Marine Protected Area Capo Rizzuto, Marine reserve in Crotone, Italy
Marine Protected Area Capo Rizzuto stretches along 40 kilometers of coastline on the Ionian Sea, encompassing eight rocky promontories from Capocolonna to the Le Castella cape. The reserve is divided into zones with varying levels of protection that regulate scientific research and fishing activities.
Protection efforts for this marine environment began in 1982 with early conservation initiatives. The area received official status as a protected zone in 1991, establishing it as a pioneer in marine conservation across Italy.
The name Capo Rizzuto comes from the distinctive cape that has guided sailors for centuries and remains a reference point for the region. Traditional fishing practices continue here under careful management, shaping how local communities interact with the sea.
You can explore the area by boat, with many tours offering transparent hulls to view the underwater world. Information centers in Crotone and Le Castella provide details about ecosystems and visitor guidelines for different zones.
The waters contain extensive meadows of Posidonia oceanica seagrass and coral gardens of Cladocora caespitosa that provide shelter for numerous fish species. These specialized habitats form only under specific conditions and make the area a focus point for marine science.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
