Our historical tour of San Nicola Arcella begins with one of the most impressive vantage points in all of Calabria - Belvedere di San Nicola. Located on Corso Umberto I, this vantage point offers a breathtaking panorama of the Riviera dei Cedri coastline and the historic city center. An average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars is a testament to how much the place delights visitors. One tourist describes it as 'one of the most evocative places on the entire Riviera dei Cedri,' particularly highlighting the beauty of the view at sunset.

Belvedere di San Nicola is not only a viewpoint, but also a witness to history. From here you can admire the ancient fortifications and watchtowers that once protected the city from pirate incursions. It's the perfect place to begin your adventure into the region's history while enjoying incredible views of the sea and coast.

Just a few kilometers from Belvedere is another wonder of nature and history - the Grotta del Saraceno, also known as Great Arch Cave. This natural cave, located at SP1, is a place that combines natural beauty with fascinating history. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, it is one of the region's top attractions.

The Grotta del Saraceno is not only a picturesque rock formation, but also a place that for centuries served as a refuge for local people from pirate raids. Today, as one visitor describes, 'it's one of the most beautiful and hidden places on the Calabrian coast'. A distinctive rock arch leads to a small, charming beach surrounded by high cliffs, creating an almost fairytale-like setting.

What is worth knowing before visiting? Access to the cave is possible on foot or by boat, which adds an extra charm to the whole experience. It's worth remembering that there is an entrance fee, and the length of stay is limited to 30 minutes for tourists (as of 2023). This is an ideal place for families with children - the route to the cave is relatively easy to follow, and the crystal clear water and picturesque surroundings are sure to delight both the youngest and older tour participants.

Both Belvedere di San Nicola and Grotta del Saraceno are places that combine history, natural beauty and romantic atmosphere. They are perfect examples of how the past and present intertwine in San Nicola Arcella, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Continuing our journey through the historical corners of San Nicola Arcella, we can't miss two impressive watchtowers that bear witness to the region's turbulent past - Torre Crawford and Torre Dino.

Torre Crawford, located on Contrada Fiuzzi, is one of the most iconic landmarks on the map of San Nicola Arcella. With a 4.7 out of 5 star rating, this 16th century tower is not only a monument of military architecture, but also a place with a rich cultural history. Named after American writer Francis Marion Crawford, who fell in love with the place and made it the backdrop for his Gothic stories, Torre Crawford offers unforgettable views of Policastro Bay.

As one visitor describes: 'The Crawford Tower is one of the hidden gems of San Nicola Arcella, located on a promontory with a spectacular view of Policastro Bay. The atmosphere of the place, where history mixes with legend and the silence is broken only by the sound of the waves, makes it an ideal place for couples looking for a romantic corner away from the hustle and bustle of tourist resorts.

Interestingly, Torre Crawford can be visited with a guide, which is an added bonus for history buffs. As another tourist notes: 'We were there in July and you could visit with a guide quite free. However, it is worth checking the current opening hours and tour options before planning a visit.

Not far from Torre Crawford is a second historic tower - Torre Dino. Located at 87020 San Nicola Arcella, this quadrangular structure, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, is another testament to the defense system that protected the coast from maritime invasions. Torre Dino, though smaller than Torre Crawford, offers equally impressive views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and nearby Dino Island.

One visitor describes: 'An ancient tower overlooking the sea. Very beautiful, it's a shame that it is now completely destroyed and abandoned.' Although the state of preservation of Torre Dino leaves much to be desired, it is still a place worth visiting, if only for its historical context and picturesque setting.

Comparing the two towers, Torre Crawford is better preserved and offers interior tours, while Torre Dino is a more picturesque ruin, ideal for admiring from the outside and taking souvenir photos. However, both towers are excellent examples of medieval defensive architecture and are an integral part of the San Nicola Arcella landscape.

For history buffs and romantic souls, a visit to these towers is a trip back in time. Standing on their peaks, you can imagine guards looking out for pirate ships on the horizon, while enjoying the same breathtaking views that have delighted people for centuries.

At the end of our historical tour of San Nicola Arcella, we move on to a place that combines historic charm with modern luxury - Prince's Palace, also known as Palazzo Principi Lanza di Trabia.

Located on Corso Principi Lanza di Trabia, Prince's Palace is not only a historic landmark, but also an exclusive property that allows guests to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a bygone era while enjoying modern amenities. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, this palace is proof of how history can coexist harmoniously with modernity.

One guest describes the place as 'captivating,' highlighting the beauty of the garden that opens up in front of the entrance, and the extraordinary terrace overlooking the sea: "The view is breathtaking, with the sea in front and to the left as far as the eye can see, and to the right the entire bay of San Nicola Arcella, the island of Dino and the northern coast as far as Marina di Camerota.

Prince's Palace is not just a place to enjoy the views. It's also an exclusive restaurant and event venue, where you can enjoy local specialties in a unique setting. As another guest notes: 'Sophisticated and beautiful atmosphere at the same time informal. Culinary suggestions with local products and excellent combinations. Excellent cocktails and wine suggestions'.

It is worth remembering, however, that luxury comes at a price. One reviewer mentions: 'For 2 seafood appetizers and 2 drinks, the cost was about 118 euros'. Nevertheless, many guests find the experience worth the price, especially for the unforgettable views and unique atmosphere.

Prince's Palace is the perfect place for couples looking for a romantic dinner in a historic setting, or for families who want to celebrate special occasions in a unique way. It's also the perfect culmination for our historic San Nicola Arcella tour - a place where history meets luxury to create an unforgettable experience.

Summarizing our journey through the historic corners of San Nicola Arcella, from the picturesque Belvedere di San Nicola, to the mysterious Grotta del Saraceno, the historic towers of Torre Crawford and Torre Dino, to the luxurious Prince's Palace, we can confidently say that this place offers an extraordinary combination of history, nature and modern luxury. Each of these places has its own unique atmosphere and character, but all together create an unforgettable mosaic of experiences that will make your stay in San Nicola Arcella truly magical.

Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family looking to combine education with leisure, or simply a lover of history and beautiful views, San Nicola Arcella has something to offer for everyone. This is a place where history comes alive at every turn, and every sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea becomes an unforgettable memory. Plan your trip to this charming corner of Calabria and let the magic of San Nicola Arcella enchant you as it has enchanted many before you.