Crotone (≈65,000 residents) is an ancient Ionian port city in Calabria, founded around 710 BC as Kroton, one of Magna Graecia’s key Greek colonies and the home of Pythagoras  Today it mixes archaeological heritage with coastal charm, beaches, and regional cuisine.

 Top Things to Do & See

Capo Colonna Archaeological Park & Museum

Explore the lone surviving Doric column of the Temple of Hera Lacinia (Temple of Juno), set dramatically on a coastal promontory. The adjacent museum displays ancient Greek and Roman artifacts 

Castle of Charles V (Aragonese Castle)

Built in the 16th century on a rocky outcrop, this imposing fortress offers towers, battlements, a small castle museum, and views over the Ionian Sea and the city 

National Archaeological Museum

Housed near the castle, it exhibits excavated treasures from ancient Croton—including Hera’s treasure and Greek pottery

Crotone Cathedral & Piazza Duomo

At the heart of historic Crotone lies the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (rebuilt from the 9th century through Renaissance and Baroque phases), featuring the revered icon of the Madonna di Capo Colonna. The square became a pedestrian zone in 2023.

Piazza Pitagora & Historic Centre

A bustling hub showcasing daily life. Fill your time here soaking in cafés, artisan markets, people-watching or attending local events 

Seafront Promenade (Lungomare)

Ideal for cycling or a stroll, with beachfront cafés, seafood eateries, leisure spots, and scenic sea vistas

Day Trips Nearby

• Le Castella with its offshore Aragonese castle and shoreline village charm

• Santa Severina, perched on a hill with a Norman castle and Byzantine baptistery—a serene Calabrian hideaway

• Sila National Park, offering forested plateaus, lakes, hiking and cycling just inland

 Eat & Drink: Local Cuisine

• Seafood specialties like spaghetti alle vongole and pesce spada alla ghiotta feature heavily along the coast 

• Unique dishes include maccarruni pasta with sardines and breadcrumbs, sardella (spicy local baby fish spread), and pane di Cutro bread, crispy sweets like crustuli and hearty pasta cavatelli

• Pair meals with Cirò wine, especially red from the Gaglioppo grape—ancient blend revived today 

Where to Stay & Accommodation Picks

• Centro Storico: Stay in the historic district for easy walking access to the cathedral, museum, castle, markets, and cafés 

• Marina di Crotone: Beachside hotels and B&Bs with sea views, local seafood restaurants, and vibrant coastal life

• Capo Colonna area: Boutique coastal lodging steps from archaeology with sea vistas

Travel Tips

• Getting There: Fly into Lamezia Terme International Airport, then train or scenic drive (~2 hrs). Local buses and taxis serve city and beachfront areas 

• Local rhythm: Embrace the Italian riposo—shops often close 1–4 pm. Visit museums early or late to avoid crowds, then enjoy an evening passeggiata with gelato or wine in the piazza

• Festivals to catch:

  • Madonna di Capo Colonna Festival in May features a procession to the column site, traditional food stalls, music and devotion—a highlight of regional culture.

• Ideal time to visit: April–June and September–October for pleasant weather—summer can hit 35 °C in August, while winter is quiet and reposeful