Marina di Gioiosa Ionica

Welcome to Marina di Gioiosa Ionica!

Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, an Italian municipality located in the region of Calabria. With its 6240 inhabitants, Marina di Gioiosa Ionica is located in Locride, an area of Calabria located on the coast of the Ionian Sea, also known as the "coast of jasmine". It is located to the left of the mouth of the Torbido River.

Let's discover the physical geography of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica

The city is located on the coast and enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with sunny days and pleasant temperatures. The beach is about 8 km long and is flat and sandy. The sea is clear and crystalline and we invite you to take a nice swim. The city is also surrounded by a hill that offers a breathtaking view of the coast and the mountains behind it.

Marina di Gioiosa Ionica: the pearl of Calabria.

Where does the name Marina di Gioiosa Ionica come from?

The name of the city originates from two parts: the "Marina" part refers to its position on the coast, while "Gioiosa Ionica" is the name of a nearby city. In the past, Marina di Gioiosa Ionica was a fraction of Gioiosa Ionica, but in 1948 it became an autonomous municipality.

A brief history of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica

The history of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica dates back to the time of the Greek colonization of Magna Graecia, in the 6th century BC. In 210 BC, the area came under the control of the Roman Republic. It is said that at that time, there was a village called Romechium along the coast, where Marina di Gioiosa Ionica is now located. However, there is no historical evidence to support this theory, which could be just a legend.

During the medieval period, the Calabrian-Ionian coast was often subjected to devastation and looting by foreign peoples, such as the Saracens. The surviving population moved inland to escape these attacks and founded the new village of Mystia. However, even this city was destroyed by the Saracens in 986. The population moved again, this time on a rocky promontory where the village of Mocta Geolosia was founded, from which the current Gioiosa Ionica originated.

Malaria and the decline of the coast

The decline of the Calabrian coast was largely caused by deforestation carried out by the Romans, which led to the creation of swamps and the spread of malaria. In response to these problems, the population moved inland. Although these events were devastating for the coast, they contributed to the growth of cities inland, such as Gioiosa Ionica and Marina di Gioiosa Ionica.

Conclusions

Marina di Gioiosa Ionica is a beautiful city on the coast of Calabria, characterized by unspoiled beaches, fantastic weather, and an interesting history. If you are visiting Calabria, do not miss the opportunity to visit this wonderful city.

Giovanni Rinaldi
Updated Saturday, Feb 5, 2022