Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino · Riviera dei Cedri
Praia a Mare
A seaside resort famous for the island of Dino and the rock Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta.
Praia a Mare is a town of about 6,300 inhabitants in the province of Cosenza, on the Tyrrhenian coast; independent since 1928, it was previously the maritime hamlet of Aieta.
Geography
Off the shore, by the Fiuzzi area, lies the island of Dino, known for sea caves such as the Grotta Azzurra and the Grotta del Leone. On the coast, on a rocky spur, stands the Torre di Fiuzzi.
History
The name is traced to Plaga Sclavorum (“beach of the Slavs”), referring to ancient maritime trade. The municipality gained administrative autonomy in 1928.
What to see
The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta is a rock sanctuary housing a wooden statue of the Madonna; tradition dates its arrival to August 1326. Also worth seeing are the Rocca di Praia, a 14th-century fortified complex of Norman origin, and the 16th-century fort.
Getting there
By car via the A2 “del Mediterraneo” motorway; by train on the Tyrrhenian railway line; the nearest airport is Lamezia Terme.
Places
What to see around here.
Itineraries through here
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4 daysGrand tourGrand Tour of the Riviera dei Cedri
Four days from north to south along the Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino coast: islands, Norman towns, murals and sanctuaries.
11 stops8 townsMay–OctoberSee the stops -
2 daysSea & beachesSea & beaches
Two days among rock arches, islands and lidos of the Cosentino Tyrrhenian coast.
4 stops4 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops -
2 daysSacred & cultureIn the footsteps of the sacred
Two days among sanctuaries and devotion, from Saint Francis of Paola to the Madonna della Grotta.
3 stops3 townsAll year roundSee the stops - 3 daysSea & beaches
Three days by the sea
Three days along the Tyrrhenian coast: islands, rock arches and beaches from north to south.
6 stops5 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops -
4 daysSea & beachesFour days on the Tyrrhenian coast
Four days devoted to the sea, from San Nicola Arcella to Cetraro: arches, islands, beaches and marina.
8 stops6 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops - 3 daysFamily
Family on the coast
Three easy days for families: beaches, murals and a boat trip to the island of Dino.
6 stops3 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops
Frequently asked questions
- The island off Praia, by the Fiuzzi area, known for sea caves such as the Grotta Azzurra.
- A rock sanctuary housing a wooden statue of the Madonna, whose arrival tradition dates to August 1326.
What is the island of Dino?
What is the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta?
Discover locally
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Videos
Events
- Festa della Madonna della Grotta 14–16 agosto
Processioni a terra e a mare con la statua della Madonna.
Yearly