DolceVita Travel: Capo Rizzuto

'When Crotone was home to Pythagoras, Rome was still a shepherd's pasture.' A favorite saying of the Crotonese, proud of their city's antique origins. In fact long before the rise of Rome there were already several Greek enclaves in Calabria, notably at Crotone and Sibari. The coast of the Ionio Sea is a rich testament of the region's Hellenic past, particularly in the sea promontory known as Capo Rizzuto located just to the south of the modern city of Crotone. Several sites, in particular that of Capo Colonna, have been excavated in recent years with abundant findings. Capo Rizzuto is also home to one of Italy's few marine reserves, its protected coast and lush submerged terraces teeming in diverse plant and animal sea life.

During the summer many vacationers arrive to explore Capo Rizzuto's secluded coves and beaches. Outside of the month of August, though, Capo Rizzuto is a much more tranquil realm… to the chagrin of local teenagers, some of whom get out their frustrations by dancing in traditional folk groups. The weather can be lovely here all year round and the region merits an exploration from both a naturalistic and cultural standpoint. An itinerary through the Cape has been outlined below, along with an introduction to local folklore and popular dance.

Capo Rizzuto Itinerary Folklore and Popular Dance The author would like to thank Stefania Maiorano and her family for their valuable insight and documentation of the Capo Rizzuto region.