ViewpointUpper Tyrrhenian Cosentino · Riviera dei Cedri
Port of Cetraro
The port of the Marina, with its 450-metre breakwater and the Marina di San Benedetto yacht harbour: from here, on 11 July, the patron saint’s sea procession sets out.
The port of Cetraro is sheltered by a two-armed breakwater about 450 metres long, stretching south-east; from its head branches the 160-metre Martello pier, which with the 240-metre leeward pier frames the entrance. The inner basin is split in two by the main pier and the shores are quayed. To starboard on entering, since 2009, lies the yacht harbour Marina di San Benedetto: 500 berths on floating pontoons with water, electricity, toilets and showers.
The port is also a place of history and celebration. In 1534 the corsair Barbarossa burned seven Spanish galleons under construction here, as Giovanni Fiore tells; and every 11 July it is from here that the statue of Saint Benedict, patron of Cetraro, boards the largest fishing boat for the sea procession along Borgo San Marco and Lampetia, beyond the headland of Capofella, followed by boats and dinghies, before returning to the mother church in the town.
Frequently asked questions
- The Marina di San Benedetto yacht harbour, opened in 2009, offers 500 berths on floating pontoons with water, electricity, toilets and showers.
- The sea procession of Saint Benedict sets out: the patron’s statue is put aboard the largest fishing boat and carried along the coast beyond Capofella, followed by boats and dinghies.
How many berths does the port of Cetraro have?
What happens in the port of Cetraro on 11 July?
More places in Cetraro
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Beach Borgo San Marco and Monte Serra
The beach hamlet founded in 1910 by Venetian settlers after the earthquake of 1908: lidos between the Mulini and Santa Maria di Mare, the garden of the vajanelle peppers and, behind, Monte Serra with the sanctuary of the Madonna.
- Old town
Old town of Cetraro
The Paese 120 metres above the Aron valley: the three gates of the fortified town, the little squares “a giorgia” and “miezzu a curta”, the Chiesa del Ritiro of 1454, San Nicola, the Capuchins and the Sette Mari fountain.
- Culture
Church of San Benedetto Abate
The mother church founded by the monks of Montecassino, recorded from 1104 and remade in Baroque forms in the 18th century: medieval tower, wooden choir and one of the finest organs in Calabria.
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 daysWellness & spaWellness & spa
Two days among thermal waters, marina and towns of the Middle Tyrrhenian Cosentino area.
4 stops4 townsAll year roundSee 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 -
2 daysGrand tourFlavours of the Riviera
Two days among citron, chilli pepper and harbour: the typical products of the Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino coast.
4 stops3 townsAll year roundSee the stops -
3 daysGrand tourFlavours and traditions
Three days among citron, old towns and harbour: a journey through the flavours of the Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino coast.
6 stops4 townsAll year roundSee the stops