Paola

Travel Guide

Shrine of St. Francis di Paola
Shrine of St. Francis di Paola
Shrine of St. Francis di Paola
Shrine of St. Francis di Paola
Shrine of St. Francis di Paola

Experience the rich religious tradition in this Calabrian town, which has a preserved medieval quarter fronted by a gorgeous seaside district.

Paola is a captivating town merging a medieval heritage with a stunning stretch of Tyrrhenian coastline. Delve into the town’s fascinating history and learn about one of the region’s most famous religious figures as you explore superb churches and monasteries perched high on the sea cliff. Walk to the waterfront to find a modern lungomare, or seaside promenade, interspersed with pretty marinas and beaches.

The town is revered as the birthplace of St. Francis of Paola, a 15th-century friar. Explore Paola’s Centro Storico (historic district) to find a collection of remarkable churches and religious landmarks. The 15th-century Santuario di San Francesco is a landmark building with an imposing series of cloisters, a spacious piazza and a modern obelisk statue. Stroll along the piazza for pretty views across the treetops to the streetscape below.

Notice the exquisite tiled dome and Renaissance and Baroque flourishes of the Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica’s façade. Inside, find a collection of treasured artworks, including paintings from the 15th-century Neapolitan school. Other architectural highlights include the 13th-century Santissima Annunziata, the Baroque Church of Santa Maria di Montevergine and the Church of Santa Caterina.

Visit Paola’s modern district, known as Marina di Paola. Hugging the azure-blue coastline, Paola’s waterfront is dotted with modern villas and sleek marinas. Walk or cycle along the scenic waterfront promenade for views across the Tyrrhenian Sea. Check out the pebbly beaches and go swimming when the sun is shining.

Stop at one of the town’s cafés or delicatessens and enjoy traditional Calabrese cuisine. The town has a selection of restaurants with outdoor terraces overlooking the water.

Paola is located on Calabria’s coast, easy to reach by car or by the region’s rail network. The nearest airport is located at Lamezia Terme, which is connected to Paola by rail. The town is less than a 1-hour drive from Cosenza. Experience Paola in full summertime swing in July or August or enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere during other seasons.

Villaggio Club Bahja

Villaggio Club Bahja

Via Agave 2, Paola, CS
Book a stay at this beach inn in Paola. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Panoramic Point and Madonna delle Grazie ...
Villaggio Club Bahja
Sant'Agostino Guest Rooms

Sant'Agostino Guest Rooms

3 out of 5
Vico Fiumicello 6, Paola, CS
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly affittacamere in Paola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free beach shuttle. Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (56 reviews)
"Close to town centre"

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2024

Sant'Agostino Guest Rooms
Italiana Hotels Cosenza

Italiana Hotels Cosenza

4 out of 5
Via Panebianco 452, Cosenza, CS
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cosenza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions PalaFerraro and Lake Arvo are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (471 reviews)
"This is a nice property to stay in if visiting Cosenza. I appreciated that breakfast was available and things were kept clean"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Italiana Hotels Cosenza
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.
Club Residence La Castellana

Club Residence La Castellana

4 out of 5
Località La Praia, Belvedere Marittimo, CS
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Belvedere Marittimo. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a free beach shuttle, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Chiesa del ...
Club Residence La Castellana
Club Residence La Castellana Mare

Club Residence La Castellana Mare

4 out of 5
Contrada Palazza 1, Belvedere Marittimo, CS
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Belvedere Marittimo. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Popular attractions Chiesa del SS. ...
"Gradevole, il giusto compromesso tra mare e comodità, prezzo. Animazione adeguata e seria."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2022

Club Residence La Castellana Mare
Hotel Club Residence Martinica

Hotel Club Residence Martinica

Contrada Paneduro, Bonifati, CS
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Bonifati. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a private beach. Popular attractions Chiesa del SS. Crocifisso and ...
Recommended, friendly, outdated, professional
"It is complex with seperate apartmants, mainly Italien guests. Friendly staff, very helpful Director Luigi. If problem accured very quicly was solved. Apartmant was nice, but slightly worn out and old, view from the balcony was amazing. Surrounding was preaty,in the swimming pool you must have swimming ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2023

Hotel Club Residence Martinica
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