Discovery tour of the Calabrian islands

Do you know the two Calabrian islands?

The Island of Cirella and the Island of Dino are waiting for you in the Regional Marine Park ‘Riviera dei Cedri’, to give you an unprecedented sea and nature experience.

The best way to discover the Calabrian islands? With a beautiful sailing tour!

Let's set off together to the Island of Dino and the Island of Cirella, ready to dive into unforgettable dives and explore magnificent sea and land caves.

Our tour of the Calabrian islands starts from the coastal area of Praia a Mare, in the province of Cosenza.

Here, just a few kilometres from a coastline that already boasts the Blue Flag and the Green Flag, we see the legendary Dino Island: an authentic paradise of flora and fauna, a dream for divers and bathers, that has so much to offer to those who choose to visit it.

The best way to reach Dino Island? With a boat excursion.

We set off from Capo dell'Arena and, after crossing a unique stretch of sea, which preserves entire Posidonia meadows and many other species of marine flora and fauna on its seabed, we moor at the small jetty to the north.

On reaching Dino Island, which covers some 50 hectares, we are fascinated by its overhangs and a landscape that tells of myths and legends: from the jetty, the road leads to the cottages located in the upper part of the island and allows us to hike. 

Trekking on Dino Island reveals artefacts that tell the story of an island that has always been disputed, amidst Saracen battles (9th-16th centuries) and changes of ownership

Among the natural species that can be encountered are the dwarf palm, the rock carnation (Dianthus rupicola) and the endemic Palinuro primrose (Primula palinuri), listed as an endangered species and present in a few colonies on the north, north-east 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 marine habitat, with moray eels, octopuses and gorgonians (Paramuricea clavata) that exceed one metre in height.

The boat excursion to Dino Island allows you to circumnavigate it to discover its many caves:

From the Monaco Cave to the Sardine Cave, via the Waterfalls Cave and the most interesting from a speleological point of view (unfortunately not visitable due to danger): the Gargiulo Cave, 18 metres below the surface of the sea. Two gems? The Blue Cave and the Lion Cave, characterised by amazing colours and shapes, with the possibility of snorkelling inside. 

The second largest of the Calabrian islands is Cirella Island, part of the municipality of Diamante (CS).

We are still in the ‘Riviera dei Cedri’ Regional Marine Park, in a location that flies the Blue Flag and is famous for being the ‘City of Murals and Chilli Pepper’.

The Island of Cirella takes its name from the ancient coastal settlement of Cirellae (today's Cirella), which is now identified with the archaeological area of the so-called Ruins of Cirella. The remains of the medieval settlement include the Carafa Castle, the Mother Church and the Convent of San Francesco di Paola.

Near the site there is also the modern Theatre of the Ruins, venue for important events and summer festivals.

The view from above dominates the entire coastline and the islet, which can be reached by boat.

The Island of Cirella is an outcrop of limestone rock covered by lush Mediterranean scrub. The summit of the hill is occupied by the remains of an ancient sighting structure, the Cirella Island Tower (9th century).

All around are caves, inlets and cliffs that plunge into a crystal-clear stretch of sea, the ideal habitat of the precious Posidonia Oceanica and specimens of Pinna Nobilis, the largest bivalve in the Mediterranean.