A corner of paradise located just a few steps from the coast of Praia a Mare, in the province of Cosenza: Dino Island is the largest in Calabria and one of the must-see destinations when visiting the region. It can be reached by canoe, pedal boat, or by joining a guided boat tour.

With its crystal-clear waters, picturesque coves, and limestone cliffs towering over the Tyrrhenian Sea, this island offers tourists 50 hectares of greenery, with numerous millennial caves waiting to be explored.

The name of the island has mysterious and fascinating origins. Some believe it once housed a temple dedicated to the goddess Venus (aedina in Ancient Greek), while others think the etymology comes from the Greek “dina,” meaning “whirlpool”: the high waves and rough sea made the island's shores dangerous for ancient navigators. The most intriguing legend tells of the two Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, sons of Zeus, who once lived on the island, and whose cult was widely spread among the cities of Magna Graecia. However, the most widely accepted version is that the island was consecrated to Leucothea, protector of sailors and venerated in the nearby Campanian city of Velia, whose role was to ensure favorable crossings along the coast.

The island’s natural beauty is breathtaking: the erosion of the limestone rocks has created numerous coves, each with its own unique features. The recommendation is to begin the circumnavigation by following the east-northwest route. The first cave you’ll encounter is the Monk's Cave, where the sea takes on varying shades from emerald green to blue. Other noteworthy caves include the Lion’s Cave, named for a rock resembling a majestic crouching lion, the Waterfall Cave (featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and pink rocks dipping into the water), and the Blue Cave, the largest, where the waters shift from deep blue to bottle green.

But the most famous is the Gargiulo Cave, completely submerged except for two air pockets. Located 18 meters below sea level, it is a paradise for divers, stretching 124 meters with chambers, corridors, and narrow passages. Characterized by stalactite and stalagmite formations covering the vaults, offering a breathtaking view, the cave is named after Enrico and Rosaria Gargiulo, who discovered it and explored its depths in the 1970s and 80s.

Dino Island is also the ideal place for nature lovers: the splendid specimens of Gorgonians, with their unique shades of red, orange, and yellow, form the so-called Dino Forest. The Primula of Palinuro also grows here, a species protected by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which is why efforts are underway to designate the island as a nature reserve.

At the summit, reachable by a walking path, stands the Tower of Dino Island, a square building of Norman origin. Used during the periods of the Angevins and Bourbons as a lookout against the many invasions on the coast, it was built on the western tip of the island, known as the Frontone, at an altitude of 73 meters above sea level. The tower served as a tool for surveillance, communication, and alarm. From the top, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the gulf, as well as observe colonies of gray herons and peregrine falcons, accompanied by the calls of numerous seagulls.

In short, Dino Island is a true treasure to discover, with its natural beauty and fascinating history. Don't miss the opportunity to visit and experience a unique and unforgettable adventure.