Riace, Coastal municipality in Calabria, Italy
Riace is a small coastal commune in Calabria, Italy, perched on elevated terrain overlooking the Ionian Sea. The village consists of compact streets and residential areas typical of southern Italian settlements, with views stretching toward the water below.
The area served as a significant location along ancient Greek trade routes in the Mediterranean. Its archaeological importance grew when two ancient Greek bronze statues were found in the waters off its shore.
Local festivals in Riace celebrate traditional Calabrian music, dance performances, and regional culinary specialties throughout the year.
The village is well-positioned for hiking to nearby nature reserves and beaches along the shoreline. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and set out early in the day to navigate uneven terrain and avoid afternoon heat.
In the early 2000s, the village became a model for social integration by deliberately welcoming migrants and revitalizing its shrinking population. This unusual experiment demonstrated how a small commune could renew itself through openness to newcomers.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
