The Bay of Soverato, located in the splendid region of Calabria, is a true jewel of the Ionian Sea. With its crystal clear waters, golden beaches and rich Mediterranean vegetation, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

What to do in Soverato

Soverato Marina

Let’s start with the obvious: relaxing on the beach! Soverato is on the “Costa degli Aranci” (the Coast of Orange Trees), a bay that boasts both private and free beach areas. Whether you enjoy perfecting your tan under the Calabrian sun, taking a refreshing dip, or snorkeling and windsurfing, you can do it all here. The most famous beach is Soverato Marina, a three-kilometer stretch of fine, golden sand and shimmering turquoise waters. It has even been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for eight consecutive years, including 2024.
Davoli Marina and the village of Davoli (400 meters above sea level) are less than 10 km away and are absolutely worth seeing. Davoli offers many services including both private and free beach areas.

Regional Marine Park

Exploring the “Baia dell’Ippocampo” Regional Marine Park: Established in 2008, the Marine Park extends for approximately 3,000 hectares, protecting the rich marine biodiversity of the Soverato coast. The park owes its name to the presence of the seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus), the adorable symbol of the area and a protected species.

In addition to seahorses, the park is home to a variety of marine fauna, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and cetaceans. The marine flora is equally rich, with oceanic Posidonia meadows, banks of Gorgonian fans, and sponges.

The park offers several activities for visitors, including diving and snorkeling to admire marine wildlife in its natural habitat. Boat excursions are the perfect way to explore the coasts of the park and discover its hidden coves. For those who also love hiking, there are several trails where you can immerse yourself in the uncontaminated nature of the park and enjoy breathtaking views.

Soverato Superiore and Soverato Vecchia

Visiting the historic center: In reality, Soverato is divided into three parts which include Soverato Antica or Vecchia, Soverato Superiore and Soverato Marina. After the devastating earthquake of 1783, what remains of the ancient village dating back to the 10th century is in ruins but it is still worth the effort it takes to get there because the view of the Ionian Sea is breathtaking.

Soverato Superiore is the main town where most of the residents live. The Church of Maria Santissima Addolorata was one of the first monuments to be built after the earthquake when the people re-established themselves in this area. The Pietà, a marble statue by Antonello Gagini from 1521, is located inside and an absolute must-see.

Various buildings from the late 19th and 20th centuries such as Palazzo Gregoraci, Alcaro and Corapi (former castle) adorn the historic center in Art Nouveau style on Corso Umberto.

Strolling along the seafront: The Soverato seafront is an ideal place for an evening walk, overlooking the sea and breathtaking sunsets. You’ll find numerous bars, restaurants and shops where you can taste the local specialties and shop.

Nightlife: Soverato is a lively place, with a nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. Bars, pubs, discos and live music venues enliven the summer nights.

In the Area

The Archaeological Park of Scolacium (municipality of Borgia) is an ancient city of Magna Graecia founded by the Athenians between the 8th and 6th centuries BC and later by the Romans. Today, you can see the Roman Forum, the 3,500-seat theater, and the only Roman amphitheater in Calabria. In addition to the archaeological museum, there is also the magnificent Norman Basilica of Santa Maria della Roccella from the 10th century.

Getting here:

The best way to see Soverato is definitely by car. Trains and buses, unfortunately, are not very convenient in this part of Italy. The closest major airport is Lamezia Terme, about 60 km away.

Soverato is an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing beach holiday in close contact with nature. With its natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere, Soverato will surely win the heart of every visitor.

Continue reading about Calabria’s most beautiful destinations.