What to see in Catanzaro in 2 days: itinerary through history, parks and the Ionian coast
Guide on what to see in Catanzaro in 2 days: from the old town to the Biodiversity Park, from the Bisantis Bridge to the beaches of the Calabrian Ionian coast.
Why Catanzaro deserves 2 days
Catanzaro, the capital of Calabria, is a city little known to national tourism that surprises with its spectacular position on an isthmus between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas. Nicknamed the "city between two seas" and the "city of three hills", it offers a medieval historic centre, breathtaking views and a still-wild coastline.
Day 1: The historic centre and the views
Morning: The upper city
Start from Corso Mazzini, the main promenade running through the historic centre. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, rebuilt after World War II bombings, preserves a Madonna and Child by Antonello de Saliba and an interesting crypt.
Reach the Church of the Immacolata, with its monumental staircase and view over the Fiumarella valley. Nearby, the Church of the Rosario houses fine Baroque works.
Hidden gem: the San Giovanni Monumental Complex, a former convent housing MARCA, the Museum of Arts of Catanzaro, with a collection spanning sacred art to contemporary works.
Afternoon: The Bisantis Bridge and parks
The Bisantis Bridge (or Morandi Viaduct) is an extraordinary engineering feat: a reinforced concrete arch spanning the Fiumarella valley at a height of 110 metres. The view from the bridge is breathtaking.
Head to the Mediterranean Biodiversity Park, the largest urban park in southern Italy. With themed gardens, a botanical garden, a military museum, an artificial lake and nature trails, it is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon.
Evening: Villa Trieste and the Belvedere
Villa Trieste, a historic public garden in the heart of the city, offers panoramic views over the Sila mountains and the coast. In the evening, the centre comes alive along the Corso for the passeggiata, a tradition that the people of Catanzaro have never abandoned.
Day 2: The Ionian coast and surroundings
Morning: Catanzaro Lido and the beaches
Head down to Catanzaro Lido, the city's seaside district, for a morning by the sea on the Ionian coast. Fine sand beaches stretch for kilometres, with beach clubs and free sections. The water is crystal clear and the seabed slopes gently.
Hidden gem: the Archaeological Park of Scolacium in Borgia, just a few kilometres away. Among ancient olive trees stand the remains of the Greek colony of Skylletion and the Roman Scolacium, with an amphitheatre, a theatre and a Norman basilica. It is one of the most evocative and least visited archaeological sites in the South.
Afternoon: The Presila villages
If you love mountains, head up to the Presila Catanzarese. Taverna, 30 minutes away, is the birthplace of painter Mattia Preti: the Civic Museum houses a rich collection of his works. The medieval village is surrounded by chestnut forests and fiumare (seasonal rivers).
Alternatively, reach Lake Ampollino or the Sila villages for an immersion in the unspoilt nature of the Sila plateau.
Recommended walking routes
- **Monumental route** (3 km): Corso Mazzini - Cathedral - Immacolata - San Giovanni/MARCA - Villa Trieste
- **Panoramic route** (2.5 km): Bisantis Bridge - Biodiversity Park - valley viewpoint
- **Archaeological route** (2 km): Scolacium Park among olive trees and ruins
Practical tips
- Catanzaro is connected by train (Lido station for the coast, Centrale for the city)
- The historic centre is uphill: wear comfortable shoes
- For the sea, Catanzaro Lido is convenient but Copanello and Caminia (to the south) are more beautiful
- Calabrian cuisine is generous: try pitta 'mpigliata and morzello
- Morzello, a tripe stew served in pitta (local bread), is the city's signature dish
- In summer the coast is crowded: prefer June or September
What not to miss
- The view from the Bisantis Bridge over the valley
- The Mediterranean Biodiversity Park
- The Archaeological Park of Scolacium
- A morzello in pitta at a city-centre trattoria
- The panorama from Villa Trieste at sunset
