Cariati develops between the historic village in an elevated position and Cariati Marina, the modern part overlooking the Ionian sea. Cariati has a feature that helps to understand the destination: the historic centre and Cariati Marina are two parts of different but closely related in the same territory. The village occupies a higher position, and keeps the walls, towers, gates, and some of the most historic buildings along the coast developed, however, the modern overlooking the Ionian sea, where the sea enters more into the daily life and in the’experience of a holiday.
This distinction is not only geographic. The position of the centre of the town is linked to the long evolution of the’town and the defensive needs that have for centuries marked this stretch of the calabrian coast. Between the IX and X century, in the byzantine age, and took the form of a fortified dominantthe more easily defensible with respect to the settlements exposed along the coast.
In the following centuries Cariati consolidated its role. During the rule of the Ruffo, the centre acquired greater importance and in 1437 he became a bishop's seat. Also, the defensive system was amended and strengthened in time, in a land that had to deal with raids from the sea. The fortifications are still today one of the elements that make it immediately recognizable by the village: the wall runs for about a kilometre, and is marked by eight towers.
Entering from the Porta Piatoday , it is one of the main entrances to the historical center, you will find the urban fabric, very different from that of the Navy. Corso XX Settembre passes through the village and leads to some of his most significant buildings, while the streets and alleys branching off towards the interior parts of the’inhabited. Among the references in the main c’is the The cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, rebuilt in the’Nineteenth and recognizable for the dome covered with polychrome tiles, together with all’the Bishop's palace and other buildings related to the long religious history of the city.
The relationship with the sea, however, remains an essential part of the’identity of Cariati. Heading towards the coast, completely changed the urban landscape: Cariati Marina develops along the ionian coast and represents the part of the target to the most directly linked to the life and resort to the services used during the stay.
For those who arrive on holiday, and then, does not make much sense to consider Cariati and Cariati Marina as two separate destinations. They are rather two complementary ways of living in the same place: the sea and the coast from a different part, the fortified town and the historical evidence from the’other. It is this closeness to allow you to easily switch between days on the beach, walks in the historic centre and discover the surrounding area during the same stay.
Decatur is located on the the ionian coast of Calabria, in the province of Cosenzaalong the stretch of coastline that runs from the’area of Corigliano-Rossano with that of Crotone. The municipal area includes the historic centre in a more elevated position and Cariati Marina, developed along the coast. For those who spend a holiday here, this position allows you to have the sea as a daily reference and, at the same time, to move to other towns of the ionian coast and towards l’inland.
| Medium | Reference | To know |
| 🚗 Drive | SS 106 Jonica | Cariati is located directly on highway 106. From the north you reach along the route Taranto–Sibari–Cariati; from the south along the ionian coast to Crotone Cirò–Cariati. |
| 🚆 Train | Station Cariati | The station is located in Cariati Marina, on the railway line ion. Connections are available to the regional and the line ion is part of the network, the Intercity; the stops and the timetable should be verified by the date of the trip, also for possible jobs on the line. |
| ✈️ Airplane | Airports in calabria | Crotone is l’to the nearest airport. Lamezia Terme is more distant, but can be useful to compare the two airports on the basis of available flights, car rental and links to their dates. |
| 🚌 Bus | Links regional and inter-regional | Decatur is served by connections to long-haul. Among the main principles are Rome, Naples, Salerno, Bari, Bologna, and Milan, in addition to other Italian cities. FlixBus indicates the currently 54, which can be reached without having to change from Cariati. Stop: Via Nazionale, parking ex MD, in front of the number 33. |
Cariati is facing the Ionian Sea. The beaches of Cariati Marina are mainly characterized by gravel and pebbles, with differences between the various sections of the coast.
The sea is one of the central elements of a holiday in Cariati. Cariati Marina develops directly along the ionian coast and the coast is the part of the territory, most who lived during the summer season, both by those staying in the area, and by those who reach the town to spend the day at the beach.
The coast offers stretches of free beach and the areas served by bathing facilitiesby allowing you to choose the solution most suited to your habits. This is particularly useful for those who spend several days at Cariati Marina: it is not necessary to live by the sea in the same way and you can alternate days can be arranged at a lido in the moments of self-employed on the beach free.
The coastline is characterized by beaches mainly of pebbles and gravel, with characteristics that can change in different parts of the coast. Also l’access to the sea and the shape of the shoreline can vary locally: for this, especially for families with small children or people with special mobility needs, it is convenient to evaluate the stretch of beach is the most suitable one time on the spot.
An important element for those who are choosing Cariati Marina as the destination is the environmental quality recognized its waterfront. In 2026 Cariati Marina figure between the towns of calabria awarded Blue Flagaward given by the Foundation for Environmental Education on the basis of criteria that include, among other aspects, water quality, environmental management, services and security.
The sea is not to be considered in isolation from the rest of the destination. One of the advantages of staying in Cariati it is precisely the possibility of combine the size beach to the historic centre and the surrounding areaa day can be dedicated almost entirely to the beach, while on other occasions the sea can occupy only a part of the day, leaving space for a walk in the village or a’output in the surroundings.
For stays of several days it is also worth not limited always to the coast near all’accommodation. Moving along the ionian coast, you will encounter environments and different locations, making it possible to use Cariati Marina as a point of departure for discover other beaches of the costa without giving up a stable base for the holiday.
To choose where to go to sea day-to-day count so very real needs: proximity to the’accommodation, services, preference between the beach and the plant, the composition of the group and the desire to move. The guide dedicated to the beaches of Cariati Marina and the surrounding area allow you to compare in more detail the different parts of the coast and choose the ones best suited to your stay.
The historic center of Decatur is one of the main fortified towns of the ionian coast of cosenza. The the historic centre of Cariati it is the part of the country where his story becomes more obvious. Located in an elevated position with respect to the coast and it is still enclosed by the city walls, an element that is not only a backdrop to the village, but it determines the shape and helps to understand l’defensive origin.
The tour can start from Porta Pia, also known as Porta Nuova, one of the main entrances to the historic nucleus. From there, you enter the urban fabric, very different from Cariati Marina: the buildings leaning against, alleys, passages, and views along the path through the oldest part of the’inhabited.
One of the most characteristic elements of Cariati is his the fortified system. The wall runs for about a kilometre, and is marked by eight towerswitness the different stages, during which the defenses of the village were built, modified and reinforced.
The walls also allow you to read the relationship between Cariati and the surrounding area. The dominant position of the centre of the town is there to the precise requirements of control and defense and still clearly distinguished the profile of the village from the dell’village developed along the coast.
Exceeded Porta Piathe route continues along Corso XX Settembre, the main axis of the historic centre. It is one of the references for more simple for orientation during the visit and allows you to reach some of the most representative buildings without sacrificing the deviations in the side streets.
Be limited to the main street, however, means you see only a part of the village. The streets and roads allow you to take a closer look at the structure of the’centre and are an integral part of the’experience in the historic centre.
Among the most recognisable buildings is the The cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, related to the role of religious hired from Cariati after l’establishment of a bishopric in the FIFTEENTH century.
L’the current building is the result of changes that occurred over time and was rebuilt in the’of the Nineteenth century. All’external, one of the elements that draw the most l’attention is the dome covered with polychrome tiles, which is also visible from different points of the territory, and became one of the visual references of the country.
In the same area there are buildings relating to the history of the church of Decatur, including l’Bishop's palace l’ancient Seminarthat helps to explain the’importance had from the village, a religious centre.
The historical center maintains buildings and buildings that bear witness to the different phases of the civil and religious life of the country. The The building of the Seminar part of this system and its presence, together with the Cathedral and all’Bishop, makes particularly clear the role that the institutions of the church have had in the urban development of Cariati.
More than searching for a succession of isolated monuments, so it is better to observe the village as a whole: walls, religious buildings, housing and road network are part of the same story.
An important part of the visit consists simply in walk without follow l’main axis. Smaller roads allow one to traverse different parts of the historic centre and meeting views which can quickly change between the built spaces, openings to the landscape and visual in the direction of the coast.
It is from these points that it becomes obvious the relationship between the two souls of Cariati:’high perceived by the physical distance between the fortified village and the coast, but also how the sea has remained a constant point of reference in the history and landscape of the country.
To visit the historic centre does not necessarily need to build an itinerary hard. Porta Pia, the walls, Corso XX Settembre, and the Cathedral, are good points of referencebut it is worth making space for the deviations in the streets and observe the village calmly. It is the best way to go in addition to the individual monuments and understand the structure of Decatur as a whole.
One of the entrances to the old town and a good place to start to discover the historical centre enclosed by the walls.
The element that most characterizes the profile of the village, and bears witness to the function fortified the ancient Cariati.
One of the main religious buildings of Decatur, located in the heart of the historic centre.
One of the areas of the village, placed in the path between the narrow streets, historic buildings and religious architecture.
One of the evidences of the role of religion that has marked the history of the old city of Decatur.
The village deserves to be covered without a precise destination, observing the urban structure and the openings towards the sea and the land.
Maps, places to see, beaches, tours, services, and useful ideas to organize your days: everything you need to live on Decayed and the surroundings without losing time.
Eat to Cariati is to find a kitchen linked to both the Ionian sea both the tradition of the’calabrian hinterland. For those who spend here most days, the council is not trying necessarily a’unique gastronomic experience “typical”, but take advantage of your stay to learn about products, preparations and different flavors.
The coastal location of Cariati Marina naturally, makes the fish one of the references of the local cuisine. In the restaurants and taverns in the area you can find preparations which change according to the availability of the fish and the proposal of the individual locations.
For this reason it is best to avoid starting with a list of a stiff dishes to order: ask what type of fish is available and what preparations are proposals that day it may be more useful than trying necessarily a specialty you choose.
Among the flavours in Cariati deserves a space also homemade ice creamthanks especially to the history of the Ancient ice-cream parlour Fort. Born in 1955 and tied for generations by the family Fort, the ice cream shop has its historical center in the old town of Cariati and over the years he has won several prizes in national and international competitions.
Among the most important results is the first place in Rimini in 2011 with the chocolate ice cream. More recently, in the 2023, The fort has won the EVENT the 1° place in the world in the Trophy “Dust of Stars” for the lemon granitaprepared using lemons grown in Cariati. In 2024 arrived in addition, the international prize Goat cart Gold with the pistachio flavour.
For those who visit Decatur, enjoy an ice cream Fortino is, therefore, something more than a simple break-it's a way to get to know a the family tradition born in the country, and today is still linked to the territorycapable of being known outside the Calabria.
Between Cariati and Cariati Marina, there are several types of activities, restaurants, pizzerias, up to the local, most related to the summer season. The choice depends primarily on the type of evening you want to organize a dinner of fish, a pizza, or something more casual, or a meal after a day outside.
To avoid indications destined to become rapidly obsolete, hours, days, hours, menu, prices, and availability must always be checked directly at the individual activitiesespecially during the summer season.
A guide dedicated to where to eat in Cariati will be able to deepen restaurants and local individually, and checking features and up to date information. In this general guide is more helpful to know what to look for: toggle between sea cuisine and tradition of the’hinterland allows you to know at the table the two dimensions of the territory that accompany l’entire vacation.
Next to the kitchen of the sea, there is a culinary tradition linked to the food culture of calabria and to the history of families in the area. Among the preparations associated with Carious deserve special attention “ghiaccu cu the finucchij”a traditional preparation of meat, pork and wild fennel, and the stuffed eggplantpresent in the local cuisine, with recipes that can vary from family to family.
A particular place occupy also the products of the processing of the pork and canned domestic, the expression of a cuisine born historically from the need to use and keep the ingredients available during l’year.
The cuisine of the region is not limited, therefore, in the fish dishes: during a longer stay it is worth trying also preparations dell’inland, vegetables, preserves, cheeses and seasonal products.
Decatur is located in a part of the Calabria where the cuisine is closely linked to the agricultural and pastoral in the surrounding area. Extra virgin olive oil d’olive oil, vegetables, pepper, dairy products, and meats can enter as much in the dishes of the restaurants because in the expense of those who stay in a holiday home.
For anyone who has a kitchen, or visit the shops and activities of the local food can be another way of knowing the territory: not all of the gastronomic experiences must necessarily pass by a restaurant.
One of the advantages of staying in Cariati is the ability to use the locality as a base to know a sudden very largest of the ionian sea in Calabria. Following the coast towards the north you can reach the villages, seaside resorts and some of the most important cultural sites in the province of Cosenza; going towards the south instead of entering into the Crotone area, between the coastal towers, vineyards, archaeological sites and places of the sea.
It is not necessary to try to see it all. During a holiday week is much more sensible to choose some of the excursions to be able to alternate to the days spent in Cariati.
Going up the coast from Cariati meet a number of small centers that can be used for outputs that are shorter.
Calopezzati it combines a historic center in the’the hinterland to his village marina. In the village there are the Castle Giannone and different religious buildings, while the coastal area is the most closely tied to tourism industry.
Just to the north, the territory of Crosia includes the historic village, and the village of Myrtle. Among the evidence reported by the city include the historical center, the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, our Lady of Piety, and some of the ancient defensive towers. Myrtle is also the so-called Feudal Castle, actually a great structure created as a centre of production and administrative dell’an ancient feud.
Are different destinations from Rossano or Sibari: have the most sense for those who want to explore gradually the territory near Cariati, without spending necessarily a’the whole day, all’excursion.
Continuing north it reaches Corigliano-Rossanoone of the destinations most culturally rich of this part of Calabria.
Rossano is the main reference is the The Codex Purpureus Rossanensisancient manuscript of the gospel recognized’UNESCO programme Memory of the World and preserved in the Diocesan Museum of the Codex.
The visit can be extended to the historic centre and, for those who is interested in the productions of the territory, the Museum of Licorice Giorgio Amarelli.
In the territory of Corigliano-Rossano is also Odissea 2000a way that is completely different from the cultural visits, and is particularly suited to those traveling with children or want to dedicate a day to a water park.
Being an’seasonal activity, calendar, opening hours, prices and terms of entry must be checked on the official website before organizing the visit.
In the same town is worth a consideration Coriglianothe historic city centre and the The Ducal Castleone of the most important monumental complexes in the area.
On the coastal slope is Schiavoneathe historic coastal village with the beach and the promenade. This, it is possible to build a day that combines historical heritage and the coast.
Even more to the north you reach Sibarione of the fundamental references for the understanding of the Greek presence in the ionian sea in Calabria.
The Archeological park of Sybaris allows you to learn the complex sequence of the settlements that have occupied quest’area in the course of the centuries. It is one of the tours is to give priority if during a holiday mainly seaside want to dedicate at least one day, all’archaeology and the ancient history of the area.
Continuing south, you enter the territory of Ciròclosely linked to the viticulture and the wine that bears his name. In the historic centre are the Castello Carafa, religious buildings and places related to the figure of Luigi Lilio.
On the coast, Cirò Marina offers a’different experience. To Punta Alice the marine landscape meets archaeological evidence related to the’ancient sanctuary of Apollo Aleo; a little further on there are the characteristic Saracen Marketswith their arches facing the sea.
Cirò and Cirò Marina can then be combined in the same output, by combining village, wine, archaeology and the coast.
Between Cirò Marina and Crotone is worth a stop Torre Melissa, a coastal town of the city of Melissa.
His most recognizable is the The Aragonese Towerlarge , fortified building located directly on the coast, which gives the village its name. The portal regional tourist points between the coastal towers, the most significant of Calabria and alerts you to the presence within it of a museum dedicated to the culture of the peasants.
Behind the coast lies Melissa, a village placed on the pad and surrounded by a region historically linked to viticulture. The Municipality describes an old town with narrow streets on foot, the rock caves and the ruins of the castle in the upper part of the’inhabited.
Here, too, the contrast between hamlet internal and marina allows you to build a’excursion more complete than the simple day at the beach.
Continuing south you will reach Crotone, a city closely linked to the history of Magna graecia.
In the village you can visit the National Archaeological Museumthe Castle of Charles V, and other places linked to the history of the city. Just outside the centre, the promontory of Capo Colonna preserves l’area’ancient sanctuary of Hera Lacinia: the great column of surviving temple is still today one of the archaeological elements, the most recognizable of the coast in crotone.
It is probably one of the tours most complete for those who want to dedicate a day to the Magna Graeciaby combining museum, archaeology and landscape.
To the south is Le Castella, the village of Isola di Capo Rizzuto, known especially for the great fortification was built on a strip of land surrounded by the sea.
The fortress is one of the most recognizable of the ionian coast of calabria, and the town also has a marina.
Compared to the desk closest to Cariati requires a greater shift, then it makes more sense to consider it as the destination of a day, if necessary by inserting it in a route, the most extensive in the Crotone.
The coast is not l’the only possibility. Those who want to spend a day in a completely different environment can head to the Sila.
The National Park includes forests, plateaus, lakes, trails, and numerous locations spread over a vast territory. It would not make sense to speak generically of “going in " Sila” it: before starting, it is better to choose a specific destination in according to the season, the time available and the type of experience you want.
For a week's holiday would not recommend to program a’excursion every day. The real advantage to Cariati is to choose from.
For a’output relatively close and can be considered a Calopezzati, Crosia, Crucoli, Ciro, and Torre Melissa. For a day more structured become interesting Rossano, Corigliano, Sibari, Crotone and Head of the Column. The odyssey 2000, offers a’an alternative to a day dedicated to fun, while Le Castella and Sila have the most sense when you want to reserve an important part of the day, all’excursion.
In this way, Cariati is not only the destination of the trip: it becomes a base from which to read, progressively, the ionian sea in Calabriachoosing how to get away according to the interests and to the rhythm of living.
A holiday home designed for families and groups that want to live Cariati with freedom: the sea, reachable on walk, spacious interiors and a private garden to enjoy the time at home.
Three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living room with a kitchen allow you to organize more freedom to the holiday, even when you are traveling with a family or in a group. The house can accommodate up to 8 people.
Le feste di Cariati permettono di conoscere una parte importante dell’identità del paese. Alcune ricorrenze hanno dates traditionally fixedwhile concerts, shows, re-enactments and programs dell’summer change every year. For the latter, it is always necessary to check the calendar published by the Municipality and by the organizers.
The 10 may Cariati celebrates San Cataldoone of the religious festivals more feel from the community. The festival involves both the historical city center, the Marina and traditionally includes religious celebrations and the procession.
In 2026 the celebrations were held from the’8 to 10 may, with a religious program started in the previous days. On 10 may, the main celebration was held in the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, followed by a procession to the chapel of San Cataldo in the Marina. L’s edition of 2026 has been of particular significance because it has also celebrated the On the 300th anniversary of the’wooden effigy of the Holy, dated 1726.
For those who visit Decatur in may, then a concrete fact to know: you may see the connection between the old town and Marina expressed not only in the geography of the country, but also in its traditions.
For those staying in Cariati in the middle of summer, l’appointment more interesting is the The feast of San Rocco 16 Augustorganized by the community of the parish of Christ the King.
The characteristic moment of the festival is the procession to the sea in Cariati Marina. After the path to the streets of the country, l’effigy of San Rocco is brought to a’boat, accompanied by other boats, for the blessing of the waters. The promenade becomes one of the main points from which to attend the celebration.
It is a tradition that is particularly interesting for a visitor because it tells directly the ratio of Decayed with the sea and its communities marinara. The feast is preceded by a novena and can continue with civil celebrations, and shows also the 17 Augustbut the companion program changes from year to year.
A’another date to remember is the 6 Novemberwhen Cariati celebrates San Leonardo Abatethe patron saint of the city, and the co-patron of the diocese.
In 2025, the celebration in the Cathedral was followed by the traditional procession, which started from the centre of the historic and continued towards the Marina. Is a recurrence less relevant for beach holidays, but it's important to understand the religious calendar and l’local identity outside of the summer season.
Next to the religious holidays, during l’summer cultural events are organised using the village as a scenario.
An example is “A. D. 1544: Cariati, between myth and history”, reenactment dedicated to one of the most known of the local history. In the official calendar of the’summer 2024, the fourth edition was held on the 14th of August in the historic centrewith a parade and entertainment.
Not, however, presented as an appointment guaranteed every August 14: date, the edition, the performance should be reviewed annually.
In the summer months, the Municipality and the local associations also organise a calendar of events distributed between the seafront and the historic centre.
The program may also include shows, concerts, artistic events, presentations, gastronomic events and activities for families. In order to understand how it can be articulated, in the calendar of the municipal 2024 appeared appointments until it is almost September, including Poemare Festival, the historical re-enactment, the Feast of San Rocco, concerts, exhibitions, puppet shows and Rotting in the Art.
These events should not be considered permanent: the program dell’Summer Cariatese should be checked every year.
Between the cultural initiatives, we also find Cariati in Artan event dedicated to the visual arts and cultural activities in the historic centre.
In 2026 the SEVENTH edition is scheduled for may 30 and 31with extemporaneous painting, cultural activities, music and wine tastings. Also in this case the event can be revived in later editions, but the dates should be checked annually.
Beyond individual events, the sea remains one of the most crucial aspects of the local culture. The sea procession of San Rocco it is probably the event more immediately understandable to someone who comes from outside: boats, promenade, religious devotion and the blessing of the waters bring together the religious dimension and the marinara of Cariati.
L’cultural identity of Cariati not only passes by the parties. In the village survives the memory of crafts and weavinga heritage that deserves to be treated separately from the events because it talks about forms of work and knowledge is transmitted in the territory.
This aspect will be detailed in a content dedicated to the traditions and all’craft of Cariati, avoiding to reduce it to a simple tourist attraction.
For those who are planning a vacation, the three occurrences are easier to keep in mind are, therefore, May 10 – San Cataldo, August 16 – San Rocco with the procession to the sea and November 6 – San Leonardo Abate. Other cultural events and summer must instead be checked on the calendar of the’year of travel.
The sea, the village, flavors and surrounding areas: everything you need to live in and to organize a vacation to Cariati and Cariati Marina.
Decatur is located in Calabria, in the province of Cosenza, on the ionian coast. The area includes the historic centre, in the highest part of the town and Cariati Marina along the coast.
Cariati Marina is the the coastal part of Cariatidirectly facing the Ionian Sea. The historic centre is higher and is characterized by the ancient village enclosed by walls.
Among the main places to know we are the the historic centre, the old city walls and the towers, Porta Pia, the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and Piazza Plebiscito. The village is also worth a path to walk among the narrow streets and views towards the land and the sea.
Cariati Marina, overlooking the Ionian Sea and has several stretches of coastline. The characteristics of the coast may vary from one area to another; Santa Maria has been awarded the Blue Flag 2026.
During your stay, you can alternate the days at the beach with a visit of the historical centre, walks, and outputs to the discovery of the ionian coast of cosenza and the hinterland.
Cariati allows you to combine the sea, walks and visits short, organizing the day depending on the age and needs of the children. For a family holiday it is useful to evaluate the location of the accommodation, available space and the organization of the movement.
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a private garden for 8 people, 5 minutes from the sea.
Explore our guides to Cariati and the Ionian Coast of Calabria. Discover practical tips, beaches, itineraries, restaurants, villages and plenty of ideas to help you plan your holiday and experience the area like a local.
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