Romantic itinerary among the lighthouses of Calabria

Already the name of the tower on which it stands suggests a seductive atmosphere: the ‘’breath‘’ is that of the wind that on this beautiful stretch of coast can be very powerful at certain times of the year.

The Lighthouse of Torre del Soffio in Paola was activated in 1929, positioned on an ancient tower that dates back to the 16th century, one of the many built to sight enemy ships that were dangerously approaching the mainland and face incursions. The lighthouse is 17 metres high and stands more than 53 metres above sea level.

The Lighthouse of Capo Vaticano (a hamlet of the municipality of Ricadi) is positioned on the cliff, overhanging the sea. At night, its beam of light stretches out over the Gulf of Gioia Tauro, reaching far out, almost touching Sicily.

But even during the day, the spectacle of this white lighthouse set in one of the most enchanting stretches of the Costa degli Dei is a unique sight. To embellish every sunset kiss, it will be the setting: with Stromboli and the other silent Aeolian Islands witnessing all the love stories. You will be surprised to discover that this lighthouse, still active, was built in 1870.

Located on the beautiful Costa Viola is the White Lighthouse of Scilla, positioned on the terrace of the ancient Ruffo Castle. A point overlooking a breathtaking panorama, a magical place where every promise of love is witnessed by the sea.

This lighthouse, located on a legendary promontory recalled in Homer's Odyssey, was built in 1913 and a visit to it will then give you the chance to discover the seaside village of Chianalea, nicknamed ‘’the Venice of the South‘’ because of the water that laps against the houses and provides an unforgettable atmosphere.

If you are looking for an evocative and romantic place, you are in the right place. The Punta Pezzo Lighthouse in Villa San Giovanni - with its characteristic red and white colours - overlooks the Strait of Messina and from here you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama that will make the memory of this experience indelible.

Built in 1867, the lighthouse is not only beautiful but also very useful. In fact, the Navy ranks it among the five most important in Italy and its red light still represents an indispensable reference point for those navigating this stretch of water and indicates the entrance to the Strait of Messina.

This stage of our itinerary is also an opportunity to visit wonderful corners of the coast, rich in history and nature, in this case you can discover the beauty of the Riviera dei Gelsomini. The Punta Stilo Lighthouse in Monasterace is located above the Archaeological Park of Ancient Kaulon, a Magna Graecia outpost.

For those sailing from the south, the light of this imposing white lighthouse guides you in the direction of the Strait of Messina. The Capo d'Armi Lighthouse in Motta San Giovanni is located on a rocky promontory famous for its quarries of stone, also called ‘’leucopietra‘’, from the Greek word for white stone. When you visit this lighthouse, you will be struck by the marvellous panorama from the promontory, between the green of nature and the blue of the sea.

Here we are in one of the wildest and most fascinating parts of the Calabrian coast, between Palizzi and Brancaleone, where the sea is incredibly clear. So clear that turtles choose to nest on these beaches. A place where, along with the scent of the sea breeze, you can feel how history and legend (several finds have unearthed Greek and Roman artefacts) permeate the air you breathe.

Nothing beats a romantic walk on the white sand to admire the majestic lighthouse. Legend has it that San Cristofaro appeared to the hermit San'Elmo, who lived in a cave on this promontory, to ask him to help sailors crossing this dangerous stretch of coastline by lighting a lantern.

We now come to Gizzeria where a large white automated lighthouse stands, built in 1984 to modernise the older one dating back to 1869. The Capo Suvero Lighthouse, imposing and evocative, lies on the promontory of the same name and indicates to sailors the entrance to the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia.

Having arrived here, we find ourselves in front of one of the most fascinating and evocative spots on the Costa dei Saraceni. The Capo Colonna Lighthouse, activated in 1873, stands right next to the temple of Hera Lacinia, inside the Archaeological Park. It is about 20 metres high and its flickering light, visible up to 50 km away, illuminates a stretch of water rich in history and legend.

Let's stay along the Crotone coast, for a stop in the Gulf of Taranto, where the Punta Alice Lighthouse stands, built just a few metres from the Cirò Marina beach. The perfect setting for a souvenir photo of a romantic walk on the white sand that characterises this stretch of coastline.