Description of the attraction
Capo Rizzuto Marine Reserve is a small protected natural area located in the Crotone province of Calabria and part of the municipalities of Crotone and Isola Capo Rizzuto. The reserve is divided into three zones, each of which has its own degree of protection.
Zone A is completely closed to all activities, including diving, swimming, fishing and sailing. It only allows scientific research and the organization of excursion groups. Zone B surrounds Zone A. Restrictions are not so strict here, but the use of motor boats and anchorages is also prohibited. Fishing is allowed only in designated areas. Finally, access to zone C is open only to organized tourist groups.
The total area of the Capo Rizzuto reserve is 13.5 thousand hectares of water area and 37 km of coastline. The reserve is located in the easternmost part of Calabria. Nearby is the town of Isola di Capo Rizzuto with a population of about 15 thousand people. Despite its name - Isola, which means "island" in Italian, it is not an island in the literal sense of the word. It is rather an isthmus that juts deep into the sea. The main attraction of Isola di Capo Rizzuto is the 16th century Le Castella castle, located 10 km from the city center. It is in this castle that you can book a tour of the marine reserve. In addition, in the town you can see the modest temple of the Madonna of the Greek, dedicated to the patroness of Isola di Capo Rizzuto, and the cylindrical tower of Torre Vecchia from the 16th century, built to protect the coast from the raids of barbarians.
