A dive into the sea of Guardavalle

Did you know that the beach of Guardavalle Marina, in the province of Catanzaro, is the new location of the reality show ‘’Temptation Island‘’? Let's discover together why the beach of Guardavalle, on the Ionian coast of Calabria, is such a popular destination.

Among the Middle Ionian towns of Catanzaro boasting a beautiful historic centre on a hill and a crystal-clear sea, surrounded by the typical gullies, Guardavalle offers kilometres of free beach, equipped lidos and luxury tourist resorts.

Ready to take a dip in the sea of Guardavalle?       

Before diving into the blue of the sea, we take a tour to discover the historic centre of Guardavalle. A still populated town that looks down on the coast from above, in a panoramic position, surrounded by olive groves and valleys. Whether by car, motorbike or on foot, opting for a trek in nature, you will be immersed in a lunar landscape, between the warm tones of the characteristic gullies of the Ionian coast and the bright green of the Mediterranean maquis.

Having reached the historic centre, let's discover what to see in Guardavalle, wandering around the alleys, small squares and historic buildings. It only takes a little while to realise that the village recalls ancient aristocratic origins (9th century): witness the numerous palaces dating from the 16th to the 19th century (Falletti, Spedalieri, Sirleto, Salerno, Criniti, etc.), the Triumphal Arch in Piazza Carmine (erected in memory of a victory over Saracen pirates), but above all the ruins of the unfinished St Charles Borromeo Basilica, dedicated to one of the most influential cardinals of the Catholic Church, whose name is linked to Guardavalle because of the family that in the 16th century gave birth to another illustrious cardinal, Guglielmo Sirleto, a figure surrounded by legends.  

Not surprisingly, Guardavalle's churches are equally monumental and rich in works of art: from the Mother Church dedicated to the Rosary and Sant'Agazio Martire, Guardavalle's patron saint and the protagonist of a large spring festival, to the Church of the Carmine, inside which one can admire the only intact example of a frescoed dome from the 17th century in Calabria. Just outside the inhabited area is the Basilian Monastery of Santa Maria (Marasà locality) and some evidence of rural life (Vetrano Mill, one of the few water mills still existing in Calabria, and the Galati Mill, dating from 1867) and of the village's defensive structure (Cavallara Tower, in the marina, Giordano, Nena, Menniti).  

What is most curious and ‘’contemporary‘’ to see in Guardavalle? The workshops and ateliers that allow us to have a chat with local young people who have chosen to stay, keeping the village alive with initiatives, events, products, artefacts and brands that have already conquered a good slice of the national and international market.

A natural hinge between the town and the sea of Guardavalle, the Site of Community Importance (SCI) of the gullies draws a fairy-tale scenario, perfect for events that combine nature and art, even under the stars, as happens in summer. The view of the gullies takes us as far as the beach of Guardavalle Marina, a natural paradise chosen each year by the Caretta Caretta turtles for nesting. Their hatching is one of the most exciting events of late summer!

The beach of Guardavalle Marina is a white expanse of siliceous sand stretching for 4 km, alternating long stretches of free beach with equipped bathing facilities, perfect for those who choose the sea of Guardavalle for a holiday with family or friends, dedicated to diving and relaxation.

Looking for coolness after a day in the sun? It only takes a few minutes by car to reach the crystal-clear waters of the Pietracupa Lake, in the mountain hamlet of the same name in Guardavalle (the ancient Elce della Vecchia), and the nearby Assi Torrent Waterfalls. 

Are you a fan of the reality show ‘’Temptation Island‘’ and would do anything to spy closely on the protagonists? You are in the right place, the beach of Guardavalle Marina is the new location!

Right here, in the premises of an ultra-luxury tourist village among the most renowned on the Ionian coast of Calabria, the set of the show hosted by Filippo Bisciglia is set. It is an exclusive structure, immersed in 5 hectares of Mediterranean maquis with sea and vegetation as far as the eye can see, perfect for the new needs of the production, in search of a setting ‘’without filters‘’, less glossy, more authentic and wild. We are certain that the Guardavalle Marina beach, a magical place surrounded by prickly pears, will not disappoint!