Torre di Joppolo / Torre Parnaso

The Torre di Joppolo, also known as Torre Parnaso or Torre Saracena, dominates an evocative stretch of coast between Joppolo and Nicotera. Built as a lookout and defence point, it watched over the sea when the Calabrian shores were exposed to the risk of raids and every tower was a key stronghold to protect the territory. Today it remains a place of rugged, authentic charm: ancient stone, open sea, farmland and rocky coast meet in a setting that needs little to make an impression. Not the classic "perfect postcard" place, and that is exactly its value: here the Costa degli Dei shows its truer, quieter, more rugged face. An ideal stop for those who want to go beyond Tropea and Capo Vaticano and discover a less travelled stretch of Calabria, where history is not enclosed in a museum but remains in front of the sea, exposed to wind and time. WeDei tip Visit during the softer hours of the day, especially at sunset or in the late afternoon: the light makes the landscape more intense and the view over the sea more evocative. Pair it with a walk along the coast of Joppolo or with a stop toward Nicotera, to build a small itinerary among towers, sea and villages of the Costa degli Dei.

• Ancient coastal lookout tower. View over the Tyrrhenian Sea. A quiet, deeply identifying place. An excellent stop for an itinerary between Joppolo and Nicotera. Ideal for photography, walks and discovering the area.