Tortora, Calabria

The very old Italian town of Tortora, built on a rocky hill in the Middle Ages, in Calabria

Overview

Discover Tortora: Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel

Tortora is the first town on Italy's Tyrrhenian coast one encounters upon entering the region of Calabria from the north.  But, we warn you: first appearances are deceiving and may cause you to wonder why you journeyed this far South. Why?
 
Well, at the entrance to the Marina of Tortora, there are some run down buildings and some rather un-impressive shops, but once you make your way down to the beach you will see one of Italy's longest Lungo Mare (Sea Wall) which stretches from Tortora past Isola Dino about 10 Km down the coast.  The beach at Tortora is at some parts rocky and at some points very sandy and for those who love the beach, you may want to stay right here. However, for lovers of history and those who want to see a truly special Calabrese town, the real charm of Tortora lies in the historical centre, which is a short 15 kilometer drive into the mountains.  To the locals it is known as "Tortora Paese".  
 
Sunset at Tortora Marina, Calabria - Photo by Jesse Andrews
 
Arriving in this Tortora you will be rewarded with superb mountain views, fascinating architecture, houses that seem to spill down the mountainsides, busy, colorful shops, and one of the region's most interesting museums.  So, without question, a drive to this ancient village is well worth it.
 
The antiquities in the museum go back to the time of the ancient Greeks, when Tortora was part of Greater Greece, or "Magna Graecia". 
 
As you will see from many of the prospects in and around the town, the countryside is covered in vineyards and olive or fig orchards.  Some sheep and cattle graze on a few mountain pastures.
 
Tortora Marina, Calabria - Photo by Jesse Andrews
 
In the valley below streams and waterfalls fall off mountain crags.  In the distance, from the highest point of the town, who's highlight is a 14th century Duomo, the view to the Tyrrehnian sea is breathtaking.
 
Hungry? Italy Group Specialists recommends "La Loggia", which overlooks the town and is a great place to have lunch or dinner, especially in the summer months when the outdoor terrace comes alive with music and festivity.
 
Don't forget your camera - there are a number of "shots" you'll want to take in Tortora.
 
Historical Centre of Tortora, Calabria - Photo by Jesse Andrews 

Map

Get your bearings before you go

Multi-Day Holidays Tours

Whole journeys, planned end to end

Private & Small Group Tours in Tortora

Days out with people who know the way

Our Featured Properties

Stays we picked one by one

Quick Enquiry Form

Tell us about your dream trip and we'll craft the perfect itinerary for you.

Tortora

In their words

Stories That Stay With You

Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys

“Dear Guiseppe and Jesse, We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future. Hotels 1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wond…”

Ron and Deb Crosby Read their story

“In September of 2018 I brought a group of 12 from Venice to Sicily and organized all of my services with the Italy Vacation Specialists. Being a travel agent and in the business, I know how complicated organizing travel arrangements can be in Italy and the IVS…”

Ann Brownell, KHM Travel Group Read their story

“I went to high school with the owner of the company who organized my honeymoon for myself and my now wife from Tokyo. We spent three short weeks seeing Piedmont and experiencing wine paradise there, then heading to Nice in France with our private driver and fl…”

Robin and Kumi Bruun, Tokyo Japan Read their story

“I am a travel agent from Lebanon and have organized several group tours as well as individual tours of Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists. I highly recommend them as one of the very best tour operators in Italy to work with, given their professionalism and…”

Nicole Haddad, Lebanese Travel Agent Read their story

“My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She…”

Emily and David Davison Read their story

“I traveled with JoAnn West through your services, guided by Giuseppe, in July of this year. What a wonderful experience; your service is really top notch! If I return to Italy for a tour, I will absolutely use your services again and recommend you to my friend…”

Lucretia Brower Read their story

Plan it with us

For customized holidays and expert advice for travel in Italy and the Mediterranean, Get in touch with your travel agent or contact us via our.

  • Direct In Italy: +39 375 823 5314

  • Toll Free: 1-866-779-2565