Regional Marine Park “Riviera dei Cedri”

The “Riviera dei Cedri” Regional Marine Park encompasses the most picturesque spots on the upper Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria: the Dino Island (Praia a Mare), the Cirella Island (Diamante), the Bay of Carpino - Ajnella (Scalea), the Arcomagno Cave (San Nicola Arcella), the Rizzi Reef (Cetraro), the Regina Rock (Acquappesa).

The Marine Park area is affected by the presence of Special Areas of Conservation that aim to preserve the flora and fauna. These are sites of great importance from a naturalistic point of view, populated by precious species of animals and plants, a heritage of biodiversity that must be protected. In fact, the park area is home to particular species of protected birds, on the emerged parts there are over 300 species of plants belonging to the Mediterranean maquis and among them some rare endemisms such as the Palinuro primrose and the rock carnation. On the seabed there is a forest of gorgonia and a rich posidonium.

In the Marine Park area, the underwater landscape is incredibly impressive, characterised by sandy shores and large underwater reefs, with a series of small rocks emerging from the water. Along with fish of different sizes and colours, swim species that must be protected from extinction, such as the camuso seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) and Pinna nobilis. This area is also of considerable interest from a botanical point of view, due to the presence of rare plants that have found an ideal habitat here, such as “Juniperus phoenicea”, “Anthyllis barba jovis” and “pteris vittata”.

Dino Island is certainly one of the most iconic spots in Calabria. It is a calcareous islet that is also characterised by caves and cliffs, on which very special plant species grow, such as the Primula palinuri, Dianthus rupicola and, above all, the dwarf palm, which is very rare in Italy and the only spontaneous palm in Italian flora. The rocky walls of the island are reported to be home to the Falco peregrinus, which nests here.

Cliffs and crags characterise the Cirella Island, a rare example of a well-preserved Mediterranean coastal island. Its cliffs are the ideal habitat for the rare Dianthus rupicola. The seabed around the two islands is characterised by vast prairies of Posidonia oceanica.

The Bay of Carpino - Ajnella, which falls within the park area, has special features from a geomorphological point of view, particularly in its underwater environments. The shoal in front of Ajnella reaches as far as Carpino Bay and extends to a depth of about 22 metres. The stretch of coastline is rich in Posidonia oceanica and boasts a widespread presence of Pinna nobilis and Gorgonia, a coral formation.

Moving a little further on, we approach one of the most picturesque spots on the coast: the Arcomagno with its lagoon and the nearby Saraceno Cave inside which a spring of fresh water gushes out. A little further on is the small bay with Aeneas's Arch. The Arcomagno Cave is a natural work of art but also a geological site of scientific and landscape interest. It was created by sea erosion of a limestone promontory. The half-moon shaped lagoon is protected by the peculiar stone arch from which it takes its name, some 20 metres high. What characterises it is the presence of lithodome holes and an abrasion surface, covered with sands and conglomerates of probable marine origin. Its natural beauty and accompanying legendary history make this place unique.

Continuing along the Marine Park area, we encounter the Regina Rock in Acquappesa and the Rizzi Cliffs in Cetraro. The Regina Rock is about 20 metres high and is the most fascinating cliff on the Riviera dei Cedri. The Rizzi Cliff is located near the tourist port of Cetraro and is characterised by caves, rocks and strikingly shaped stacks, such as the one called the “Lion's Head” because of its profile resembling that of an enormous feline.