Santa Caterina dello Ionio
Welcome to Santa Caterina dello Ionio
Welcome to Santa Caterina dello Ionio, a Calabrian municipality of 2,118 inhabitants located on the southern coast of the Ionian Sea. Here, the population is divided between the historic center, which is located approximately 6 kilometers from the sea, and the more recently developed coastal hamlet. The city has an ancient and uncertain history that dates back to the first settlements of villages to defend themselves against Saracen attacks. The municipality pays particular attention to the quality of its beaches and won the Green Flag for Beaches in 2015, an award from Italian pediatricians for the care and safety of the beaches for children.
The Physical Geography of Santa Caterina dello Ionio
The territory of Santa Caterina dello Ionio borders the municipality of Badolato to the north, Brognaturo to the west, and Guardavalle to the south. The area is characterized by the diversity of environments that it offers, thanks to its altitude: ranging from 0 meters above sea level to over 1000 meters above sea level. The coastline offers a picturesque environment, with stabilized dunes and lush shrubbery, threatened however by summer drought and fires. The beach is also a reproduction site for the Caretta caretta turtle, a highly endangered species that finds refuge here thanks to the help of Calabrian researchers. The city then moves towards the hills, where the landscape is characterized by rolling hills and suggestive peaks with names such as T.ne Lurtano, T.ne Petruso and M. Scadenza.
Calanco Phenomena
In the hills, clay outcrops mixed with sand layers are easily erodible and, along with the slope and exposure, give rise to Calanco phenomena. Further up the mountains, the sandy matrixed clastic deposits become more evident and the landscape assumes a reptilian morphology with steep profiles. Walking along the riverbeds, it is possible to see true canyons between the outcrops. The vegetation in this area is typical of the Mediterranean scrubland.
The Mountainous Area
The mountainous area of Santa Caterina dello Ionio is characterized by a different geology, with degraded granite outcrops. The vegetation is not naturally present in this area as it has been reforested in the 1950s and 70s.
In conclusion, Santa Caterina dello Ionio offers a very suggestive and diversified nature, with safe and cared-for beaches, making the city an ideal destination for families. Come visit us!
