A day in the village of Cariati, between sea and history

Did you know that in Calabria there is a village enclosed by a kilometre-long wall? It is Cariati, one of the most beautiful Ionian villages in the province of Cosenza, on the Costa dei Saraceni.

Arriving at our destination along the SS 106, we are immediately struck by the splendid Marina di Cariati and, going up the hill, the charming village of Cariati (or Cariati Paese), enclosed in the embrace of its imposing mediaeval city walls, among the most intact in southern Italy.

In Cariati, Calabria, the unspoilt beauty of a coastline stretching from the mouth of the Nicà torrent awaits you.

Marina di Cariati, along the Costa dei Saraceni, is one of the wildest areas in the region, alternating between headlands and gulfs, areas rich in Mediterranean maquis and extensive pine forests.

The Marina di Cariati, awarded the Green Flag, is one of the Middle Ionian beaches most suitable for a family holiday.

What are the characteristics of the coastline in Marina di Cariati? Crystal-clear water, shallow waters, clean sand, safety and services on the beach, many bars and restaurants on the seafront, and the possibility of practising various outdoor activities, from water sports to hiking in the hills and the surrounding area.

After a day at the seaside, from Marina di Cariati we take the road to the village of Cariati (or Cariati Paese/Cariati Superiore) and immediately come across the main feature of the town: its massive mediaeval walls.

The extraordinary Cinta Muraria encloses the village of Cariati for a kilometre, interspersed with eight towers, as it was in the Middle Ages, when it was built and extended at the behest of Countess Covella Ruffo of Calabria. The fortification of the primitive settlement, of Byzantine origin (9th-10th century), served to defend it from Saracen attacks and to guard the numerous churches and works of art within them.   

Having passed through the main gateway to the village of Cariati, Porta Pia (or Porta Nuova), we walk along Corso XX Settembre to admire its architectural beauty, starting with the Seminary Palace, built in the first half of the 17th century.

Next, the splendid Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo, in Neoclassical style with its dome in painted majolica, and the overlooking Piazza del Borgo (or Piazza Plebiscito), where the Bell Tower with a clock from 1904 is located.

Along the Corso you will come across many other small churches and a series of shops and eateries where you can taste one of Cariati's typical products: the tasty Sardella Crotonese, the spicy blue fish spread characteristic of the Ionian coast between the provinces of Cosenza and Crotone.

After the ritual tasting, the visit to Cariati continues to the suggestive Balconata della Spezieria, one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Marina di Cariati. From here, we continue on to discover the alleys and squares, most of which are embellished by Cariati's famous murals depicting the daily life and trades of the past.

There was an ancient time when weaving and embroidery, the art of straw weaving were practised in Cariati and the streets were animated by the workshops of tailors and farriers. The murals also depict the revolt of farmers and olive pickers in defence of their rights and respect for working hours.

What to see nearby? One of the most important archaeological testimonies of the pre-Greek period in Calabria: the monumental Tomba Brettia, an "underground chamber" burial site located on a hill near the sea, in the Salto area.