San Leonardo di Cutro: Coast, Calanchi and History

Between the Ionian Sea and the hilly landscape

San Leonardo di Cutro is a tourist coastal settlement by the sea in the municipality of Cutro and is situated on a hill near the Ionian Sea. The coast and elevated location thus shape two different sides of the town.

Cammino della Magna Graecia and expansive landscapes

The 30.77 km-long stage 14 of the Cammino della Magna Graecia begins in San Leonardo di Cutro, passes through Le Castella and Capo Rizzuto, continues to Marinella, and reaches a maximum elevation of 90 m. The route brings several connections between settlements and landscapes into a coherent sequence. For travelers who want to compare different ideas for daily activities, this creates a clear link between coastal towns and the open surrounding countryside, without implying any particular stage itinerary.

Wheat fields and Calanchi

San Leonardo di Cutro is surrounded by extensive wheat fields. Calanchi, geological formations typical of the area, shape the landscape around San Leonardo di Cutro. Together, the fields and these structures formed by geological processes give the surroundings a distinctly rural character. They create an appealing contrast to the proximity of the sea and make the area interesting for visitors who want to experience landscapes beyond classic coastal scenery during their vacation.

Local history in Quartiere Vaglio

San Leonardo di Cutro was founded by the Jesuits toward the end of the 16th century to house settlers there for the cultivation of their lands. The remains of a defensive tower can be found in the historic Quartiere Vaglio, the oldest district. The Torre di San Leonardo stands in the settlement of the same name. Its construction began in 1597 on the orders of the Jesuits. Giovanni Astengo is associated with the role of principal author of Borgo San Leonardo di Cutro.

Chapels and patronal festival

The annual patronal festival of San Leonardo takes place in the last week of April. The patronal festival procession passes through the settlement to a chapel dedicated to the patron saint in the Turrazzo area. The Chiesetta del Turrazzo is a small chapel overlooking the sea, situated on a terrace in San Leonardo di Cutro. It thus combines religious tradition with a striking view toward the coast.

Coast and harbor

Praialonga is San Leonardo di Cutro's free-access beach: a long coastline of fine sand. It can be reached conveniently by car from nearby. In addition, the harbor of San Leonardo di Cutro has 60 berths for boats up to 12 m long. The beach and harbor therefore give the town a maritime character, while the hills, fields and Calanchi preserve a second, distinctly more rural side.

Discover more places

Steccato, Le Castella, Strongoli, Belvedere Di Spinello, Sant'Anna, Petilia Policastro, Torretta, Isola Di Capo Rizzuto

For the overarching travel overview: Crotone.