home to the important National Archaeological Park of Ancient Kaulon). The typical products of the Riviera dei Gelsomini? Those based on Bergamotto PDO and fine wines: Palizzi IGT, Greco di Bianco and Bivongi DOC.