On our way to Sicily we drove along the coast of Calabria. Praia a Mare is the first resort on the coast known as Riviera dei Cedri, named for the citron that grow so well in the area.
The best view of Praia a Mare is from above, looking towards Dino Island, a rocky outcrop just off the beach. In the season you can hire paddle boats to make your way around the island and explore sea caves and grottoes.
The 2 kilometre sandy beach nearby has 50 lidos in the summer. They were just being set up when we were there, so it was difficult to get a true idea of how it looks in the summer season.
The sand is a dirty brown colour, which didn’t really appeal to me. I like the idea of the Dino Island bit, but the beach was not for me. The boardwalk area is very nice and well cared for. I think a lot of people visit in summer.
There is an old castle in the distance.
There is a church with an interesting grotto quite a long way up the hill behind the town.
In the park was this fabulous tree. I’m not sure what it was.
The town was quite pleasant, with a lovely pedestrian street, which drew a reasonable crowd for passeggiata.
I think Praia a Mare is very popular with Italians in the summer time…I could feel the expectation.