Boat trip among the caves of Dino Island

Among the jewels in the crown of the itinerary to discover the "Riviera dei Cedri" Regional Marine Park, in the Upper Tyrrhenian Sea of Cosenza, is Dino Island, the largest islet in Calabria.

Dino Island, where is it located? It is part of the municipality of Praia a Mare, formerly Blue Flag and Green Flag, and is one of the region's naturalistic paradises. The name seems to derive from the Greek "dina", storm, although this islet is synonymous with quiet and unspoilt nature.

Ready to discover the wonders of Dino Island up close?

Let's embark on an unforgettable excursion to this Eden.

Dino Island (Calabria) is located off Capo dell'Arena, an unspoilt stretch of sea that preserves entire Posidonia meadows and many other species of marine flora and fauna on its seabed.

The size of Dino Island is about 50 hectares, with a maximum elevation of 100 metres, sloping down with breathtaking overhangs and cliffs. 

The historical heritage of Dino Island is as fascinating as its natural heritage, rich in myths and legends.

The subject of some of the most daring Saracen raids and battles, the island was a landing place for pirates between the 9th and 16th centuries. Famous episodes include the Turkish siege led by Amurat Rays in the summer of 1600. In 1806, Dino Island became the base of operations for the Anglo-Bourbon fleet led by Admiral William Sidney Smith.

History and legend also include the sinking of the British steamship "Umballa" near the island on Boxing Day night in 1917. After the tragedy, the ship's bell was donated to the Shrine of the Madonna della Grotta, since then renamed Santa Maria della Vittoria. 

In 1956, Dino Island was sold to Gianni Agnelli by the municipality of Praia a Mare, then passed on over the years to various entrepreneurs who reduced it to a state of neglect.

In 2022, Dino Island returned to municipal ownership, which ensures its preservation and free use.

Among the species that can be admired are the dwarf palm, the rock carnation (Dianthus rupicola) and the endemic Palinuro primrose (Primula palinuri), included in the list of endangered species and present in some colonies on the north, north-east facing walls. The presence of this primula and other endemic species, including migratory birds, small rodents and reptiles, makes Dino Island a Site of Community Interest (SCI). 

Even more varied is the underwater habitat, rich in damselfish, moray eels, octopuses and gorgonians (Paramuricea clavata) that exceed one metre in height.  

Dino Island, how to get there? The more experienced can reach it by swimming, but the ideal thing is to take a boat trip to Dino Island, mooring at the small jetty to the north.

From here, the carriageway leads to the cottages on the upper part of the island and makes for a truly unique excursion to Dino Island.  

The best route to circumnavigate the island by boat is the east-north-west route, with the advice not to set out during the hottest hours of the day.

An adrenaline-fuelled and original way to admire Dino Island? From above, with an unforgettable paragliding flight from Praia a Mare. 

The excursion to Dino Island is a succession of caves to explore. The first caves (Dino Island) encountered along the way are the Grotta del Monaco and the Grotta delle Sardine, so called because of the quantity of sardines found there.

Once past the "gable", the western tip of the island, you come to the wide entrance to the cave of the same name. About fifty metres away is the Grotta delle Cascate (Cave of the Waterfalls), full of roaring waters that cascade into the interior. The most interesting from a speleological point of view (unfortunately it cannot be visited due to the danger) is the Grotta Gargiulo, which opens 18 metres below the surface of the sea and extends for tens of metres, completely submerged and inaccessible.

Finally, the two jewels among the Dino Island caves: Grotta Azzurra and Grotta del Leone.

The Grotta Azzurra (Dino Island) is reminiscent of its namesake on Capri, but differs from that in its colours, which vary from copper green to deep blue at the inner edges of the cave.

The Blue Grotto is the ideal place for snorkelling and scuba diving. Lovers of relaxation can enjoy the magic of the place, especially when the sun illuminates the surface of the water.

Named for the shape of a crouching lion, the Grotta del Leone (Dino Island) can be reached both by boat and by land, through the rediscovery of ancient paths along which to observe flora, fauna and remains from the Norman era, including the Stele della Madonna della Grotta, located on the island's easternmost vantage point.