Crotone, Italy

Crotone, according to Ovid, was named by Hercules himself in memory of a friend he had accidentally slain. Today, it is the capital of its eponymous province, a region known for its pristine waters, untouched mountains and vast forests. As the gateway to a landscape bestowed with great natural beauty, Crotone prides itself in its deep historical roots, which can be traced back to the 7th century BC in the city’s archaeological museum and the ruins of two redoubtable fortifications, the Castle of St. Charles V and Le Castella, situated on a small peninsula south of the city.