Locri
Locri and the Jasmines' Coast
It is the southernmost riviera of Calabria, the one between the cities of Riace and Locri and overlooking the blue Ionian Sea. One of the richest and wildest coastal areas in Italy.
It is the magnificent “Jasmines’ Coast” that runs for 90 kilometers in the province of Reggio Calabria and takes its name from the cultivation of this beautiful climbing plant, very common in its territory. Bays with low and sandy beaches alternate with high rocks overlooking the sea, surrounded by the green hills of Crotone, rich in
citrus and olive groves that reach the Aspromonte National Park.
The ideal place for a simple holiday, in places still intact, rich in history and tradition.
WHAT TO SEE
The Gelsomini coast counts 42 small municipalities, and almost all of them offer bathing establishments. The first tourist resorts are Riace Marina, Roccella Ionica and Marina di Gioiosa Ionica. Further south you can reach Siderno and Locri, a Greek colony founded in the 7th century BC, and the small towns of Sant’Ilario allo Ionio, Ardore Marina and Bovalino. South of the Bonamico river, the most important river of the Aspromonte, the coast of Gelsomini ends with Capo Spartivento. Here are seaside resorts such as Africo, Bianco, Brancaleone Marina and Capo Ferruzzano with its characteristic cliffs.
WHAT TO DO
Do not miss days of complete relaxation on the beach and great swimming in the beautiful sea that for the clear and clean waters has obtained several times the blue flag of Legambiente. For history lovers, a trip to the excavations of Monasterace, the ancient Kaulon and the archaeological park of Locri Epizefiri, which houses artifacts from the Greek colony of Locri. The park that rises on the edge of the sacred area of Marasà, is kind of an open-air museum. Among the visible monuments there is the theatre, dating from the 4th century BC and the sanctuary of Zeus. Interesting to visit is also the village of Stilo with the “Cattolica”, a small and characteristic Byzantine church.
INTERESTING FACTS
Jasmine flowers, harvested by the jasmine plantations, were sold by weight and were used for the preparation of perfumes. Very exported abroad, especially in France, they were subject to a prolific trade. In 1928 the Experimental Station of Essences and essential oils of Reggio Calabria was established.
NIGHT LIFE IN SUMMER
In Calabria there is no lack of night clubs and some bathing establishments are transformed into real discos. For this reason hundreds and hundreds of people literally take over some places of the Locride until dawn. Like the Le Club of Locri (Reggio Calabria).
