THE HEART OF THE TOWN
“With golden dawns and joyful sunsets, among olive trees and orange groves; from above, the heavens poured down beauty, and nature lavished its richest gifts…”
Praia a Mare is cobalt blue sea, the wild green of myrtle shrubs, the vivid shapes of colorful gorgonians, and the mystery of hidden caves.
A powerful encounter between the sea and the mountains.
Originally a small yet vibrant fishing and farming village, born between the Noce River and the rocky outcrop that rises beyond the Lao plain, Praia a Mare is more than a place — it’s a landscape of the soul, steeped in memory, archaeology, and raw natural beauty.
Here, sea and land collide in a breathtaking harmony.
The town spans 23.59 square kilometers, bordered by 6 kilometers of coastline, right in the center of the Gulf of Policastro.
It stretches from Capo Palinuro in Campania to Maratea in Basilicata and finally to Capo Scalea, the last tip of Calabria — a grand arc of sea that embraces three regions, three provinces, and a constellation of towns connected by the mythical waters of Ulysses.
Mountains surround it all:
To the north, the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, with Mount Cervati revealing its southwestern face.
To the east, the Lucanian coast rises with Mount Coccovello, marking a natural boundary.
Behind Praia, the rugged foothills of the Pollino National Park loom protectively, with Cozzo Petrara reaching 1,142 meters — like a stone guardian watching over Calabria’s shore.
VIALE DELLA LIBERTÀ
A green tunnel nearly one kilometer long, lined entirely with poplars and plane trees, is the true meeting point of the town — the beating heart of Praia a Mare.
Each season brings its own colors: the vibrant green of spring, the warm reds and oranges of autumn.
This scenic avenue is just one of the many green spaces in the town, which act as a natural filter between the rugged mountains of the Pollino and the waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The pedestrian walkway connects Piazza Italia with the Municipal Park (Piazza della Resistenza), and it’s where you’ll find many of the town’s most popular cafés and gathering spots.
Just next to it runs Via Luigi Giugni, Praia’s main commercial street, filled with shops, boutiques, and local businesses.
Along the avenue, you’ll also come across the Parish Church of the Sacred Heart and the Town Hall square.
THE SIRIMARCO SEASIDE PROMENADE
One of Praia a Mare’s most iconic streets, the Lungomare Sirimarco is named after Colonel Francesco Sirimarco.
It stretches for over 5 kilometers, from Tortora Marina to the area of Fiuzzi.
Palm trees and Mediterranean shrubs line the promenade, while hotels, homes, and seaside restaurants give life to the waterfront.
Between the walking path and the sea lies a wide beach of sand and pebbles, where, in summer, numerous beach clubs come to life — vibrant, welcoming, and full of energy.
The promenade follows the Tyrrhenian coast, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Policastro, and includes a dedicated cycling path — a favorite spot for runners and cyclists alike.
From here, visitors can also witness thrilling paragliding landings, as Praia a Mare is considered one of Europe’s top sites for free flight.
