.Capo Rizzuto and its marine reserve
Distance: 28 km from Crotone
Total time by bus: 50 min.
It can be visited in 3 hours
.The colour of the sea changes from sky blue to emerald green and the coast is truly spectacular, so rich in history and nature, that on 1991 it was declared a protected marine reserve.
The marine reserve of "Capo Rizzuto" covers an area of about 15,000 hectares, which make it the largest in Italy. It stretches along the coast for 42 km.
Eight promontories mark the reserve's boundaries. The first of which is Capo Colonna, moving further along, you reach the Punta Le Castella, the last bulwark of the reserve, with its Aragonese castle, situated on an island, birthplace to Ugurk-Ali, commander of the imperial fleet of Constantinople.
It's possible to admire the spectacular seabed of A.M.P. on board a glass-bottomed boat. A unique experience, rocked by the waves while watching the immense fields of Posidonia Oceanica, inhabited by friendly, multicoloured fish playing among the seabed vegetation.
Aquarium and CEAM (environmental education centre): Located in Capo Rizzuto, the Aquarium houses 22 tanks with a total capacity of about 20.000 litres; inside you can admire the flora and fauna of the protected area, it is in itself a miniature reserve in which the marine habitat has been faithfully recreated, completely respecting the organisms present. There is also a laboratory dedicated to the Aquarium's younger guests, with the aim of learning about marine biology and ecology. The Aquarium is also rescue centre for "caretta caretta" marine turtles.
By Gruppo di Marketing Territoriale - February 2010.
