Diamante is a town located on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, in the province of Cosenza. Known as the“City of Murals,” Diamante offers a unique mix of crystal-clear sea, golden beaches, artistic murals, and gastronomic delights based on chili pepper, which is the town's symbol.
This city is part of my 10-day Calabria Itinerary.
The historical center of Diamante
The historic center of Diamante, with its narrow streets and colorful houses, is adorned with numerous murals that tell the history, culture, and traditions of Calabria.
The town is also famous for the Castle of the Princes of Sangineto, which dominates the town from the top of the hill, and for the Spiaggia delle Sirene, one of the most beautiful and striking beaches in Calabria.
10 Things to Do in Diamond
- Beaches: Enjoy Diamante's beaches, including Cimalonga Beach and Fiuzzi Beach, to relax in the sun and swim in the crystal clear sea.
- Old Town: Explore Diamante's quaint old town, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and murals decorating the walls.
- Murals: Admire the frescoes and murals found throughout the city, representing local art and culture.
- Castle: Visit Diamond Castle, situated on a hill with panoramic views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
- Market: Take a stroll through the Diamond Market, where you can find local produce, handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Calabrian Cuisine: Enjoy Calabrian cuisine at local restaurants and trattorias, sampling typical dishes such as ‘nduja, spicy sausage, and fresh seafood.
- Boat Excursions: Book a boat excursion to explore the coast and surrounding sea caves, including the famous Monk's Cave.
- Water Activities: Practice water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, diving or kayaking along the coast.
- Cultural Events: Attend cultural events and festivals held throughout the year, such as the Chili Festival or the Fish Festival.
- Hiking: Explore the hinterland with excursions to nature parks and reserves, discovering breathtaking landscapes and unique flora and fauna.
How to get to Diamond
To get to Diamante, Calabria, Italy, there are several transportation options depending on your starting location and preferences. Here are some common ways to get there:
- Bycar: If you have a car or rent a car, you can reach Diamante easily via highways and state highways. Diamante is located along the SS18, also known as the “Writers' Road,” which runs along the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria. From the SS18, there are clear directions to Diamante.
- By train: If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train to the nearest train station to Diamante, which is Scalea. Scalea is served by regional and intercity trains that connect the city with other destinations in Calabria and throughout Italy. From Scalea, you can take a cab or bus to Diamante, which is about 10 kilometers away.
- By bus: There are bus services connecting Diamante with other cities and towns in Calabria and Italy. You can check schedules and fares with local or national bus companies.
- By air: If you are arriving from abroad or from other Italian regions and wish to fly, you can consider landing at the airports closest to Diamante. The nearest airport is Lamezia Terme Airport (SUF), which is about 120 kilometers from Diamante. From Lamezia Terme airport, you can rent a car or take a train or bus to get to Diamante.
When to go to Diamond
The best season to visit Diamante is from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny and you can fully enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.