Plizio Visual Lab
Catona
ℹ️Practical info — Catona
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the promenade in the late afternoon for remarkable sunset views over the Strait of Messina.
- Parking near the beach can be tight in mid-summer; arrive early or use public transport.
- Look across the water at night to see the sparkling lights of Sicily.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby National Archaeological Museum in central Reggio Calabria.
🍽 Food
Try the fresh swordfish at a local seafood restaurant along the lungomare (promenade).
Spicy spreadable salami, often found in traditional pizzerias or trattorias.
Grab a traditional gelato or brioche con gelato from a gelateria on the main street.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Local shops sell teas, perfumes, and candies made from this regional citrus.
Check out local fishmongers in the morning for the daily catch.
A peaceful time for a walk before the summer crowds arrive.
The promenade provides a relaxing atmosphere away from heavy traffic.
Water temperature…
Catona is an animated residential and tourist neighborhood located on the northern outskirts of Reggio Calabria, sitting directly on the shores of the wide-open Strait of Messina. With Sicily and the majestic Mount Etna forming a dramatic backdrop just a few miles across the water, Catona has some of the most spectacular coastal views in southern Italy. It is a favored destination for both locals and travelers seeking a classic Italian beach holiday combined with a lively local atmosphere. The seafront of Catona is characterized by a long, sweeping promenade lined with palm trees, and wide stretches of sandy and pebbly beaches. During the summer, the area comes alive with various beach establishments, most notably Lido dello Stretto and Lido di Catona. Lido dello Stretto provides a spirited, family-friendly environment with excellent facilities, umbrellas, and beachside dining options. Similarly, Lido di Catona provides an excellent blend of relaxation and entertainment, featuring pristine bathing areas during the day and transforming into lively social hubs with music and events as the sun sets over the strait. Beyond its beach culture, Catona is steeped in local history, once being an important port for travel across to Sicily, and is even mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy. The neighborhood features excellent pizzerias, gelaterias, and seafood restaurants where visitors can sample authentic Calabrian specialties.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Statua di San Francesco di Paola · CSOA Angelina Cartella · Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola
- Nearby: Torre Faro (9 km)
- Population: ~13.747
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 27 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 80 | 73 | 62 | 44 | 24 | 20 | 12 | 17 | 64 | 82 | 95 | 96 |
Geography
Facts
- Suburb of Reggio Calabria
- Views of Strait of Messina
- Features Lido dello Stretto
- Vibrant Lido di Catona
- Long palm-lined promenade
- Mentioned in Dante's Divine Comedy
- Historic port to Sicily
- Sandy and pebbly beaches
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Catona (5)
Frequently asked questions
Catona: where is it located?
Catona: what is there to see?
Catona: when is the best time to visit?
Catona: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
