Civita

Travel Guide

Civita which includes a small town or village
Civita showing tranquil scenes, a small town or village and landscape views
Civita showing landscape views, a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
Castrovillari
Civita

One of Italy’s most visible ethnic minorities has turned this tiny town into a cultural haven amid the natural beauties of Pollino National Park.

A group of Albanian refugees founded Civita in 1471, seeking refuge from encroaching Ottoman power in the safety of high mountains across the sea in Italy. An earlier town had been destroyed by an earthquake and they set out to create a lively enclave of their culture, now known as Arbëresh. Visit for a new perspective on Italian and Albanian culture and to explore the stunning beauty of Pollino National Park.

Learn about Arbëresh culture at the Arbëresh Ethnographic Museum of Culture, with exhibits about traditional dress, crafts and the local Albanian dialect. Attend a Mass conducted in Albanian in the Orthodox churches, particularly Santa Maria Assunta, whose Eastern orientation and distinctive Byzantine mosaics set it apart from most other Italian churches. Walk around the town on the so-called Route of Chimneys, looking for smokestacks decorated with ancient stone carving.

Culture and nature combine at Il Ponte del Diavolo, a mysterious bridge spanning the Raganello River. Ride in a canoe or raft on the water, as it winds through the chasms and gorges of the park. Climb to the summits of the nearby Pollino Mountains, whose peaks provide views almost all the way to the sea.

Nestled in the middle of Pollino National Park, Civita is nonetheless relatively easy to access. Bus services run from Sibari, 30 minutes away, and more often from Cosenza, the provincial capital, 1 hour away. Train stations in each of those towns have connections to other regions. Drive from Naples in just under 3 hours or from Bari in 2.5 hours. The closest airport is in Lamezia Terme, 1.5 hours away by car. More connections are available from the other two cities. Civita itself is small enough to be best explored on foot. Rent a car for exploring the surrounding area.

On special feast days, watch for the splendid silk and gold costumes worn by the town’s women, which evoke perfectly Civita’s position between East and West.

Sibari Green Resort
Sibari Green Resort
4 out of 5
Contrada Bruscate Piccola, Cassano allo Ionio, CS
The price is RM1,153 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
RM1,153
RM1,407 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly resort in Cassano allo Ionio. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and a free beach shuttle. Popular attractions Sibaritide ...
Good location but not well managed
"I found new management this year No supervision in any dept.dining room clean our own table while employees were on cellular and mgr standing in 5 square feet from kitchen door,Pool allowed tens of baby with diapers while kids pool was used only by a few ,when i reported to person in charge of the ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2016

Sibari Green Resort
Maritim Resort Calabria
Maritim Resort Calabria
Via Lipari 32, Villapiana, CS
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Villapiana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Laghi di Sibari and Sibaritide National ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Trevligt hotell, mycket att göra. Lite stelt och känsla av charter men bra."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Maritim Resort Calabria
Relais il Mulino
Relais il Mulino
Contrada Santa Domenica, Via Chiubbica, Corigliano-Rossano, CS
The price is RM452 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
RM452
RM505 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly property in Corigliano-Rossano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Corigliano Seafront ...
Excellent rustic stay
"Relais il Mulino was an amazing experience I highly recommend anyone who is visiting Calabria to stay here. The hotel is surrounded by nature making it a peaceful and relaxing place. I also loved the architecture, which was very rustic. The service was excellent and all staff were very friendly and ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2024

Relais il Mulino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
TH Marina di Sibari - Baia degli Achei Village
TH Marina di Sibari - Baia degli Achei Village
4 out of 5
Località Salicetta, Sibari, Cassano allo Ionio, CS
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Cassano allo Ionio. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Sibaritide National Archaeological ...
La nostra vacanza in Calabria
"Ottimo villaggio per passare una vacanza con la famiglia, ottimo per i bambini, ben attrezzato sia in spiaggia che all'interno , eccellente animazione e un complimento anche per la cordialità riscontrata dal personale sempre disponibile . In generale un ottima vacanza anche se durata un po' pochino ..."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2014

TH Marina di Sibari - Baia degli Achei Village
Residence La Bricola Laghi di Sibari
Residence La Bricola Laghi di Sibari
Contrada Casone Laghi di Sibari, Cassano allo Ionio, CS
Stay at this aparthotel in Cassano allo Ionio. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Corigliano Seafront and Sibaritide National ...
"Piccolo e semplice monolocale con soppalco (letto matrimoniale) con bella vista sui laghi. Fornito di quasi tutto quello che serve per una breve vacanza in un bel posto di mare."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2020

Residence La Bricola Laghi di Sibari
Casa vacanza la sorgente
Casa vacanza la sorgente
Contrada migliurin1, Corigliano-Rossano, CS
Stay at this vacation home in Corigliano-Rossano. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Corigliano Seafront and Ducale ...
Casa vacanza la sorgente
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do