Things to do in

Cosenza

Join us on an unforgettable excursion to discover Dino Island, the largest of the two Calabrian islands. Our tour begins by cruising along the enchanting Blue Grotto, renowned for its crystal-clear waters that reflect magnificent plays of light. We will then proceed to the Lion's Grotto, where you can marvel at a lion-shaped rock that seems to guard the entrance, and the majestic headland of the island, located on its western side. As we navigate along the northern side of the island, you'll have the opportunity to discover numerous coves, including the picturesque Monk’s Grotto. Here, water erosion has sculpted fascinating shapes into the rock, all framed by lush vegetation composed of holm oaks, myrtle, dwarf palms, and delicate Palinuro primroses. Our journey continues towards the coast of San Nicola Arcella, where you can admire the Arcomagno, an impressive natural arch that frames a fairy-tale bay, creating a breathtaking scene. We will also pass by the natural harbor of San Nicola Arcella and the historic Crawford Tower, named in honor of the writer Francis Marion Crawford, who spent long periods there, and Dino Tower, now transformed into a cozy B&B. During the tour, we will explore Zuongolo Bay, Francidormo's Ear, Punta Dino, and Carpino Bay, which marks the border between San Nicola Arcella and Scalea. Finally, we will make a 45-minute stop at the beautiful Saracen Bay, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Prepare to experience a unique journey immersed in the nature and history of these fascinating places!

On the plateau of the Sila region, there is a monumental woodland that plays host to 350-year-old trees that are 45 metres in height, with trunks 2 metres wide. This ancient woodland features more than 60 Calabrian pines and sycamores planted in the 17th century by the baronial Mollo family, owners of the nearby farmhouse, which was donated to FAI in 2016 by the family. The woodland was exploited over the centuries by shepherds to extract a flammable, tar-like resin from the trunks; it was a valuable resource in the 17th and 18th centuries, and was subject to numerous edicts issued by the government of Naples with a view to limiting the frequent threats to cut the trees down. In the Second World War, the land was expropriated and then reintegrated into the assets of the Italian Forestry Commission, which – together with the Mollo family – promoted the establishment of the Guided Biogenetic Nature Reserve with a view to studying, genetically conserving and protecting this immensely valuable historic and natural heritage. Today, human intervention here has the sole purpose of allowing nature to take its course and making it possible to observe the natural evolution of the woodland, offering a wilderness to animals that now live in very few other places in Italy. Walking around in this spectacular landscape evokes wonder and admiration. FAI ensures that it remains open to the public, and is working to restore the ancient Casino Mollo, which will become the hub for an engaging encapsulation of this part of rural Calabria, charting its history from the 17th century to the present day.

Join us on an unforgettable excursion to discover Dino Island, the largest of the two Calabrian islands. Our tour begins by cruising along the enchanting Blue Grotto, renowned for its crystal-clear waters that reflect magnificent plays of light. We will then proceed to the Lion's Grotto, where you can marvel at a lion-shaped rock that seems to guard the entrance, and the majestic headland of the island, located on its western side. As we navigate along the northern side of the island, you'll have the opportunity to discover numerous coves, including the picturesque Monk’s Grotto. Here, water erosion has sculpted fascinating shapes into the rock, all framed by lush vegetation composed of holm oaks, myrtle, dwarf palms, and delicate Palinuro primroses. Our journey continues towards the coast of San Nicola Arcella, where you can admire the Arcomagno, an impressive natural arch that frames a fairy-tale bay, creating a breathtaking scene. We will also pass by the natural harbor of San Nicola Arcella and the historic Crawford Tower, named in honor of the writer Francis Marion Crawford, who spent long periods there, and Dino Tower, now transformed into a cozy B&B. During the tour, we will explore Zuongolo Bay, Francidormo's Ear, Punta Dino, and Carpino Bay, which marks the border between San Nicola Arcella and Scalea. Finally, we will make a 45-minute stop at the beautiful Saracen Bay, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Included in this experience is a train ride departing from Diamante and Praia, making your journey even more convenient and enjoyable. Additionally, we are proud to offer this tour on an eco-friendly boat, ensuring that we minimize our environmental impact while exploring these beautiful locations. Prepare to experience a unique journey immersed in the nature and history of these fascinating places!

Meeting point at our base camp in Papasidero (CS) on Via Monaci Basiliani, snc for the initial preparation phase where you will be given all the basic instructions. You will don the technical equipment given to you by the center and with a shuttle provided by the company, you will reach the boarding point of the route. After listening to the guide's briefing, the actual dinghy descent will begin where you will sail for 11 km on one of the cleanest and most pristine rivers in all of Europe. On the return, possibility of hot shower and purchase photo and video service. The activity is conducted from March to November. In the summer period (June/September) the minimum age is 8 years old while in the spring (March/May) and fall (October/November), the minimum age required to participate is 12 years old.

With It Guides Cosenza you can use the audio guide of the historic center to visit the city in your free time. Whether you are a tourist or a worker passing through the city, take advantage of the opportunity to discover the culture, art and history of the city of Bruzia. Cosenza, surrounded by seven hills, contains legends such as that of Alaric, pieces of Italian collective memory such as the altar in memory of the Bandiera brothers, places of worship such as the Cathedral where you can admire the monument to Isabella of Aragon and much more. What are you waiting for? All you need is a pair of comfortable sneakers and your smartphone!

Explore the open air Bilotti Museum at Corso Mazzini Cosenza. 29 artworks of artists like De Chirico, Rotella, Sosno and many more. Plan your walking tour as you like: start from every point of the map and go through the open air museum. This tour is perfect for tourists and business man and women which have free time to know the city in a better way. Art, culture, Calabrian history. Discover this art treasure, come to Cosenza!

Rent a E-Bike and discover Lecce "The Lady of the Baroque" by riding one of our new top-quality E-bikes. The rental place is in the city center. Rent the E-Bike for a full day and enjoy lunch in one of the surrounding villages of Sternatia, Acaya, Galatina, and Nardò. All these villages are 25 km of maximum distance from Lecce. The E-bikes have a battery autonomy of 65 km and are fully equipped with U-Lock, Mobile holder, Helmet, and Ortlieb panniers. Different sizes are available and rent is available for short and long periods.