Coccorino between the Coast and Local History

Coccorino combines its village setting, coastal formations and architectural history. Coves, rocks and water meet here with the village’s religious building. The combination of natural surroundings and local history gives Coccorino an interplay between open spaces and architecture.

Village Setting and Transition to the Coast

Coccorino is considered a village in a panoramic location at 285 metres above sea level. From the village, a winding mountain road leads via the signpost to the Juncari spring; by car, you can get to within about 500 metres of the sea. The route from the village to the water is therefore a separate part of getting oriented. When planning your day, you can first schedule the village and then the coastal area as separate sections. The elevated location gives the village its own spatial introduction before a visit to the coast. Anyone wishing to combine both areas in one day can plan the village first and the coastal area afterwards.

Coves, Pebbles and Light-Coloured Rock

Spiaggia Le Saline is located in the Baia del Corsaro area of Coccorino. Spiaggia Tirujiu is a beach in Coccorino and also a small natural cove with clear water and light-coloured rocks. Its shore consists mainly of pebbles and smooth rocks; smaller stretches of sand complement the beach. The rocky seabed at Spiaggia Tirujiu is also said to be suitable for snorkelling. When viewed from the water, the surface of the shore and the rocky seabed stand out as separate features.

Rock Formation and Grotta dell’Aspide

In front of Spiaggia Tirujiu, a pyramid-shaped rock beside the beach forms a narrow, deep cove. Grotta dell’Aspide can only be reached by swimming or on foot. Anyone including this section in their day plan can schedule the rocky cove at the beach and the route to the grotto as two separate activities.

The Chiesa di San Mercurio Martire

The Chiesa di San Mercurio Martire also characterises Coccorino. It is the village’s most important religious building. It was built in the early years of the 13th century. Its semi-elliptical floor plan comprises a single nave. The original section cannot be distinguished from the later rebuilds following the earthquake of 1783. The church was restored and structurally reinforced.

Salt Quarry on the Coast

There used to be a salt quarry on the coast of Coccorino. The former salt quarry stands as a historical coastal reference alongside the natural coastal formations. For those interested in culture, the local history of the religious building is linked here with the former use of the seashore.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

For comparison with other destinations, you can also include Joppolo, Zambrone, Torre Marino, Soriano Calabro, Limbadi, Brognaturo, San Calogero and Santa Maria Di Ricadi in your plans.

For the overview of the wider area: Vibo Valentia.