Tucked away on Calabria’s stunning Riviera dei Cedri, Diamante is one of those towns that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Known as the City of Murals, it’s a feast for the eyes, every wall in the old town feels like part of an open-air gallery. But it’s not just about art. From lazy beach days to fiery food (hello, Peperoncino Festival!), visit Diamante for a slice of southern Italy that’s full of color, flavor, and good vibes. And if you’re following the Calabria wineries trail, you’re in luck, local vineyards nearby offer bold Calabrian reds and coastline views that make any tasting feel like a celebration. Add a glass of wine, a sea breeze, and a mural-lined sunset stroll, and you’ve got one of Calabria’s most unforgettable getaways.
What are the best things to do in Diamante Italy?
Wander through the old town
Diamante doesn’t do boring walls. Here, even the buildings are storytellers, loud, bold, and a little cheeky. Picture this: you’re wandering cobbled streets, gelato in hand, and suddenly a mural of a chili pepper playing the accordion winks at you. Okay, maybe not literally, but that’s the vibe. With over 150 murals splashed across the old town, Diamante turns every stroll into a treasure hunt of weird, wonderful, and wildly colorful art.
Visit the Museo del Peperoncino
In Diamante, the chili pepper isn’t just a garnish, it’s a way of life. Right in the center of town, the Museum of Peperoncino celebrates all things spicy, from ancient uses to modern memes. It’s small, quirky, and just the right amount of weird. But the real party starts every September, when over 100,000 spice lovers descend for the famous Peperoncino Festival. We’re talking five days of fiery food, street performers, music, and a chili-eating contest that’ll make your eyes water just watching.
Admire the Island of Cirella
Just off the coast of Diamante sits the dreamy island of Cirella, small, rugged, and full of character. You can hop on a boat to get closer or simply admire it from your beach towel. Nearby, the hillside ruins of Old Cirella feel like something out of a forgotten tale: vine-covered walls, crumbling stone, and quiet paths that whisper stories from centuries ago. It’s the perfect mix of beach day and time travel.
Relax on the beach
Diamante’s Lungomare wraps along the Tyrrhenian Sea like a warm invitation. Turquoise water, and rows of breezy palm trees set the scene for laid-back afternoons or long, romantic walks. Grab a gelato, kick off your shoes, and let time slow down. As the sun dips behind the horizon, the sky puts on a nightly performance that locals never tire of, and you won’t either.
What are the best things to do around Diamante?
Explore the vineyards of Calabria’s wine country
About a quick drive inland from Diamante, the hills of Calabria start to whisper to wine lovers. This part of southern Italy is home to small, family-run wineries where you can taste bold reds like Gaglioppo and earthy Greco Nero, all while soaking up views that stretch to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Planning to visit Diamante? Don’t skip a wine stop. Between the sips, stories, and sun-drenched vineyards, it’s a side of Calabria that’ll stay with you long after the bottle’s empty.
Drive to Orsomarso
Just a 30-minute drive from Diamante, Orsomarso is a small mountain town where art and nature go hand in hand. Like Diamante’s colorful murals, Orsomarso turns its streets into open-air galleries, with vibrant paintings decorating house walls and narrow alleys. The setting is more rustic, nestled in the mountains, but the creativity flows just as freely. If you loved the artistic vibe of Diamante, you’ll feel right at home wandering through this quiet, charming village, where every wall has a story to tell.
Discover the coastal beauty of Praia a Mare
Just a 40-minute drive north of Diamante, Praia a Mare is where beach day dreams come true. With crystal-clear waters, rocky cliffs, and the dramatic island of Dino just offshore, it’s the perfect spot to swap street art for sea spray. Go for a swim, hop on a boat to explore the hidden caves, or just stretch out under the sun with a gelato in hand. It’s the kind of place where your day can be as lazy or adventurous as you want, and it pairs perfectly with Diamante’s artsy, food-filled charm.
Good to Know before visiting Diamante Italy
Is Diamante worth a visit?
Absolutely! Nestled along the stunning Tyrrhenian coast in the Calabria region, Diamante is renowned for its charming seaside vistas, welcoming atmosphere, and vibrant culture. It’s particularly famous for its colorful murals that adorn the old town’s walls, the annual Chili Pepper Festival (Festival del Peperoncino), and its crystal-clear beaches.
What country is Diamante from?
Diamante is a town in Italy, located in the southern region of Calabria. It faces the Tyrrhenian Sea and is part of the province of Cosenza. With its Mediterranean climate and rich history, it’s an off-the-beaten-path destination perfect for travelers seeking genuine Italian culture.
What are the top things to do in Diamante?
There’s plenty to do in Diamante: explore the historic old town with its more than 300 street murals, relax on the beautiful beaches like Spiaggia Diamante and Cirella Beach, visit the remains of ancient Cirella, and don’t miss a boat ride to Cirella Island. For food lovers, the town thrives in culinary culture, especially during the annual Chili Pepper Festival in September. You can also tour local chili farms and enjoy tasting spicy Calabrian specialties.
When is the best time to visit Diamante?
The best time to visit Diamante is from late spring to early autumn (May through October). If you want to experience local culture at its peak, plan your trip around mid-September during the Festival del Peperoncino, when the town comes alive with food stalls, performances, and fireworks.
What are the best hotels in Diamante?
Diamante offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and tastes. Some recommended places to stay include:
- Hotel Diamond Residence – A modern hotel with a pool, ideal for families and couples.
- Hotel Cristina – Centrally located, this family-run hotel offers great hospitality and easy access to both the beach and downtown.
What are the best restaurants in Diamante?
Calabrian cuisine shines in Diamante with its robust and spicy flavors. Don’t miss these culinary gems:
- Ristorante Pizzeria Poseidone – Known for fresh seafood dishes and pizza with a sea view.
- La Locanda di Zio Rocco – A rustic trattoria offering authentic Calabrian fare like ‘nduja and chili-laced specialties.
- Il Ristorante CentoMiglo – An elegant place to experience modern takes on local dishes using seasonal ingredients.
- Trattoria da Rosa – A small, family-run eatery with homemade pasta and traditional flavors.
How do I get to Diamante?
To reach Diamante, travelers can fly into Lamezia Terme International Airport (about 100 km away) or Naples International Airport (about 230 km away). From there, you can rent a car or take a train from major cities via the Paola line. Diamante has its train station, making it accessible for those traveling by public transport.
Are there any day trips or excursions from Diamante?
Some popular day trips include visiting the Pollino National Park for hiking and nature immersion, day cruises to Cirella Island, exploring neighboring hilltop towns like Buonvicino and Scalea, and discovering the ruins of ancient Cirella. If you’re up for a longer excursion, the Sila Mountains offer a cool escape and beautiful landscapes just a couple of hours inland.
