· IT

Crotone

Crotone, Calabria, Italy

Discover Crotone: Ancient History Meets Calabrian Charm Nestled on the sun-drenched coast of Calabria, Crotone offers a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. More than ju…

#Coastal city#Historic landmarks#Mediterranean cuisine#Beaches#Calabrian culture

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Crotone.

Top Hotels in Crotone

Top Flights to Crotone

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Crotone.

Tours

Le Castella Fortress

A magnificent fortress overlooking the Ionian Sea, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region's historic past.

Capo Colonna Archaeological Park

An outdoor museum and archaeological site featuring ancient ruins and the famous column standing at the tip of Capo Colonna.

Shopping

Shopping at Via Roma

A shopping street in Crotone lined with boutiques, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Outdoor

Crotone Beach

A beautiful sandy beach perfect for relaxation and various water activities.

Crotone National Park

A natural preserve offering hiking trails, bird watching, and nature excursions.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Crotone.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Crotone, Calabria, Italy is around 60,000.

Languages

Italian, Italian

Average weather

Crotone

Jan

13°6°

Feb

14°6°

Mar

16°8°

Apr

18°10°

May

22°14°

Jun

26°18°

Jul

30°21°

Aug

30°21°

Sep

27°19°

Oct

23°16°

Nov

18°11°

Dec

14°7°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Crotone.

What people love

Crotone, located in the Calabria region of Italy, offers a unique and authentic Italian experience for travelers. Here are some pros of traveling to Crotone:

Rich History: Crotone has a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. Visitors can explore archaeological sites such as the ancient city of Kroton, which was an important center of Magna Graecia.
Beautiful Beaches: Crotone boasts stunning beaches along the Ionian Sea, offering crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Tourists can relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, or engage in water sports.
Delicious Cuisine: Calabria is known for its delicious cuisine, and Crotone is no exception. Visitors can savor local specialties such as 'nduja (spicy spreadable sausage), swordfish, and traditional pastas like fileja and cavatelli.
Natural Beauty: Crotone is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the Sila National Park and the Serre Calabresi mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring the picturesque countryside.
Authentic Atmosphere: Unlike some more touristy destinations in Italy, Crotone offers a more authentic and less crowded experience. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture and interact with friendly locals.

Overall, Crotone is a great destination for those seeking history, natural beauty, delicious food, and a genuine Italian experience.

What to know

Traveling to Crotone in Calabria, Italy may have some potential cons, including:

Limited public transportation: Crotone is a smaller city compared to major tourist destinations in Italy, so public transportation options may be limited. This could make it more challenging to get around the city and explore the surrounding areas.
Language barrier: English may not be as widely spoken in Crotone as in larger cities or tourist hotspots in Italy. This could pose a challenge for travelers who do not speak Italian fluently.
Limited tourist infrastructure: Crotone is not as heavily visited by tourists as other cities in Italy, so the tourist infrastructure may not be as developed. This could mean fewer accommodation options, restaurants, and tourist services available compared to more popular destinations.
Seasonal variations: Crotone's popularity as a tourist destination may vary depending on the season. In the off-peak months, some attractions, restaurants, and services may be closed or have limited hours.
Limited cultural attractions: While Crotone has a rich history and cultural heritage, it may not offer as many well-known attractions or landmarks compared to other Italian cities. Travelers looking for a wide range of cultural experiences may find Crotone lacking in this aspect.

Overall, while Crotone offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience in Italy, travelers should be prepared for potential challenges related to transportation, language, tourist infrastructure, seasonal variations, and cultural attractions.

Please note that these potential cons are based on general considerations and may vary depending on individual preferences and travel experiences.

Crotone, located in the Calabria region of southern Italy, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was originally known as Kroton and was one of the prominent cities of Magna Graecia, the coastal areas of Southern Italy that were extensively colonized by Greek settlers.

Ancient History

Foundation: Crotone was founded around 710 BC by Greek settlers from Achaea. It quickly became an important cultural and commercial center.
Pythagorean School: The city is famous for being home to the Pythagorean school founded by the philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras in the 6th century BC. Pythagoras lived and taught in Crotone, and his philosophical and mathematical teachings had a significant impact on the city and beyond.
Battle of the Sagra: Around 560 BC, Crotone achieved a notable military victory over the neighboring city of Sybaris, which enhanced its status in the region.
Olympic Glory: Crotone was also known for its athletes, particularly Milo of Croton, a renowned wrestler who won numerous Olympic titles in the 6th century BC.

Roman Era

Crotone fell under Roman control in 277 BC and became part of the Roman Republic. It continued to thrive as a Roman city, although it never regained the prominence it had during the Greek period.

Middle Ages

During the Byzantine period, Crotone experienced several invasions and was an important military and strategic location due to its coastal position.
In the 9th and 10th centuries, the city was frequently attacked by Saracens.
The Normans conquered Crotone in the 11th century, integrating it into the Kingdom of Sicily.

Modern History

In the following centuries, Crotone was ruled by several powers, including the Angevins and the Aragonese.
The city faced decline due to malaria and economic hardships but began to recover in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Significant Landmarks

Castello di Carlo V: A prominent fortress built in the 16th century under the reign of Charles V. It stands as a symbol of the city's historical military significance.
Capo Colonna: This cape is home to the single remaining column of the Temple of Hera Lacinia, which was one of the largest Greek temples in Italy.
Cathedral of Crotone: A significant religious site, originally built in the 9th century and later rebuilt and modified.
National Archaeological Museum of Crotone: This museum houses numerous artifacts from the city's rich ancient past, including items from the Greek and Roman periods.

Notable Figures

Pythagoras: The philosopher and mathematician who founded his school in Crotone and greatly influenced Western thought.
Milo of Croton: An ancient Olympic wrestler who became a symbol of physical prowess and strength.

Crotone today is a city that blends its ancient history with modern life, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past and its contributions to culture and philosophy.