Crotone | Italy

THE DESTINATION CROTONE

Crotone is located on the Ionian coastline of the region that the Romans called Lucania and Bruttii. Founded by Achaeans -Greek settlers, in the 8th century B.C., it was one of the most important centers of Ancient Greece due to its strategic position on the Ionian Sea that still now makes the city a crucial point in the Mediterranean basin. This city is the home of several factories and enterprises, mainly devoted to farming typical Mediterranean crops. Nowadays, Crotone and its hinterland offers - still intact - extremely varied natural sea attractions, not far from the mountains and other natural landscapes of geological interest. Even, regarding sea attractions, quite famous are the seaside resorts within the MPA “Capo Rizzuto”. Eight promontories edge this safe area, the first of which, Capo Colonna, hosts an important archaeological site, evidence of the Magna Graecia period. The city’s prosperity is connected directly to its harbor, the only suitable natural basin on the route between Tarentum, Puglia and the Strait of Messina at Sicily, and to the ever-growing number of tourists, attracted by the beauty of the natural marine area.

DISCOVER THE ANCIENT TRAIL OF ‘Punta Scifo D’

In the waters of the Marine Protected Area “Capo Rizzuto” it has been established an underwater itinerary devoted to one of the most interesting evidence of cultural heritage in Calabria. It is the shipwreck, called “Punto Scifo D”, discovered in 1986 in the bay of Scifo at South of Crotone, Calabria, which in ancient time was an important commercial landing place, connecting Greece and Asia Minor to Italy, via the Ionian Sea. The shipwreck cargo is mainly composed by large blocks and slabs of white rough marble, along with some metallic artifacts and pottery. It was a Roman ship coming from the Marmara Island (Turkey) and its size was not less than 40m long and 14m wide. The archaeological remains of Punta Scifo D wreck lie at a depth of 6.5-7m, occupying an area of about 22x16m on a rocky sea bottom, characterized by the typical biocalcarenites formations that are also visible on the dry land. To explore the submerged archaeological site two distinct itineraries have been created: one dedicated to divers and the other for those who enjoy snorkeling. In addition, tours for “non-swimmers” are organized using glass-bottomed boats.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The Marine Protected Area of “Capo Rizzuto” offers unexpected opportunities for tourists who are willing to visit it. A Virtual Reality system allows “non-diver” tourist to live a virtual dive experience and learn both general information and historical-cultural contents related to the Punta Scifo D wreck and the surrounding seabed. Users can explore the 3D reconstruction of the underwater site and receive information and contents about the submerged exhibits and structures of the site. An Augmented Diving system allows divers to have a virtual guide of the underwater archaeological site. It is based on a tablet properly equipped with a waterproof case and an integrated system for acoustic localization and inertial navigation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Admire the scenic beauty and uncontaminated alongside of the Ionian Sea and natural landscapes of the hinterland.
There are numerous Greek and Roman remains to be explored.
Visit the mountain of the Sila National Park.
Enjoy the amazing views of Lake Ampollino.
Taste the genuine flavors of local food that make the area a unique place.
Those who love nature can explore the hinterland, discovering pure and unpolluted sceneries, where huge green areas alternate with lakes and rivers.
Enjoy the warm rays of the sun and dive into clear sea: one can choose from the many charming localities along the shoreline.

ACCOMMODATION

Various types of accommodations are available in the whole area, ready to satisfy the needs of all visitors. They mainly consist of hotels that provide diverse guest services and range from two to five stars. Other extra-hotel accommodations are hostels, bed and breakfast, apartments, tourist villages, resorts, camping and guesthouses.

EXPLORE MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS

Getting to know Crotone does not just mean admiring its cultural and natural heritage, it also means trying out the delicious flavors of its local cuisine. A seaside city can’t help but offer excellent seafood dishes. The homemade pasta topped with seafood is particularly recommended. The most typical pasta shapes are those called “macaroni” and “covatelli”. A typical appetizer will contain traditional Calabrian cold ready sliced meats, aromatized with red chili peppers. As regards for the drinks, the territory is rich in precious vineyards. One of its best-known products is its wine, especially the Cirò and Melissa.

NIGHTLIFE

Crotone has a quite large number of entertainment options available to be tried. However, there is no specific entertainment district, and the nightlife spreads all through the city; there are many restaurants, pubs, bars, squares that host social events and where you can just sit and enjoy. The summer brings an even greater range of options, mainly linked to marine attractions where nightlife is an expedition into the heartland of the coastline.

THINGS TO DO

Different package tours and excursions in cultural and natural sites are offered to tourists with the possibility of a guided tour.
Crotone’s coastline offers a great variety of places to enjoy the Ionian Sea.
The coastline stretching between Capo Colonna and Le Castella is truly spectacular, so rich in history and nature, which in 1991 was declared as protected marine reserve.
For diving lovers, it is possible to do scuba diving with experienced guides and admire the unspoiled sea beds along with the submerged archaeological areas, rich in wrecks and archaeological remains of the Roman period.
For art lovers, special tours are designed in archaeological areas, castles, museums, art galleries located in the entire province.
Also, for lovers of the outdoors activities, who enjoy mountaineering, hiking, horse riding and trekking across the trails, there are many possibilities to practice their favorite activities.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP FOR A WEEK!

The city of Reggio Calabria, about 250 km south of Croton, has one of the greatest Calabria museums, called the National Museum of Magna Graecia where the “Bronzi di Riace” statues are exhibited.
Bagnara and Scilla, the latter with a beautiful castle of the 16th century, surrounded by the sea.
The province of Vibo Valentia is also rich in art and natural and unspoiled beauties.
Pizzo, Tropea and Capo Vaticano are the three most precious destinations of the Tyrrhenian coast in the Vibo Valentia territory.
Cosenza, located north, is one of the most ancient cities of Calabria and due to its cultural past offers a wonderful old city characterized by steep and narrow alleys.
The city of Catanzaro has many interesting areas to visit such as the Cathedral and the Norman Tower.
Soverato and Montepaone represent the most famous bathing sites, popular for their clear water and sandy beaches.

PROGRAMME PROPOSALS: ITALY, CROTONE

FOR SCUBA DIVING ENTHUSIASTS

Crotone’s coastline offers a great variety of places to enjoy the Ionian Sea. The shoreline stretching between ‘Capo Colonna’ and ‘Le Castella’ is truly spectacular, so rich in history and nature, with crystal-clear sea waters, that in 1991 was declared as Marine Protected Area; with an area of about 15,000 hectares, it is the largest in Italy. The coastline is characterized by alternating large and small headlands and bays, wide sandy beaches and sea cliffs. For diving lovers this unique place provides excellent opportunities to do scuba diving and admire the unspoiled seabed along with the submerged archaeological sites, rich in wrecks and ancient artifacts of the Roman and Greek period.

> Day 1 | Arrival in Crotone

Arrival in Crotone (or Lamezia Terme) Airport. The meeting point is at the arrival hall of the airport and then transfer to the hotel with a chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is free. An optional tour of ‘Le Castella’ town can be offered in the late afternoon, to visit the local shops with handmade artifacts and the amazing Aragonese Castle. Dinner (optional) and overnight at the hotel.

> Day 2 | Diving in “Punta Scifo D” and “Cala Cicala”

After breakfast, an experienced guide will take you from the hotel to the diving area. Our program contains two scuba dives in the morning at the classical shipwrecks called “Punta Scifo D” and “Cala Cicala”.Divers will explore the two Roman shipwreck cargos, mainly composed by large blocks and slabs of white rough marble at a depth less than 7m, on a rocky sea bottom with sandy seabed and Posidonia meadows. In addition to the underwater archaeological routes, divers will also be able to enjoy the spreading marine life. Lunch on board in the afternoon. We recommend an afternoon visit to the ‘Capo Colonna Museum’ (optional) and an optional dive at night at the ‘Le Castella’ rocks, nearby the Aragonese Castle (20:00 – 22:30). Transfer to the hotel. Optional dinner package.

> Day 3 | Diving at the “Gunny” and “Bengala” wrecks

After breakfast, departure from the hotel to the diving area. Our program contains a scuba dive in the morning at the “Bengala” wreck, a cargo carrying Port wine bottles that sunk in 1889. Lunch in a traditional village with local delicacies. In the afternoon dive at the ‘Relittone’ (Big Shipwreck), a modern cargo ship sunken at mid-20th century. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free. Optional dinner package.

> Day 4 | Departure day

After breakfast, a glass-bottomed boat tour around the Aragonese Castle of “Le Castella” is available (optional); lunch (optional) in the traditional village; in the afternoon, chauffeur-driven car transfer to the airport for the departure.

Your package includes:

► 3 nights at a hotel of your choice on bed & breakfast formula

► Transfers upon arrival and departure with assistance ► Diving guide or instructor.

Your package excludes:

► International flights ► Personal expenses ► Optional meals ► Optional excursions and visits

FOR DIVERS TO BΕ AND FAMILIES

The ‘'PADI Scuba Diver' certificate can be achieved by over 10 years-old participants having already attended the eLearning Scuba Experience Course; available for free after the package booking and through the participation to the preparation in the pool, the 4 diving lessons in the sea presented below and after passing the final examination.

> DAY 1 | Arrival in Crotone

Briefing with our tour operator partner in the arrival hall of the airport, then transfer to the hotel in a chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is free. An optional tour in Manduria, Porto Cesareo or Gallipoli can be offered late in the afternoon. Dinner (optional) and overnight at the Hotel. In the afternoon, for those wishing to achieve the OWD Certificate, the first scuba diving lesson in the pool is scheduled from 15:00 to 18:00, before starting with the activities of the second day, and then a tour in ‘Le Castella’ town is available (optional).

> DAY 2 | First scuba diving lessons - “Le Castella” Bay

After breakfast, an experienced guide will take you for the first diving lesson of the day, that will take place in a pool, and then the divers to be will be brought in a protected bay near ‘Le Castella’ town, with depths up to 5m. Lunch in ‘Le Castella’ with local delicacies. In the afternoon, the second diving lesson will take place in the surrounding areas, with the same safety requirements. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the evening is free. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 3 | Diving lessons in the Marine Protected Area “Capo Rizzuto” and “Punta Scifo D” wreck

After breakfast, early departure from the hotel for a diving experience in the Marine Protected Area ‘Capo Rizzuto’. This area, including the shoreline stretching between Capo Colonna and Le Castella, is truly spectacular, rich in history and nature and with crystal-clear sea colors. In the afternoon, the last diving experience will be held at the Punta Scifo ‘D’ wreck, in order to complete the “PADI Scuba Diver” experience. Both experiences are also enjoyable by snorkelers. Lunch on board or in a traditional village with local delicacies according to your preferences. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the evening is free. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 4 | “PADI Scuba Diver” exam and departure

After breakfast, final exam for the “PADI Scuba Diver” certificate; the rest of the morning is free; a mini cruise on a glass-bottomed boat is available (optional); in the afternoon, chauffeur-driven car transfer to the airport for the departure.

Your package includes:

► 3 nights at a hotel of your choice on bed & breakfast formula

► Transfers upon arrival and departure with assistance ► Diving guide or instructor.

Your package excludes:

► International flights ► Personal expenses ► Optional meals ► Optional excursions and visits

FOR SNORKELERS AND FREE DIVERS

> DAY 1 | Arrival in Crotone

> DAY 2 | Snorkeling at “Le Castella” bay

After breakfast, an experienced guide will take you for the first snorkeling experience that will take place in the marine area of “Le Castella”, nearby the Aragonese Fortress of the 15th century, where the ancient underwater Greek stone quarry will be visited. This experience is open also to disabled people, who will be accompanied in the exploration of the seabed. Aperitif on board with local delicacies. In the afternoon, mini course of free diving or alternative snorkeling itinerary. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 3 | Snorkeling in “Punta Scifo D” and “Cala Cicala”

After breakfast, early departure from the hotel to the diving area. Our program contains two snorkeling experiences in the morning at the shipwrecks called “Punta Scifo D” and “Cala Cicala”, two Roman cargos mainly composed by large blocks and slabs of white rough marble on a rocky sea bottom with sandy sections and Posidonia meadows. In addition to the underwater archaeological routes, divers will be able to enjoy the rich marine life that colonized these ancient marble blocks. Lunch on board with local delicacies. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 4 | Departure day

After breakfast, a mini cruise on a glass-bottomed boat is available (optional); the rest of the morning is free. In the afternoon, chauffeur-driven car transfer to the airport for the departure.

Your package includes:

► 3 nights at a hotel of your choice on bed & breakfast formula

► Transfers upon arrival and departure with assistance ► Diving guide or instructor.

Your package excludes:

► International flights ► Personal expenses ► Optional meals ► Optional excursions and visits

FOR NON DIVERS

Enchanting boat cruises and excursions are available for non-divers, for unforgettable baths in untouched spots of the Ionian Sea.

FOR KIDS, TEENS & SCHOOLS

The ‘Sea Baptism’ is an experience available from 10 to 99 years old participants and no pre-training is required. An experienced instructor, during the sea tour will brief you about the diving basics, in order to provide your first underwater experience with all the needed comfort, safety and fun, and will accompany you in your first dive. The diving site will be maximum 5m deep.

The ‘Bubblemaker’ experience is available for children over 8 years-old, and is carried on in a pool or in a sea water environment maximum 2m deep. The experience lasts 1 hour and no pre-training is required.

The ‘Junior PADI Scuba Diver’ certificate can be achieved by over 10 years-old participants having already attended the eLearning Scuba Experience Course; available for free after the package booking and through the participation to the 4 diving lessons in the sea presented below and after passing the final examination. Special rates are dedicated to school groups of minimum 15 participants.

FOR SEA LOVERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Easily combined with the ‘Snorkelers and Free’ package for the accompanying people. An experienced instructor will be dedicated for each of our special divers, to ensure their maximum safety, comfort and fun. For divers with special needs it is important to plan the diving experiences in advance with the diving center, in order to better customize the underwater experience.

> DAY 1 | Arrival in Crotone

> DAY 2 | Diving at “Le Castella” bay

After breakfast an experienced guide will take you for the first diving experience, which will take place in the marine area of “Le Castella”, nearby the Aragonese Fortress of the 15th century where the ancient underwater Greek stone quarry will be visited. Lunch on board with local delicacies. In the afternoon, snorkeling itinerary in the Marine Protected Area ‘Capo Rizzuto’. This area, including the shoreline stretching between Capo Colonna and Le Castella, is truly spectacular, rich in history and nature and with crystal-clear sea colors. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 3 | Diving in “Punta Scifo D” and “Cala Cicala”

After breakfast, early departure from the hotel to the diving area. Our program contains one snorkeling experience in the morning at the shipwreck called “Punta Scifo D”, and one in the afternoon at the “Cala Cicala” wreck, two Roman cargos mainly composed by large blocks and slabs of white rough marble on a rocky sea bottom with sandy sections and Posidonia meadows. In addition to the underwater archaeological routes, divers will be able to enjoy the rich marine life that colonized these ancient marble blocks. Lunch on board with local delicacies. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 4 | Departure day

After breakfast, a mini cruise on a glass-bottomed boat is available (optional); the rest of the morning is free. In the afternoon, chauffeur-driven car transfer to the airport for the departure.

Your package includes:

► 3 nights at a hotel of your choice on bed & breakfast formula

► Transfers upon arrival and departure with assistance ► Diving guide or instructor.

Your package excludes:

► International flights ► Personal expenses ► Optional meals ► Optional excursions and visits

MANY OTHER COMBINATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ACCORDING TO YOUR PREFERENCES AND YOUR DIVING SKILLS!