Paola Travel Guide

Tourist 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$146 per night from 15 July to 16 July
NZ$146
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly affittacamere in Paola. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
"Close to town centre"

Reviewed on 15 Nov. 2024

Sant'Agostino Guest Rooms
BluMarine Appartaments
BluMarine Appartaments
Via Capo Vaticano 7, Paola, CS
The price is NZ$154 per night from 18 July to 19 July
NZ$154
18 July - 19 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this B&B in Paola. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Porta San Francesco di Paola and Church of Madonna of the Rosary ...
6/10 (1 review)
"Svårt att hitta, ingen skyllt. Ingen hotell men Lägenhet med två rum med egna badrum."

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

BluMarine Appartaments
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.
Cozy and modern apartment a stone's throw from the sea
Cozy and modern apartment a stone's throw from the sea
Paola
Stay at this apartment in Paola. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola ...
Cozy and modern apartment a stone's throw from the sea
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
VILLA VIRGINIA N. 11 with LARGE COMMUNAL SWIMMING POOL - 1 Km from the beach
VILLA VIRGINIA N. 11 with LARGE COMMUNAL SWIMMING POOL - 1 Km from the beach
bonifati
Book a stay at this golf villa in Bonifati. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Cetraro Marina Beach and Chiesa del SS. Crocifisso ...
Beautiful view
"A wonderful Villa. All you need for a two week stay. The communal pool was gorgeous- infinity part over looking the sea. The area felt safe, parking was good. You do need a car to go anywhere and we couldn’t find a taxi service. The area is great as can visit many beaches and towns. Diamante was ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2024

VILLA VIRGINIA N. 11 with LARGE COMMUNAL SWIMMING POOL - 1 Km from the beach
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.

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