18 and 19 July, at the Marina
Madonna del Carmine
The statue is carried in procession to the beach and then out to sea, by boat.
Ionian Calabria · province of Catanzaro
Guardavalle Marina
Four kilometres of beach between protected dunes and excellent waters, at the southern tip of Calabria's Costa degli Aranci.
One town, two souls
Guardavalle is a medieval village 225 metres above the sea, built inside a natural hollow so pirates could not spot it: even today you cannot see it from the water. Twelve towers once defended it, which is why it is known as the village of the twelve towers.
Guardavalle Marina is its coastal soul: the seaside quarter on the SS106 road, with its own railway station, a palm-lined promenade and a long, wide beach sheltered by dunes. About half the town lives here today, and this is where our B&B stands.
What to see in the village4.1 km
of coastline with protected dunes (EU SCI site)
152
swimmable days per year
27°C
sea temperature in August
1485
the year of the Cavallara Tower
Where would you like to start?
The beaches
Pale sand and pebbles, a seabed that slopes gently, long free stretches: the complete guide.
Learn moreWhat to see
The village of the twelve towers, the Sirleto palaces and the waterfall on the Assi stream.
Day trips
Kaulon, Stilo, Badolato, Soverato, the Marmarico falls: twelve trips within an hour.
Where to eat
Aubergine dishes, maccarruni pasta, Ionian fish and the names locals mention.
With kids
A gently sloping seabed, a stroller-friendly promenade and a children's summer.
Nature
Protected dunes, badlands, the Assi valley with its waterfall and the Serre woods.
Getting here
By train to Guardavalle station, by plane via Lamezia, by car on the SS106.
Events
The seaborne procession of the Carmine, the Aubergine Festival, the donkey Palio.
A sea worth the journey
The bathing waters of the Catanzaro Ionian coast are rated excellent by the regional environment agency ARPACal, and Catanzaro is the top province in Calabria for water quality. On the beach, between badlands and dunes, Caretta caretta sea turtles come to nest.
Summer in Guardavalle
Full calendar18 August, old town
Aubergine Festival
For over thirty years, the feast of the signature product of local cooking.
Early September
Palio del Ciuccio
A donkey race between the old districts, with historical parades and flag throwers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sea like in Guardavalle Marina?
The bathing waters of the Catanzaro Ionian coast are classified excellent by ARPACal, and Catanzaro is the top Calabrian province for the share of excellent waters. The seabed slopes gently and most of the beach is free to access.
Does Guardavalle Marina have a Blue Flag?
No, the town is not on the Blue Flag list. That award also scores facilities on land: here the beach has stayed largely free and natural, with dunes protected as an EU Site of Community Importance and nesting Caretta caretta turtles.
How do I get to Guardavalle Marina?
By train: the town has its own station on the Ionian line, with regional trains from Catanzaro Lido and Reggio Calabria. By plane: Lamezia Terme airport is about 75 km away, with a coach link to the coast. By car: the SS106 road runs through the Marina.
When is the best time to come?
June to September for beach life: the sea reaches about 27 degrees in August and stays above 20 into the autumn. September and October are ideal for combining sea and villages, spring for hiking in the Serre mountains.
Is the beach good for children?
Yes: the beach is wide, with pale sand mixed with pebbles near the shore and a seabed that deepens gradually. There are long, quiet free stretches and a few equipped lidos along the promenade.
Sleep a few steps from the beach
Casa Morello is our seafront B&B: apartments of 80 or 160 square metres, made for families and groups.
The B&B