Beaches and a turtle rescue station
The local beaches, with their fine sand and crystal waters, are home to the giant caretta(Caretta caretta). Brancaleone boasts one of the most important turtle rescue stations in Italy - Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine. This organisation cares for injured turtles, which are then returned to the sea. You can see the turtles up close, learn more about the conservation of these fascinating creatures and maybe even take part in their release.
Brancaleone Vecchio - abandoned town
Not far from the coast lies Brancaleone Vecchio, an old village built on a cliff that was abandoned by its inhabitants in the 20th century due to frequent landslides. Today it is a fascinating place with ruins of stone houses and a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea.
Jasmine plantations - the scent of Calabria
Brancaleone is historically linked to the cultivation of jasmine, which was once one of the region's main economic commodities. Jasmine plantations supplied flowers for the production of perfumes and essential oils, especially for the famous perfumeries in France. Although its production is not as extensive as in the past, one can still find fields of the intoxicatingly scented bushes. Every year in the summer months, jasmine is harvested by hand, a laborious but traditional method of collection.
Gastronomy and local products
In Brancaleone you can taste traditional Calabrian cuisine. Local specialities include 'nduja, a spicy pork spread, or pesce spada alla griglia, a grilled swordfish typical of the area. Sweet lovers will appreciate the desserts with jasmine essence, which are still popular here.
Brancaleone offers a combination of wild nature, eco-tourism and traditional Calabrian life. Whether you are attracted to sea turtles, the smell of jasmine or history, this corner of Calabria will surprise you with its authenticity and tranquillity.
