The Riviera dei Cedri: One of the Most Popular and Beloved Tourist Destinations in Italy

In our Italy, full of treasures to discover, just a few kilometres are enough to find yourself surrounded by natural beauty, crystal-clear seas, unspoiled landscapes, and places rich in history, culture, and age-old traditions. One of these gems is the Riviera dei Cedri — a paradise of 22 Calabrian towns stretching along the Upper Tyrrhenian coast of Cosenza, from Tortora to Paola. Each summer, this earthly paradise is crowded with tourists from all over Europe, drawn by its perfect blend of mountains, sea, hills, medieval villages, relaxation, and fun.

Where does the Riviera’s name come from?

The Riviera owes its name to the cultivation of the cedar, a citrus fruit that has adapted perfectly to this rugged terrain and flourishes in its Mediterranean climate. The area extends for about 80 kilometres, starting from Aieta, whose name derives from the Greek aetos (eagle), referencing its high and panoramic position.

How is the Riviera composed?

Of Byzantine origin, the Riviera dei Cedri offers stunning views over the Gulf of Policastro and preserves rich historical and religious heritage — from the ruins of the Chapel of San Nicola (10th century, Greek rite) to the Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione (16th century). The journey continues with Tortora, one of Calabria’s oldest towns, inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Its name, meaning “turtle dove,” reflects the bird that still nests here and adorns the town’s coat of arms. Tortora is divided into the historic centre, with ancient churches, the Feudal Palace, the Franciscan Convent, the Archaeological Museum of Blanda, and stone portals that embellish noble houses; and the Marina, with pebble and sand beaches and a crystal-clear sea ranging from turquoise to cobalt blue.

Then comes Praia a Mare, famous for its vast beaches and the nearby Isola di Dino, a haven for divers with its marine caves and pristine seabeds. The town’s vibrant promenade is filled with shops and cafés, while the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta, set in a natural cave on Mount Vinciolo overlooking the sea, adds a spiritual touch. Each year, from August 15 to 18, a picturesque sea procession celebrates the arrival of the Madonna at the Sanctuary.

San Nicola Arcella is framed by the ancient Saracen Crawford Tower—named after the American writer who lived there—and by the Arco Magno, a magnificent natural arch between land and sea, home to a white-sand beach and hidden coves. Its medieval centre, with winding alleys and historic remains, completes the picture.

Scalea, the largest town along the Riviera, is one of the oldest settlements on the Upper Tyrrhenian coast. It boasts artistic treasures like the Gothic Church of San Nicola in Plateis and the Church of the Madonna del Carmine. The latter’s festival, on July 15–16, features women carrying wooden frames (cinte) on their heads, richly decorated to hold votive candles. The iconic Torre Talao, built in the 16th century, dominates the shoreline as a symbol of the town.

Santa Maria del Cedro, surrounded by cedar groves and olive trees, owes its name to the ancient cultivation of the cedro di Calabria, a citrus fruit sacred in Jewish tradition. Every summer, rabbis from around the world come to personally select the purest fruits for Sukkot, the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. The local variety, Liscia Diamante, is the most prized — with a thick peel and aromatic pulp used to make liqueurs, creams, preserves, yogurts, pastries, and sorbets.

Diamante, the jewel of the Riviera, enchants visitors with its old town painted with hundreds of colourful murals, its lively seaside promenade, and its historic alleys steeped in charm. Facing the coast lies the Island of Cirella, covered in untouched Mediterranean vegetation and topped by the remains of an ancient fortification once used to repel Turkish invasions.

Belvedere Marittimo, a scenic terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, features a Norman fortress (11th century) and is known as the City of Love for housing the relics of Saint Valentine in the Capuchin Monastery. Cetraro, another seaside town, has a characteristic harbour and impressive caves such as the Grotte di Rizzo, as well as the 16th-century Torre di Rienzo, built by Emperor Charles V for coastal defence against Saracen raids.

Inland, Grisolia is famous for the Feast of Saint Roch (August 15–16): barefoot women carry wooden flower-adorned frames (caggie) on their heads while singing devotional hymns, and households display embroidered cloths with the saint’s image along the streets.

The Riviera dei Cedri ends in Paola, birthplace of Saint Francis of Paola. The sanctuary dedicated to him is a pilgrimage destination for the faithful worldwide. The festivities (March 27–April 2 and May 1–5) include both land and sea processions, concerts, and fireworks. Nearby lies the Path of Miracles, a forest trail retracing moments from the saint’s life.

For archaeology lovers, Papasidero is home to the famous Grotta del Romito, with Upper Paleolithic engravings such as a 1.2-metre-long bull carved into stone. Verbicaro hosts the ancient Holy Week rite of the Flagellants, while Acquappesa is known for the Terme Luigiane spa, a haven of relaxation. Buonvicino boasts the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve, celebrated every September 17–19 with torchlit processions and traditional attire. Completing the region are the villages of Orsomarso, Maierà, Bonifati, Guardia Piemontese, Santa Domenica Talao, Fuscaldo, and Sangineto.

Typical specialities of the Riviera

The Riviera dei Cedri also attracts sports enthusiasts: here you can enjoy trekking, mountain biking, quad excursions, horseback riding, rafting and canoeing on the Lao River, paragliding, and even water skiing.

Gastronomy, too, is an integral part of the experience. Traditional homemade pastas such as gnocchi, fusiddi cu lu sùcu di créapa (fusilli with goat ragu), ravioli, and lagane e ceci are must-tries. Among the delicacies are Diamante’s spicy chili peppers, ’nduja (spreadable spicy pork sausage), and Zafarana di Tortora (a sweet red pepper with a horn shape).

For dessert, try the Pitta ‘mpigliata — a circular cake with raisins, nuts, and vermouth — the tardiddri (grape-must cookies), chinuliddri (pastries filled with honey and nuts), or bocconotti. Wine lovers shouldn’t miss the Verbicaro DOC, available in red, rosé, and white varieties.

The Riviera dei Cedri is truly a land of wonders — where sea and mountains, history and gastronomy, faith and folklore intertwine to create one of Southern Italy’s most captivating and unforgettable destinations.