A visit to the cape should commence with Capo Colonna, reached from Crotone by following the coastal road south. At the head of this scenic cape, which overlooks the Ionio Sea, stands the one remaining column of what was once a great temple dedicated to Hera Lacinia. In fact the site was home to a Sanctuary dedicated to the goddess, and evidence indicates that there were several other buildings on the site. These included the ketagogion to house visiting dignitaries, the hestiatorion, the scene of banquets, and another sacred building next to the temple where gorgeous objects in gold, silver and bronze have been found.

Among these votive offerings is a masterful gold diadem representing Hera. Dating from the sixth of fifth century B.C., it is shaped out of a band of gold leaf, embossed and engraved with a burin. A relief braid runs along the entire band and is nearly hidden by two garlands of very lifelike foliage applied on the outside, among which there appear to be grape leaves. Wine is among the votive offerings to Hera and, if these are indeed grape leaves, the diadem among the earliest examples of this tribute.

Continuing south from Capo Colonna, turn off again for the sea toward Capo Cimiti, where there are ruins of what was once a Roman villa. This is the heart of the Marine Reserve that protects the coast of Capo Rizzuto; in fact the zone around Capo Cimiti is one of the few protected sites labeled "Zone A", in which all navigation and immersion is prohibited. The "submerged prairies", as the lush underwater terraces are referred as, are rich in both animal and plant life. Marine fauna ranges from various colored sponges and fishes to dolphins, while the diverse algae, lichen and angiosperms make up the luxuriant terraces. Outside of Zone A, throughout much of the reserve, there are marvelous hidden coves and beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling, even fresh springs to be discovered in places.

Leaving Capo Cimiti and heading toward the southern end of the Cape, pass by the historical capital of the zone, Isola Capo Rizzuto, the actual point of Capo Rizzuto and Soverito, a site of ancient human settlement. Ruined towers mark the road and coast throughout the reserve: for many centuries there was keen danger of pirate/Saracen attack, and thus a long series of watchtowers were constructed along the coast here and throughout Calabria. These towers could also be used to keep effective control over the local people - Calabria has a long list of foreign conquerors. One of the most impressive regional castles is that of Le Castella at the southern end of the reserve. The imposing fortress has been in use since Greek times, as can be attested by the ruins on site. Legend has it that Hannibal lodged here on his return to Carthage; the castle affords magnificent views of the sea and surrounding coast.