Discover with us the beauty of Tortora, a town full of breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.
Immersed in nature, Tortora offers breathtaking landscapes: from high snow-capped mountains to a beautiful crystal-clear sea, from archaeological finds to modern structures. That’s why it is worth visiting this enchanting town.
Located in north-western Calabria, Tortora is the first town in this beautiful region. The particularity of this locality lies in its territory: its landscape, unique and unmistakable, has the characteristic to please any visitor. The reason? This locality possesses a characteristic that is more unique than rare, that of possessing vast beaches that touch the Tyrrhenian Sea, a historical center rich in art and culture and mountain hamlets where countless activities can be carried out.
The Tortora coastline, an unforgettable holiday!
Tortora is known for its seaside tourism. From its splendid beaches we can admire the beauty of three Italian regions: if we look to the left, we can admire the splendid Calabrian coast with the town of Praia a Mare and the marvelous Island of Dino instead, if we look to the right, we can observe the first town of Basilicata, Maratea with its Christ Redeemer that during fine days you can also admire from the beaches of Tortora. Continuing to contemplate the evocative panorama, beyond the town of Maratea, we can recognise the suggestive Gulf of Policastro, situated in the Campania region.
The bathing area is quite vast, its beaches are characterized by the presence of not very fine sand, the sea is crystal clear with breathtaking colors ranging from a brilliant turquoise to a deep blue; it is for this reason that the town has been awarded the Blue Flag for five years.
In addition to the natural beauty that the sea offers, the coastline is much appreciated for the quality and the tourist offer that it proposes: Tortora is full of bathing establishments of all types, in order to satisfy any need that the tourist may have.
Surrounding this splendid crystal-clear sea is the seafront which, with the new cycle path, has become even more the town's meeting point. Imagine taking a walk or a bike ride breathing the pure air and sea breeze and then relaxing on a bench watching the sun that falls into the sea, giving you one of the most evocative sunsets ever seen... it is a real panacea for both body and mind.
Tortora's historical sites, the first traces of man in the area
Tortora is also rich in history and culture. Entering the hilly territory, you can admire prehistoric sites dating back to the Paleolithic age. In the locality of Rosaneto you can observe one of the oldest open-air prehistoric sites in Italy.
Also, in this locality, you can admire the San Brancato necropolis dating back to the 6th century B.C., consisting of 38 pit tombs.
Another prehistoric site is Torre Nave, a natural cavity that provided protection and shelter for the inhabitants from wild animals.
Another place to visit is the Funerary Mausoleum. Dating back to Roman times, it is a monumental tomb with a circular shape. These archaeological sites can be visited at any time of the year free of charge.
The historic center of Tortora, a long walk-through alleyways and history
Continuing along the provincial road, you arrive at the historic center situated on a rocky spur, a strategic place to avoid incursions from the sea.
The landscape is evocative: the old houses have been repainted in bright colors, the green vegetation and the branches of the narrow streets will make you feel you are in another era. You are sure to find, in front of the gates of their houses, local women weaving flint branches, crocheting embroidery or simply breathing some fresh air.
Entering the historical center, in addition to the multitude of churches you will encounter along the way, you can admire the main church of St Peter the Apostle.
Continuing your walk through the alleys, you will arrive at the Lomonaco-Melazzi palace where, on 3th of September 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped during the Expedition of the Thousand.
Wandering through the narrow streets of the old town center, you will come across the Blanda Archaeological Museum, which tells you step by step the history of this ancient town, through a virtual tour with a 3D visualization of numerous artefacts. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00.
Tortora, between trails and pure air
Tortora is also part of the Pollino National Park, one of the largest parks in Italy that has been included in the UNESCO global list of geoparks since 2015. The mountainous area of the town of Tortora is quite large, surrounded by beech, chestnut, turkey oak and fir trees.
The municipality of Tortora organizes excursions to the highest mountains in the area such as Mount Serramale, 1274 meters high.
Walking through the paths of the mountain hamlets of Tortora you can relax by stopping at one of the picnic areas where, thanks to the springs of the rivers, you can enjoy clear and pure water.
For those who love trekking, days are organized every Sunday to discover the various trails set in the mountains. Another trail not to be missed is definitely the Monte Cifolo trail, a rocky path that reserves you an indescribable view.
Another experience that we at Visit Italy recommend is to ride these trails on ATVs.
Discovering local culinary traditions
The territory is very connected to traditions, especially culinary ones.
The typical product par excellence is "Zafarana", or sun-dried goat horn bell pepper, considered the "saffron of the poor." Every year, for the first weekend of the month of October, the "Zafarana fest" takes place where you can taste this delicious vegetable in all its declinations: as an accompaniment to a main course or turned into powder to season one of the typical dishes such as "lagane e ceci."
We at Visit Italy advise you not to miss this special event, not only for the delicious dishes you will taste, but also for the cultural aspects this event offers: from conferences dedicated to the benefits of this product to regional traditions, such as its folk music.
