What is the southernmost point of Italy?

Italy, with its boot shape that winds through diverse landscapes, from the imposing peaks of the Alps in the north to the beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters in the south, offers breathtaking natural wonders.

Predoi is the northernmost point of Italy, but two other places represent the farthest reaches of the country: Palizzi Marina in Calabria, the last strip of the peninsula, and Punta Pesce Spada on the island of Lampedusa, the last territory belonging to the Italian State.

Palizzi Marina in Calabria

Immersed in the so-called Grecanica Calabria, Palizzi has deep roots, evidence of a past in which different cultures met and merged. The village stands on the slopes of the Aspromonte, with a history that is reflected in its mediaeval architecture and in the fortress that still dominates the landscape today, looking towards the sea that washes the Calabrian coast.

The hamlet of Palizzi Marina, located a short distance from the historic centre, opens up like a window onto the Ionian Sea, with its fine sandy beaches and transparent waters that invite you to relax and contemplate.

This corner of paradise, once a meeting place for fishermen, today welcomes tourists from all over the world, drawn by its natural beauty and the hospitality of its inhabitants.

Palizzi Marina and its rich history

Palizzi is not just about the sea. Its land is rich in history, as demonstrated by the Castle of Palizzi, a fortress that dominates the town and tells the story of centuries of sieges. The Byzantine church of Sant’Anna with its dome is also a symbol of the meeting of cultures that characterises this land.

No less important are the white calanques, extraordinary rock formations that stand out near the sea, creating an almost lunar landscape. And then, for connoisseurs of fine wine, the vineyards of Palizzi produce a high-quality IGT wine, reflecting the area’s rich food and wine heritage.

Lampedusa: Italy’s southernmost tip, combining nature and history

Continuing south, past the Strait of Sicily until you reach Lampedusa, the island is home to Punta Pesce Spada, the southernmost point of Italy. Here, nature manifests itself in surprising ways, from the crystal clear waters that invite you to dive in and explore the unique seabed, through activities such as snorkelling, to the arid but fascinating landscapes that characterise the island.

Lampedusa is not only a paradise for those who love the sea, it is also a melting pot of history and cultures. The archaeological remains scattered across the island, such as stone circles dating back to the prehistoric era (around 4800 BC), or the underground site near the southern coves, tell of ancient civilisations that found a place of meeting and exchange in this strip of land.

Visitors to Lampedusa shouldn’t miss a walk to Punta Pesce Spada, where you can literally touch the southernmost point of Italy. But the island offers much more: its nature reserve is home to endemic species and offers breathtaking views, while the Sanctuary of the Migrants commemorates the many souls who have crossed this sea in search of hope.

The neighbouring Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island) also offers a peaceful place to take refuge during the high season, where you can immerse yourself in a tranquil environment surrounded by nature.

From the deep south of the Italian peninsula, with its historical and natural roots, to the extreme south of the country, represented by the island of Lampedusa, Italy shows a facet rich in contrasts but united by the beauty and depth of its stories.

Article translated by Jasmina Towers

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Curiosities

Travel

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