Introduction
From Catanzaro to Soverato, the Coast of Oranges is an Ionian shoreline of fine sand, citrus groves, and seaside villages.
The area boasts 4 protected-designation products and 4 dishes of the local tradition.
Upcoming Events & Festivals
Here are the upcoming events in Costa degli Aranci:
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Costa degli Aranci:
Street Food Fest Catanzaro
PrimaveraCatanzaro
Festival dello street food con il morzello protagonista e specialità calabresi.
Naca di Badolato
Venerdì SantoBadolato
Processione del Cristo nella 'naca' oscillante per le vie del borgo medievale.
Festa della Madonna di Porto
LuglioCatanzaro Lido
Processione a mare con la statua della Madonna sulle barche dei pescatori.
Home Expo Catanzaro
PrimaveraCatanzaro
Fiera dell'artigianato e dell'innovazione per la casa nel capoluogo calabrese.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Costa degli Aranci represent the excellence of the area:
Sweet, seedless citrus fruit cultivated on the Sibari Plain and along the Catanzaro Ionian coast.
Preserved whitebait and chili pepper, the 'poor man's caviar' of the Calabrese Ionian coast.
Aged sheep's cheese from the Crotone-Catanzaro hinterland, with an intense flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil produced in the Catanzaro hinterland from the Carolea cultivar.
What to eat in Costa degli Aranci
Catanzaro's iconic dish: tripe and offal cooked in tomato with oregano, served in pitta bread.
Stuffed flatbread with tomato, tuna, anchovies, and capers. Traditional Catanzaro street food.
Calabrese Easter sweet, a ring-shaped cake decorated with hard-boiled eggs and sugar glaze.
Pasta dressed with sardella, garlic, oil, and chili pepper. An intense taste of the sea.
Traditions & Culture
Sea procession with the statue of the Madonna carried on fishermen's boats at Catanzaro Lido.
Catanzaro was Europe's silk capital from the 12th to 18th century. The artisan tradition is still alive.
Good Friday procession with the 'naca', a swinging cradle carrying the dead Christ through the village streets.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
Ancient Greek and Roman colony of Skylletion/Scolacium, with theater, forum, and Norman basilica.
The largest urban park in Southern Italy, in Catanzaro, with military museum and nature trails.
Historical Figures
Founded the Vivarium in Squillace, one of Europe's first monastic centers of learning (6th century).
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Costa degli Aranci are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Curiosities
“Catanzaro is called 'the city of three hills' and is the only regional capital in Italy without sea access from its historic center.”
“Cassiodoro's Vivarium in Squillace was one of Europe's first scriptoria, saving classical works from oblivion.”
“Soverato is nicknamed 'the Pearl of the Ionian' for its fine white sand beaches.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What typical products are found on the Coast of Oranges?expand_more
The Coast of Oranges is home to 4 typical products: Clementine di Calabria (IGP), Sardella (PAT), Pecorino Crotonese (DOP), and Olio di Calabria (IGP).
2What should I eat on the Coast of Oranges?expand_more
Traditional dishes include: Morzello (Catanzaro's iconic dish), Pitta 'nchiusa, Cuzzupa, and Spaghetti con la sardella.
3What are the most famous festivals on the Coast of Oranges?expand_more
Major festivals include: Street Food Fest Catanzaro (spring); Naca di Badolato (Good Friday); Festa della Madonna di Porto (Catanzaro Lido, July).
4What parks are there on the Coast of Oranges?expand_more
Points of interest include: the Scolacium Archaeological Park (ancient Skylletion) and the Mediterranean Biodiversity Park of Catanzaro.
5Who organizes the food festivals on the Coast of Oranges?expand_more
Festivals are organized by local communities such as Pro Loco Catanzaro and Pro Loco Badolato.