Is Santa Severina Worth Visiting? A Peaceful Escape in Calabria
Is Santa Severina worth visiting? Absolutely – and here’s why. Tucked away in Calabria’s interior, this peaceful village sits 975 feet (325 meters) above sea level and ranks among I Borghi Più Belli d’Italia (Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages). While many travelers tend to visit Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast, hidden gems like Santa Severina shine quietly on the Ionian side.
During a summer stay in San Nicola Arcella, my husband and I took a two-day detour with my dad and sister to explore this timeless hilltop town. The drive across Calabria revealed a different side of the region – less crowded, deeply authentic, and rich in history. In this article, I’ll share what made Santa Severina such a special escape.
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Where Is Santa Severina?
Santa Severina is located in Calabria’s Crotone province, between the Sila Mountains and the Ionian Sea. This picturesque hilltop town overlooks the scenic Neto River valley, offering panoramic views in every direction.
Though it feels like a peaceful retreat, Santa Severina is less than 45 minutes from the Ionian coastline. It’s also close to local wineries and sandy beaches, making it an ideal stop if you want to explore both Calabria’s inland charm and seaside beauty.
Where to Stay Near Santa Severina
While there are a few apartment-style rentals in the historic center of Santa Severina, we chose to stay just outside town at Azienda Agrituristica Le Puzzelle – and it was a perfect choice.
This charming agriturismo offers farm-stay-style accommodations with large, comfortable rooms. It was easy to get into and out of Santa Severina by car, making it a convenient home base for exploring the area.
After our arrival, we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon swim in the pool. Later that evening, we had dinner on the terrace – a delicious meal made from fresh, local ingredients grown right on the property. The next morning, we were treated to a generous homemade breakfast before heading back into town.
If you’re looking for peaceful accommodations near Santa Severina, Le Puzzelle is a great option.
🎈Click here to book your stay near Santa Severina!
How to Spend 2 Days in Santa Severina and the Area
Santa Severina may be small, but it offers a rich mix of history, scenery, and local flavor that easily fills two days. With its relaxed pace and authentic atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where you can slow down and truly connect with Calabria’s cultural roots. Here’s how we spent our time exploring Santa Severina and the surrounding area.
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation
We began our journey on the Tyrrhenian side of Calabria, leaving San Nicola Arcella and driving across the scenic Pollino Mountains toward the Ionian coast. The views along the way were spectacular, with winding roads and a peaceful, rural landscape.
Upon arrival, we checked into Azienda Agrituristica Le Puzzelle, just outside Santa Severina. After settling into our spacious room, we cooled off with a refreshing swim in the pool, surrounded by the quiet countryside.
That afternoon, we visited Tenuta Iuzzolini. It is one of the region’s most well-known wineries which offers a tasting of their award-winning Cirò wines. It was a perfect way to ease into the rhythm of the area.
As the day began to wind down, we headed into Santa Severina for an aperitivo on Piazza Campo, the heart of town. With the warm evening breeze and the sun rays lighting up the historic buildings, it felt like stepping back in time.
For dinner, there are options in town or back at the agriturismo. We chose to dine at Le Puzzelle, enjoying a meal made from local ingredients under the stars on the terrace. It was a peaceful end to a relaxed first day.
Day 2: Explore the Town and Surrounding Area
We started the day with a delicious homemade breakfast at Le Puzzelle, fueling up for a full day of sightseeing in Santa Severina.
Castello di Santa Severina – Highlight of the Town & Worth Visiting
Our first stop was the Castello di Santa Severina, one of the best-preserved Norman fortresses in Southern Italy. This impressive castle dates back to the 11th century and stands on the site of a much older Byzantine military and religious complex.
The Normans built their stronghold directly atop the Byzantine structures, and many original elements – like fragments of frescoes, a cistern, and skeletal remains – can still be seen today.
One particularly fascinating discovery inside the castle includes a skeleton with a 3rd-century BC coin placed on its jaw, offering a haunting (creepy) glimpse into ancient burial customs
The castle also houses the Archaeological Museum of Santa Severina, which displays local finds from both the Byzantine and Norman periods. Conveniently, there is a free parking lot located just next to the castle entrance.
The opening hours vary based on season, but in general it is 10am till 1:00pm (13:00) and reopens at 3:30 (15:30) till 7:30 pm (19:30). Currently the cost is 5 euros for a ticket.
Roaming Around Town
After exploring the fortress, we wandered through Piazza Campo, the town’s central square, where life moves at a relaxed pace. Just steps away, we visited the Cattedrale di Santa Anastasia, a beautiful cathedral that anchors the town’s religious history.
From there, we spent time strolling the narrow cobblestone streets of the centro storico, stopping often to admire the traditional stone buildings and scenic panoramas from the town’s natural overlooks.
It’s worth noting that summer temperatures in this area can get quite hot, so an afternoon siesta is definitely in order. There are many fun and interesting facts about Southern Italy that will help make your visit to Calabria more enjoyable including understanding the local way of life.
This often includes a long lunch and rest during the hottest part of the day. During our visit, we returned to our lodging to relax and enjoy some time by the pool before heading back out.
Santa Severina offers a few small bars, coffee shops, and casual trattorias serving pizza and local pasta specialties, perfect for a light lunch or relaxed evening meal. While we explored the town, we chose to dine (again) at Le Puzzelle, where the food was fresh, simple, and local – a true reflection of Calabrian hospitality and flavor.
Practical Tips for Visiting Santa Severina
To make the most of your time in Santa Severina, it helps to plan ahead. Here are a few practical tips based on our experience:
- Visit in spring or fall for the most pleasant weather. Summers can be very hot, especially inland (we know – stayed there in July).
- A car is essential for reaching Santa Severina and exploring the surrounding Ionian countryside. Public transportation is limited in this part of Calabria.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – the town’s charming cobblestone streets and hilly paths require a bit of effort but are well worth it.
- Book agriturismo stays, like Azienda Agrituristica Le Puzzelle, early if you’re visiting during peak season. These unique accommodations fill up fast and offer an authentic experience you won’t find in standard hotels.
My Trip Planning Resources
These are the companies that I use when planning our trips:
– Flights: WayAway
– Hotel Reservations: Booking.com & Hotels.com
– Vacation Rentals: VRBO
– Portable Wi-Fi: Ryoko Pro
– Rental Cars: DiscoverCars.com
– Train Tickets: Rail Europe
– Tours: Viator, Get Your Guide and GuruWalk
– Travel Insurance: VisitorsCoverage
– Airport Lounge Access Program: Priority Pass
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FAQs About Santa Severina
Is Santa Severina worth visiting?
Yes! It’s a peaceful and authentic Calabrian village with a stunning medieval castle and rich history.
How do I get to Santa Severina?
The town is best accessed by car. It’s about 40 minutes from the Ionian coast and 1.5 hours from Lamezia Terme airport. Need a rental car? Check out DiscoverCars.com for comparison quotes.
Can you visit the castle in Santa Severina?
Yes, the castle is open to visitors and is very well preserved. It’s the town’s main attraction.
What’s the difference between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian sides of Calabria?
The Ionian side tends to be quieter, with fewer tourists and more open landscapes. The Tyrrhenian side has more dramatic cliffs and resort towns, like Scalea and Tropea.
Are there beaches near Santa Severina?
Yes, the Ionian coast is a short drive away with several beautiful beaches and coastal towns.
Can I go wine tasting near Santa Severina?
Yes! The area is known for local wines, and several tasting shops and vineyards are nearby. You can also take a wine tour starting in Cirò Marina with an English-speaking tour guide – Cirò Marina: winery tour with tasting.
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Final Thoughts: Is Santa Severina Worth Visiting?
Is Santa Severina worth visiting? Yes – especially if you’re on the east coast of Calabria. This peaceful hilltop village is rich in history. It offers authenticity and natural beauty. You’ll find a remarkably preserved Norman castle. The quiet piazzas and views over the Ionian countryside add to its charm. Santa Severina invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Whether you’re planning a longer Calabria itinerary or just need a break from beach crowds, Santa Severina is a memorable stop. It pairs well with other Calabria gems like San Nicola Arcella and Scalea. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide to the 10 best towns to visit in Calabria. You’ll find even more off-the-beaten-path ideas there.
Take the road less traveled and spend some time in Santa Severina!
Looking for assistance in planning your trip to Calabria, Italy, we would be happy to help. Please refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or send us an email.
Want to learn how to pack like a pro? Check out our post on How to Pack for a Two-Week Trip: Travel Light with Just a Carry-On & Personal Item!
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