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Eco Hotel a Catanzaro, Italy — Soggiorni Sostenibili 2026
Capital of Calabria, the City of Two Seas suspended between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian — home to Europe's tallest single-arch bridge, Byzantine foundations, a Norman castle, a thousand-year silk-weaving tradition, and Ionian beaches stretching along the coast. Book eco-friendly stays with IMPT and earn cashback while removing carbon.
Perché Soggiornare a Catanzaro?
Catanzaro is the capital of Calabria, a city spread across three hills 320 metres above the Ionian Sea. It earned the name "City of the Two Seas" because Calabria narrows to just 35 km at this point — you can watch the sunrise over the Ionian from the Belvedere, then drive 45 minutes west and see the sunset sink into the Tyrrhenian from the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia. Few places on Earth offer that daily geographical spectacle.
The city's defining symbol is the Ponte Bisantis (Viadotto Morandi-Bisantis), Europe's tallest single-arch bridge at 112 metres high and 468 metres long. Completed in 1962, it spans the deep Fiumarella gorge dividing the historic centre from the modern districts. The view from the Belvedere — the bridge's arc silhouetted against Catanzaro's rooftops with the Ionian Sea glinting beyond — is the city's iconic image. At sunset, when the bridge is illuminated against the darkening sky, it's unforgettable.
Catanzaro's history runs deep. The Byzantines founded it as the fortress of Katastárion in the 10th century, a strategic outpost guarding the narrowest point of the Italian peninsula. The Normans conquered it in 1055 and built the Castello Normanno that still crowns the highest hill. The silk-weaving tradition arrived with the Byzantines and flourished under the Normans — Catanzaro velvet and brocade decorated the royal courts of Europe for centuries. The San Giovanni quarter still preserves the tight lanes where weavers once worked their looms.
The Duomo di Catanzaro, originally Norman, was rebuilt after the 1638 earthquake. Its neoclassical facade hides a Renaissance baptismal font from the 1500s and a crypt with early Christian foundations. The historic centre spirals from the cathedral up through narrow alleys, staircases, and hidden piazzas to the Castello Normanno ruins — the 360-degree panorama from the top takes in the entire city, the bridge, the Ionian coast, and on clear days Mount Etna across the Strait. The Chiesa del Monte dei Morti houses one of Italy's most arresting sights — an ossuary with 3,000 skulls arranged in geometric patterns.
The Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea spans 30 hectares of botanical gardens on the northern edge — pine forests, rosemary thickets, myrtle groves, olive trees, and a small lake. The Museo Marca within the park holds one of southern Italy's best contemporary art collections plus an outdoor sculpture garden. Downhill, Catanzaro Marina (Lido) delivers 8 km of sandy Ionian coastline with lidos, seafood restaurants, and a palm-lined promenade — connected to the upper city by a scenic funicular climb that offers spectacular Gulf of Squillace views.
And then there's the food. Catanzaro is celebrated as the gelato capital of Calabria — generations-old gelaterias craft silky flavours from local pistachios, torrone nougat, and the uniquely Calabrian bergamot. The city's trattorias serve 'nduja, the legendary spreadable spicy salami from nearby Spilinga; fileja, hand-rolled pasta twirled around a knitting needle and served with goat ragù; and pesce spada alla ghiotta, swordfish braised with tomatoes, olives, capers, and plenty of peperoncino. Every meal comes with Cirò DOC wine from 3,000-year-old vineyards.
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Catanzaro at a Glance
Regioneal capital. ~360,000 metro population. 320 m elevation. City of Two Seas. Europe's tallest single-arch bridge. Byzantine, Norman, Angevin heritage. Silk production for 1,000 years.
Catanzaro Lido — 8 km sandy coastline, 9 km from centre via funicular. Copanello marine protected area 10 km south. Soverato pearly sand 30 km north. Clear warm water June-September.
'Nduja, fileja pasta, swordfish alla ghiotta. Artisanal gelato — pistachio, torrone, bergamot. Cirò DOC wine from 3,000-year-old vineyards. Extra virgin olive oil from the Calabrian hills.
Getting the Most Out of Your Catanzaro Visit
Getting There & Around
The main gateway is Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF), 40 km west — about 30 minutes by car. Direct flights from Milan, Rome, London, Frankfurt, and Munich. Shuttle buses run hourly to Catanzaro city centre and Catanzaro Lido; taxis cost roughly €50-60. By train, Catanzaro Lido station on the coastal line connects to Reggio Calabria in about 1.5 hours and Rome in roughly 4 hours via high-speed to Lamezia then regional connection. The funicular connecting the Lido station to the upper historic centre climbs 320 metres with spectacular Gulf of Squillace views — it's worth riding for the experience alone. By car, the SS106 Jonica coastal road and the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway serve the city.
Exploring the City
The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot — narrow alleys, staircases, and hidden piazzas reward aimless wandering. The 320-metre elevation difference between the upper city and the coast means you'll appreciate the funicular or bus for beach days. Local AMC buses connect all districts (€1.50 single). Renting a car is useful for day trips inland — Calabrian roads are decent though winding in the mountains. For a memorable day trip, drive 60 minutes west to Tropea on the Tyrrhenian — its white sand beaches and clifftop old town are among Italy's most beautiful. Copanello, 10 km south, offers clearer water with a marine protected area and the ruins of a Roman villa. Sila National Park, 40 km north, delivers hiking through ancient beech forests, glacial lakes, and winter skiing at Lorica.
Best Rates
Book 2-3 months ahead for May-June and September-October — shoulder seasons in Catanzaro fill up faster than you'd expect. August beach properties at the Lido sell out early. Winter (November-March) offers excellent long-stay rates with hotel prices dropping 30-50%. Booking through IMPT means you're earning 5% cashback on every stay plus €5 di credito gratuito on your first booking — at the same prices as any other platform.
Dove Alloggiare in Catanzaro
Each district offers a different experience. Choose based on your priorities.
Catanzaro Centro Storico — Historic Heart
The medieval core radiating from Piazza Duomo, climbing toward the Castello Normanno along narrow stone streets, Baroque churches, and family-run gelaterie. Every major sight sits within walking distance — the Duomo, Castello Normanno, Chiesa del Monte dei Morti, Teatro Politeama, the Belvedere viewpoint, and Villa Margherita park. Best for culture seekers and history lovers. Hotel Guglielmo and B&B Il Giardino dei Sogni put you steps from the cathedral square. The centro rewards aimless wandering — every alley reveals a hidden piazza or a trattoria with incredible Calabrian food.
Catanzaro Lido / Marina — Beachfront Living
The coastal district 9 km below the historic centre delivers the full Italian beach holiday — 8 km of sandy Ionian shoreline, warm shallow water, a palm-lined promenade with lidos, seafood restaurants, and gelaterias. Family-friendly by day, lively by night. Best for beach lovers and summer travellers. Hotels cluster right on the seafront: Best Western Plus Hotel Perla del Porto, Grand Hotel Paradiso, Maison Blanche Hotel, and Hotel San Michele all offer direct beach access or are metres from the sand. The scenic funicular connects to the upper city in 15 minutes.
Germaneto District — Modern & Convenient
The modern district south of the historic centre, home to the University of Magna Graecia campus, the regional hospital, and Catanzaro's main commercial zone. Well-connected by road and bus to both the historic centre and the Lido. Best for business travellers, university visitors, and anyone wanting modern amenities at lower prices. Hotels include the Park Hotel and modern properties with parking, conference facilities, and easy access to the SS106 for day trips down the coast.
Copanello — Coastal Tranquillity & Marine Reserve
Ten kilometres south of Catanzaro, Copanello offers a more exclusive coastal experience — rocky coves, pristine waters in a marine protected area, and the ruins of the Roman villa of Cassiodorus overlooking the sea. Quieter than Catanzaro Lido, with a handful of boutique B&Bs and holiday apartments. Best for snorkelers, divers, couples, and anyone seeking a peaceful seaside escape within easy reach of the city.
Best Hotels in Catanzaro
Cosa Fare a Catanzaro
From Byzantine churches and Norman fortresses to Ionian beaches, botanical gardens, and Europe's tallest bridge — Catanzaro packs surprising range into one city.
1. Duomo di Catanzaro (Catanzaro Cathedral)
The Norman cathedral dominates Catanzaro's highest piazza. Rebuilt after the 1638 earthquake, the neoclassical facade dates from the 19th century. Inside, a Renaissance baptismal font carved from a single marble block in the 1500s is the highlight. The crypt preserves early Christian foundations and a reliquary chapel. The piazza — ringed by historic palazzi and the archbishop's palace — is the ceremonial heart of the city.
2. Ponte Bisantis (Viadotto Morandi-Bisantis)
Europe's tallest single-arch bridge — 468 metres long, soaring 112 metres above the Fiumarella valley. Walk the pedestrian path for vertiginous views or go to the Belvedere viewpoint (Via Carlo V) for the classic postcard shot. At sunset the bridge's arc silhouetted against the historic centre rooftops with the Ionian Sea behind is Catanzaro's defining image. Magical after dark when illuminated.
3. Catanzaro Marina (Lido)
Eight kilometres of sandy Ionian shoreline with free public stretches and equipped lidi (€15-25/day for loungers). The palm-lined Lungomare promenade buzzes from late afternoon — cyclists, joggers, families enjoying the passeggiata, seafood restaurants spilling onto terraces. The southern section toward Giovino is quieter with wider sand. The funicular ride down from the upper city offers spectacular Gulf of Squillace views and makes the journey part of the experience.
4. Museo di Catanzaro (Museo Marca)
One of southern Italy's finest contemporary art collections, housed in a modern building within the Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea. The permanent collection spans 20th-century Calabrian and Italian artists — paintings, sculpture, and photography. The outdoor sculpture park is free to wander and features works integrated into the botanical gardens. A peaceful stop that pairs perfectly with the nature trails.
5. Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea
Thirty hectares of Mediterranean botanical gardens threaded with walking trails through pine forests, olive groves, rosemary and myrtle thickets, a cactus garden, and a butterfly enclosure. A small lake reflects the Mediterranean sky. Children's playgrounds and picnic areas make it a local family favourite. Spring wildflowers are spectacular; autumn colours are equally impressive.
6. Santuario di Sant'Umile di Bisignano
This 17th-century Franciscan sanctuary honours Sant'Umile da Bisignano, one of Calabria's most revered saints. The church houses an impressive Baroque altarpiece and relics of the saint. The attached convent has a peaceful cloister garden. Located in the lower historic centre, a short walk from the Duomo. The annual feast day on 22 November draws devotees from across the region.
7. Castello Normanno
The 11th-century Norman fortress crowns the highest of Catanzaro's three hills. Built atop earlier Byzantine fortifications by Robert Guiscard's Normans, the surviving walls and tower stump command panoramic views — the Viadotto Bisantis, the Ionian coast, the Sila mountains inland, and on clear days Mount Etna across the Strait of Messina. The climb through ancient staircases is steep but the 360-degree reward makes every step worthwhile.
8. Catanzaro Lido Beaches
The Ionian seafront delivers everything you want from an Italian beach town. Warm shallow water perfect for families, equipped lidi offering sun loungers and umbrellas, and free public sections. The water is clearest from June to September. Evening life revolves around the promenade — gelato, seafood, cocktails, and the cooling sea breeze. The funicular ride back up to the city after sunset is unforgettable.
9. Copanello Beaches & Roman Villa
Clear Ionian waters lap rocky coves and small sandy inlets at Copanello. The marine protected area safeguards sea grass meadows and rocky reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. Above the beach, the archaeological remains of the Roman villa of Cassiodorus — a 6th-century scholar's seaside retreat — add history to the coastal beauty. Several lidos offer amenities.
10. Sila National Park Day Trip
Just 40 km north of Catanzaro, the Sila National Park is one of Italy's most underrated natural treasures. Ancient beech forests, glacial lakes (Lago Arvo, Lago Ampollino), hiking and mountain biking trails, and winter skiing at Lorica. Spring brings wildflowers; autumn delivers spectacular foliage. The drive through the Calabrian mountains is beautiful in itself. Day trips are easy — leave after breakfast, hike the forest trails, have lunch at a mountain rifugio, and be back in Catanzaro for evening gelato.
Walking Routes in Catanzaro
Centro Storico Walking Tour
Begin at Piazza Duomo beneath the cathedral's neoclassical facade. Head south through the San Giovanni silk quarter — the medieval lanes where Catanzaro's velvet-weaving tradition flourished for centuries — past the elaborate facade of Teatro Politeama. Ascend the ancient stone staircases (scalinate) that define the historic centre, passing the Chiesa del Monte dei Morti with its remarkable 3,000-skull ossuary. Stop at the Belvedere viewpoint (Via Carlo V) for the classic Ponte Bisantis panorama. Continue the climb to the Castello Normanno ruins for a 360-degree view of the city, the bridge, the coast, and on clear days Mount Etna. Descend through Villa Margherita park. Wear proper shoes — some staircases are uneven.
Marina Promenade Walk
A flat, family-friendly walk along the Ionian shoreline. Start at the port (Porto di Catanzaro Lido) and follow the Lungomare south past lidos, beach clubs, seafood restaurants, and gelaterias. The atmosphere shifts from lively commercial centre to quieter residential stretches as you head toward Giovino. The southern section offers wider beaches and views toward the Copanello headland. Best walked in late afternoon — the golden light over the sea is sublime. Finish with an aperitivo at a seafront bar. The funicular at the northern end connects back to the upper city.
Bisantis Bridge Viewpoint Walk
A short, rewarding walk to Catanzaro's most photographed viewpoint. Start at Piazza Duomo and head west along Via Jannoni, passing the Teatro Politeama. Follow signs to the Belvedere viewpoint (accessible from Via Carlo V). The terraced viewing platform faces directly onto the Ponte Bisantis spanning the Fiumarella gorge — the historic centre's rooftops cascade down the hill with the Ionian Sea glittering beyond. Time your walk for 30 minutes before sunset. After dark the illuminated bridge is spectacular. Bring a camera. Extend the walk by continuing to the Parco della Biodiversità (10 minutes further).
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Why Book Through IMPT?
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