Cariati, Coastal municipality in Province of Cosenza, Italy
Cariati is a coastal municipality in the Province of Cosenza, Calabria, divided into two parts: Superiore sits on a hill inland and Marina stretches along the shore. The two areas are connected by a road that runs through olive groves and agricultural fields.
The settlement began in the Middle Ages on the hill and later expanded with a port area that grew over the centuries into the present Marina district. Fortifications were built to protect the population from attacks by sea, and some of these structures are still visible today.
The name comes from Greek and points to the ancient settlement of this coast, which today appears in some street names and local place names. In the evenings, locals gather on the promenade in the Marina, where small tables are set in front of restaurants during summer and families sit outside late into the night.
The elevation difference between the two parts is noticeable, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes if they plan to explore both areas on foot. Those traveling by car will find parking in both sections, though the Marina tends to be busier during summer months.
The coastline near Marina shows a noticeable change in water color during spring and autumn, caused by currents and sediment from nearby rivers. In Superiore, there is an old well that used to be the main water source for the village and still functions today.
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