Cosenza in southern Italy is a province in the region of Calabria. The hilly and mountainous province shares the same name as its capital city, an important cultural centre. Cosenza also borders the dazzling coasts of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea.

Sights and Attractions

The city of Cosenza is home to several museums and cultural venues, and is the home of the University of Calabria. Main sights include the fifteenth century Church of San Domenico, which blends medieval and Renaissance elements. Other interesting buildings include the eleventh century Cathedral of Consenza, the Monastero delle Vergini, the Castello Svevo, and the Giostra Vecchia.
Other remarkable destinations in the province include Rocca Imperiale and Rende, which began as a Roman settlement and boasts a Norman castle. The medieval town of Corigliano Calabro, Mormanno and Rossano are also worth a visit.

Activities

Hiking is excellent in Cosenza thanks to its varied landscapes with scenic mountains and wooded plateaus. Routes take hikers along old wooden bridges and to historic churches and picture-perfect villages throughout the province. Horseback riding is also popular in the countryside.
Sila National Park is a great destination for skiing and snowshoeing during the winter. Canoeing, whitewater rafting and climbing are popular in Pollino National Park. Both parks are also picturesque settings for hiking, mountain biking and camping.
Along the coasts of Cosenza, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy water sports, including windsurfing, water skiing and diving. The seaside town of Praia a Mare and the nearby Dino Island have excellent beaches. Dino Island is a pristine destination for exploring caves and diving. The scenic coastline in and around Praia a Mare’s scenic coastline are popular areas for paragliding, cliff jumping and hiking.