**This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links in this article, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
If you’re looking to experience an idyllic Italian seaside town while also hoping to fit in some cultural sight-seeing, Diamante Calabria is the place to be in Southern Italy!
Located in Calabria, (the toe of the Italian boot), and more specifically in the province of Cosenza, the town of Diamante is easily accessible while touring Italy’s spicy southern region.
With over 300 vibrant murals to explore and a rugged coastline boasting kilometers of sandy shores, Diamante Italy brings both urban-feel and beach-fun to your Italian summer holiday.
Nicknamed Italy’s most painted city, wandering the alleys of Diamante feels like visiting an open-air exhibition. Pops of color envelop every wall and corner in a breathtaking collection of masterpieces.
But the town isn’t just art!
A charming seaside town, Diamante Italy also offers some unique beaches in the area and one of the most anticipated and renowned culinary events of the year… the flaming Peperoncino Festival!
And get this, when it comes to international crowds, Diamante Italy remains off the radar… even during peak season! It’s a great low-key summer destination for those looking for quieter shores.
So, whether you choose to visit on a day trip or extend your time to an overnight stay, Diamante is a must when passing through northern Calabria.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS POST
Everything you need to know about visiting Diamante Calabria. (See Table of Contents below).
- What to Do in Diamante Italy
- Nearby Attractions – Exploring the Riviera dei Cedri
- What to Expect & Practical Tips
Post Contents
Best Things to Do in Diamante Italy
So, let’s jump right into it!
Here are the best things to do while in Diamante Calabria:
1. Admire the 300 murals of Diamante
Chances are it was the captivating street art that landed you on this post of Diamante in the first place… I mean I know that’s what drew me to finally visit the town.
Honestly, I was quite surprised to learn of Diamante’s artistic character. For years I had seen friends and family vacation around its shores, yet few had ever actually set foot in the small town. That’s such a pity!
So naturally, as soon as I learned of the murals, I had to visit!
HISTORY – To help revive the spirt of what was feared to be a dying town, the Milanese artist and Diamante adoptee Nani Razzetti embarked on a mission to use artistic expression to revitalize the small town. Starting in 1981, painters coming from all over the world gathered in Diamante to rekindle the city’s pride through paint.
As you wander the alleys of town, the ‘Diamantese identity’ comes to life through vibrant scenes of maritime life. Like a photo album depicting both daily and defining moments in history, the town’s voice is loud and clear as it welcomes you into its story.
Image after image you are let in on countless memoirs of fishing and sailing. Quietly yet powerfully, as you sink further into its artwork, the town’s restored spirit triumphs and overpowers you with its glory.
In the span of a decade over 300 murals have been executed! For ultimate preservation, the murals are restored and maintained regularly.
These are some snapshots of my favorite pieces!
SMALL TOWN FEEL – With only 5000 residents approximately, and only a couple hundred living in the historical downtown, experiencing Diamante is authentic Italy to its core. Tucked away from most tourism, you get a glimpse inside a daily lifestyle undisturbed by foreigners.
I visited in late May and was hands down the only ‘non-local’ wandering town.
2. Relax at the beach in Diamante Calabria
As mentioned earlier, Diamante’s coastline is home to several beaches. Why not take the day to enjoy these gorgeous waters?!
Although I’ve only personally been to Arcomagno Beach, here is a simple list of other beaches you will find in the area.
*Note that ONLY Spiaggia di Diamante is accessible via foot from town. All other beaches necessitate driving as they are located a bit further out.*
TYPES OF ITALIAN BEACHES
- Spiaggia Libera – Free Access Beach (no facilities, no lifeguard)
- Spiaggia Attrezzata/Lido – Paid Beach Club (certain facilities like restroom or shower, umbrella/sunbed rental, and possible dining options)
Spiaggia di Diamante – Diamante town has beaches both to the north and south of it. Access is directly from town so convenient. Sand is a bit coarse, so water shoes come in handy. There are both free access beaches and paid beach clubs.
Spiaggia di Cirella di Diamante (10-min drive) – North of Diamante, the beaches in Cirella are located directly across Cirella Island. The beaches have dark coarse sand and are accessed mainly via paid beach clubs (sometimes reserved only to resort/hotel guests). There are a couple free-access beaches, but they are known to get crowded during peak season.
Spiaggia Sabbia d’Oro (10-min drive) – South of Diamante, you’ll find golden sandy shores. Along this stretch of Tyrrhenian coast, there are both free access beaches and paid beach clubs. Note that sand can be coarse – water shoes are recommended!
Arcomagno Beach (40-min drive) – North of Diamante and in the town of San Nicola Arcella, you’ll find the world-famous beach of Arcomagno. Characterized by the most exquisite arch and stunning turquoise waters, this beach is one of my favorites in Italy!
Access to the beach is via a steep footpath – I recommend closed toed shoes with excellent traction. Sand is dark and coarse, so water shoes are recommended. See more details of visiting Arcomagno Beach here.
*Note – Beach is now only accessible from 9AM to 7PM for a maximum transit time of 30 minutes. A small entry fee is required (even if coming in via boat).*
Visiting by Boat – you can also visit Arcomagno by boat tour. Tours usually combine Arcomagno Beach with nearby Dino Island (Isola di Dino). (Unfortunately, I can’t speak for this as I haven’t done it myself.)
3. Attend the Peperoncino Festival in September
Every year in the month of September Diamante hosts its annual Peperoncino Festival. For 5 days the town attracts visitors from all walks of life searching for some hot and flaming novelties.
An explosion of all things chili pepper, the event is not your typical gastronomic fair. Besides numerous culinary stands and tastings, the town also holds contests, performances (from cabaret to cinema), circus acts, art exhibitions and much more!… all centered around the Calabrian spicy chili pepper!
Continuing your road trip down Calabria? – Don’t miss these breathtaking beaches and towns on the western coast!
See Complete Guide of The Best Beaches in Calabria here!
BEACHES
- Marinella di Zambrone (2hr 30min drive) – my personal favorite in Calabria (and perhaps all of Italy), this free access beach is nicknamed Divers’ Paradise for its astounding waters!
- Grotta del Palombaro (Tropea) (2hr 30min drive) – escape the crowds and visit this secret but impressive grotto with its own beach!
- Spiaggia della Rotonda (Tropea) (2hr 30min drive) – who said comfort and ease of access can’t be paired with Caribbean-like waters? This beach is stunning and right of the road in Tropea. Both free access and beach clubs are available.
- Capo Vaticano (2hr 50min drive) – have fun exploring the dozens of inlets and coves at Grotticelle Beach in Capo Vaticano. You can choose between free access or beach club.
TOWNS
- Pizzo (1hr 50min drive) – a fan of gelato? Head over to Pizzo for the most famous ice cream of Italy, a chocolate hazelnut molten scoop of heaven! See complete Pizzo guide here.
- Tropea (2hr 30min drive) – visit the soaring seaside town of Tropea and spend your days beach-hopping along its impossibly blue coastline. See complete Tropea guide here.
- Scilla (3hr drive) – Nicknamed the Venice of Southern Italy, this lovely fisherman town is a colorful gem you don’t want to miss!
Tips for Visiting Diamante Calabria
Before wrapping up this post, here is some practical information to set you on your way.
How much time do you need in Diamante Italy?
Depending on how much of Northern Calabria you wish to explore, Diamante Italy can easily be done as a daytrip or overnight stay if needed.
Daytrip Through Diamante Calabria
You can easily visit Diamante on a day trip or on a pit-stop passing through (this is what I did). Here is what you can expect to accomplish/see according to time:
- Day Trip |Diamante Town + Beach
Staying Overnight in Diamante
If you plan on doing a boat tour or are visiting during the Peperoncino Festival, staying overnight in Diamante (or in the vicinity) is preferable). Staying more than 1 night is unnecessary in my opinion; rather move on to explore the rest of the infinite Calabrian Coast. For hotel recommendations skip to Where to Stay.
- Overnight (Max 1 night) |Diamante Town + Beach + Boat Tour or Festival
When to visit Diamante
Because Diamante is a seaside village, it is best visited in warmer months. In colder months (November – April) some businesses and/or restaurants can be closed.
I visited in late May and literally had the town completely to myself!
**Beach Clubs are generally only open mid-June to early September** However, you can always access the free beaches!
- MAY: No crowds, weather pleasant, water temperature chilly (but doable late May depending on year and personal comfort).
- JUNE: No crowds, weather pleasant, water temperature decent
- JULY: Few Crowds, hot weather, water temperature pleasant
- AUGUST: More Crowds, scorching weather, water temperature warm
- SEPTEMBER: Few crowds, weather pleasant, water temperature pleasant
BEST: June or Early September (Peperoncino Festival)
WORST: August
How to get to Diamante
Before mentioning the various ways to get to Diamante, it is important you understand the importance of renting a car in Calabria. I repeat,
Renting a Car is a MUST for exploring Calabria!!!
I don’t recommend relying on public transportation as it is scarce and often unreliable.
MY SUGGESTION: Either fly or drive to Diamante (see specific directions below). If you can, try to avoid the train as it can be rather inconvenient.
Airplane: The largest (and most convenient) airport in Calabria is Lamezia Terme International Airport.
Car rental is directly outside of the airport.
Train: I don’t recommend this!
If traveling via train, note that there are no direct high-speed trains into Diamante. You will need to either stop in Scalea or Paola and switch to a regional train into Diamante.
If you’re planning to explore around Diamante, you will absolutely need a car… and Diamante does not readily offer car rental. As a result, I don’t recommend traveling via train directly to Diamante.
Instead, you can stop at Paola and rent a car there and then proceed to drive to Diamante. Note however that car rental in Paola is about 1 km from the train station (15+min inconvenient walk!)
Car
Driving directly to Diamante is straightforward.
From the North
Depending on where you’re coming from, follow the A2, SS18 Tirrena Inferiore south, or SS653 (from Matera).
- Maratea to Diamante | 1 hr.
- Cilento to Diamante | 2 hrs.
- Matera to Diamante | 3 hrs.
- Salerno to Diamante | 2 hrs 15min
- Naples to Diamante | 2 hrs 50min
From the South
Follow the SS18 Tirrena Inferiore north.
- Lamezia to Diamante | 1hr 45min
- Tropea to Diamante | 2hrs 45min
FAQ – Visiting Diamante Calabria
Here are a couple questions I frequently get asked about Diamante:
Is Diamante worth visiting?
It depends on how much time you have in Calabria:
- If you’re strained for time, then perhaps concentrate your travels in the area of the Coast of the Gods where there is more to see and do.
- If, however, you have plenty of time and/or are passing through northern Calabria, than Diamante is definitely worth your time!
Is Diamante Italy crowded?
No! In comparison to other more high-profile towns like Tropea or Pizzo, Diamante is much quieter even during the summer months.
Where to Stay in Diamante Italy
Here are a couple recommendations on where to stay in Diamante based on budget. Although I haven’t personally stayed in these (I visited on a day trip) I only recommend accommodations that I have researched and would happily book for myself as well.
Low-Range – La Vie en Rose Casa Vacanze
Apartment Stay for up to 4 people – in the heart of the murals!
With such a stellar location, this newly renovated apartment lies in the heart of Diamante and is just a brief walk to the beach. Equipped with modern appliances, this apartment has every amenity you could need! Street parking is very convenient and close to the property.
Mid-Range – Antica Dimora del Mare – Luxury Suites
Luxury Suite with Sea-View
Just a 5-minute walk from the beach, the luxury suites at Antica Dimora offer both convenience and breathtaking sea-views. Enjoy sunsets on the horizon from your very own terrace. And with no streets below open to traffic, the property allows for a peaceful and quiet stay.
So, there it is guys…your complete guide to visiting Diamante Calabria.
The city of murals and vibrant brush strokes, this is one seaside town to add to your Calabria itinerary!
If you have any further questions or recommendations to add, please get in contact or comment below. I welcome any feedback and am eager to help as best as I can!
Don’t forget to follow along on my adventures at @ladolcefitvita…
Buona Visita! Happy Touring!
Traveling Around Southern Italy? Check out these guides:
- Explore Italy’s Remarkable City of Caves – Sassi di Matera
- Puglia Road Trip – 5 Days Uncovering Spectacular Beaches and Towns
- Beach-hopping in Calabria: Caribbean-like Waters
- Discover Sicily’s Most Stunning Hidden Beach– Punta Bianca Nature Reserve
- Discover Tropea’s World-Famous Beaches
- Explore Pizzo and Try its Legendary Hazelnut Gelato
Pin Me for Later!
This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.
Leave a Reply