Tortora

With an old town on the hill and beach resort on the sea, the best of all worlds come together in Tortora. The town spreads out and occupies hills, mountains and sea coast, wedged between the Mediterranean and the Pollino National Park. From sea level, its territory ascends to Monte Cucuzzata di Tortora at 1,088 meters above sea level, and beyond to Mount Serramale at 1,274 meters above sea level. That means you can enjoy the mountain trails and activities, and the beach and water sports all in one go.

The town's name is derived from the bird, a Eurasian dove species. Its history is ancient though, with prehistoric finds and archeological excavations that revealed it as the ancient city of Blanda. The Enotri people arrived and settled here from the 6th to 4th centuries BC, and were then driven out by the Lucani, an Italic tribe from neighboring Lucania (now Basilicata). After, the Romans came, and Hannibal paid a visit to the area with his Carthaginian troops. The Saracens raided the coastal areas. In the Middle Ages, monks came from Palestine and Cappodocia, establishing small chapels and hermitages scattered around the hills and mountains. Eventually, the town was established; the first document naming it was in 1079, with the name Turtura. From 1284 through 1496 it was part of nearby Lauria; in 1496 King Ferdinand II assigned it to the De Montibus family and it remained a feudal estate that was passed among different lords for centuries.

The area expanded with sugar cane and silk worm productions in the 1600s through the 1800s, and a shift occurred towards the sea. Today, there is much to explore between the old town, the outlying hamlets and the coast. Things remain slow and laidback. The town's dialect is interesting, as it is infused with Arab, Greek, French, Latin and Spanish. Visit the Museo di Tortora in the old town, an archeological museum that traces some of the town's long history. Sit on the piazzetta and watch the daily life unfold around you. Enjoy the local salamis, a plate of fusilli pasta with goat sauce or hand-formed pasta with beans, and the several varieties of frittatas that they make here. Of course, a walk on the beach is in order, or a hike in the mountains if you want to get away to unwind in the vast natural surroundings of the mountains.