Marine Protected Area Capo Rizzuto – Calabria
Exploring the Enchanting Territory of the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area
Territory and Geography
The Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, established back in 1991 and carefully managed by the province of Crotone, extends over an area of almost 15,000 hectares, making it the largest in Italy in terms of extension.
This wonderful area is characterized by eight promontories, among which stands out the Archaeological Park of Capo Colonna, where stands the solitary remaining column of the temple dedicated to Hera Lacinia. At one end of the park, instead, Punta Le Castella rises majestically, dominated by the suggestive Aragonese Castle.
The Marine Protected Area is divided into two main areas:
A) Integral Reserve Zone: further divided into two sections – one immediately south of Capo Colonna; – the other closer to Capo Cimiti; both encompassing about 6 km of coastline. In this area, access, navigation, bathing, and any activity that may alter the surrounding marine environment are strictly prohibited. Visits are rigorously guided and regulated here.
B) General Reserve Zone: extends from the territory of Crotone to the western part of Le Castella, covering almost 30 km of coastline. Restrictions are less severe than in the integral reserve zone, and stationary or fishing activities are also allowed.
Landscape and Natural Beauties
Flora and Fauna
The importance of this marine reserve lies not only in the richness of its marine flora and fauna but also in the enchanting beaches of white sand washed by crystal-clear waters.
The seabeds in this region are extraordinarily shallow compared to most of the Calabrian coast, with the exception of some rocky areas; just think that the 10-meter isobath is reached after about 1 kilometer.
However, the seabeds are extremely rich, with extensive meadows of posidonia. Depending on the sandy or rocky composition of the seabed, the marine fauna varies considerably. Among the most common inhabitants are sponges, cnidarians, and mollusks, while among the fish, groupers, mullets, damsels, and the lively parrotfish, native to subtropical areas, stand out.
