Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino · Riviera dei Cedri
Torre Talao
An islet and 16th-century tower on the Scalea coast, a historic natural landing; its caves preserve traces of the Palaeolithic.
The islet of Torre Talao is one of the landmarks of the Scalea coast: it has always been an ideal landing and “scalo” for boats. The historian Lorenzo Giustiniani, in 1802, recalled a tower built here on a small peninsula in the time of Charles V, armed with three cannon.
The site has far older roots: during archaeological excavations, stone and bone tools from the Palaeolithic were found in the caves of Torre Talao, together with remains of Pleistocene fauna.
Frequently asked questions
- Stone and bone tools from the Palaeolithic and remains of Pleistocene fauna were found in its caves; the islet was also a natural landing and "scalo" for boats.
Why is Torre Talao important?
More places in Scalea
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Culture Norman Castle
The castle ruins overlooking the old town of Scalea, offering a view over the coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
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Old town Old town of Scalea
The medieval core of Scalea, set on the promontory, with alleys, stairways, churches and palaces that tell the town's Norman and Angevin history.
- Culture
Church of Santa Maria d'Episcopio (Madonna del Carmine)
The main church of Scalea's old town, dedicated to the Madonna del Carmine, patron of the city; its origins date back to the 8th century.
Itineraries through here
- 4 daysGrand tour
Grand 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 -
3 daysTowns & historyTowns & history
Three days among old towns, castles and the only Occitan language island in southern Italy.
6 stops5 townsAll year roundSee 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 -
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 daysTowns & historyWeekend in the old towns
Two days among museum, stone village and murals: history and art without a devotional focus.
4 stops3 townsAll year roundSee the stops - 4 daysTowns & history
Four days among old towns
Four days among castles, Norman towns, sacred art and the Occitan language island.
8 stops5 townsAll year roundSee the stops -
4 daysWellness & spaNature and Pollino in four days
Four days among spa, cave, mountains and river in the Pollino National Park.
8 stops5 townsMarch–NovemberSee the stops