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Praia a Mare is an undiscovered pearl in the Calabria region of Italy, the perfect place for travellers looking for a place off the beaten track. This village of 5000 people stands in front of Dino island, surrounded by the stunning Policastro gulf.

Get in[edit]

By train[edit]

Italy's Trenitalia rail network serves Praja a Mare with trains running approximately every two hours. The station can be easily missed, as it is a hub for two other nearby villages as well: look for Praja, not Praja a Mare, when preparing to alight the train.

By boat[edit]

It is possible to land small watercraft on the beaches adjacent to the promenade 1-2 km south of the village center. Avoid berthing boats in the area just south of Dino island, especially in the summer--that area is reserved for swimmers.

Get around[edit]

See[edit]

The crystal colour of the water surrounding the Dino Island is worth the trip this little pearl of Mediterranean Sea. The island, 3 km long, offers three marine caves to explore: the Waterfalls cave, the Lion Cave and the more popular Blu Grotto, the largest cave, where the water appears lit up from bottom. The coastline runs for 6 km, assuming several different looks, from sandy beaches to black rocks.

If you are visiting Praja is a must to see the Cave Sanctuary, where is kept the sacred statue of the Maria the virgin, protector of town.

Do[edit]

In Praja there's really no time to get bored! You can just relax on the beach, cuddled by the breeze while lying back on a deckchair, or you can make your time simply extreme!

  • Paragliding. From a 600-metre hill down to the sea.
  • White Water Rafting on the Lao river in spectacular Pollino National Park.
  • Cliff Jumping The highlight for travellers who enjoy having butterflies in their stomachs is cliff jumping off Arcomagno Rock, a 22-metre (67-foot) natural bridge over a hidden crystal bay. For less brave divers, lower jumps can be found on the Dino Island coast.
  • Scuba diving. You don't need to be a professional diver to enjoy the coral gardens or the ancient relics lying not far from Dino Island.
  • Trekking Not many places offer the diversity of mountains meeting the sea. Praja does, leading the beauty of Pollino national parks to the clearness of the Tirrenian Sea.

Buy[edit]

Eat[edit]

  • Pizz Stop on the Main Street sells succulent and authentic Italian pizza by the slice for a reasonable price.
  • Cold Passions is a few doors up. It has long been said that long before are had been colonised, cold passions was a lone gelateria in the same space it stands today and its gelato was so exceptional the town of Praia was built around it.

Drink[edit]

Sleep[edit]

  • OndaRoad Beach Hostel, +39 347-0736169. Family run hostel a few metres from the beach. Helpful staff, delicious food (fish caught that day, fresh salad picked from the garden, home-made wine). €19 in a mixed dorm, €25 (per person) for an en suite double room. Free breakfast, home made lunch, and pick up from the train station.

Connect[edit]

Go next[edit]

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