Discover hidden Calabria with designer Ivano Marino


8 August 2025
Written by
Sara Magro

From law to design


Italian entrepreneur Ivano Marino has built a career that seamlessly blends aesthetics, communication, and design. After graduating in law, he gained recognition as a television personality and influencer before establishing his own path in the creative industry.

His agency, Auron Lab, specializes in communication and management, working with prestigious brands including Chanel, Vernier, Piaget, Zucchetti, and Driade. Marino’s passion for design emerged during the renovation of his Milan apartment in the Garibaldi district at number 64. This personal project evolved into Civico.64, an Instagram showcase that demonstrates his design philosophy and aesthetic vision in a real living space.

How would you describe Italy today in just a few words?
A country that continues to inspire, where beauty is not just aesthetics but culture, slowness, and roots. A place where every view becomes a visual story and every moment is a return to oneself.

Your favorite destination?
San Nicola Arcella, in Calabria.

Why did you choose it?
It’s a place of the soul. Time slows down here, light gently touches the stone, and the sea speaks. It’s where my creative gaze meets the simplicity of my roots. I built my home here — @Civico.64 — born from that encounter: design and silence, material and inspiration. A refuge and an emotional workshop.

A place to visit
The Arcomagno. It’s not just a beach — it’s a portal. Entering that natural cave feels like crossing the threshold into a suspended world. Light filters in like a cathedral, the water is ancient and transparent. Every time I return, it reminds me why I love and choose this place.

A secret to share
A trail few know. It starts above the old town and runs along the ridge, offering a unique view of Dino Island and the Riviera dei Cedri. That’s where I love to walk, to breathe in the silence and hear the wind tell stories.

An unmissable excursion
A sunset boat tour between San Nicola Arcella and Praia a Mare is a must. Departing from Marinella beach, you’ll pass by the Arcomagno and discover caves, hidden coves, and inlets only accessible by sea. Sunset colors make everything magical. For a more intimate and authentic experience, I recommend boat trips with Marenostrum Boat or Calabriavventura: small groups, slow rhythm, and passionate local guides sharing the coastline’s stories.

The best moment of the day to see the world with new eyes?
Dawn from the Belvedere terrace in San Nicola Arcella. The village is still asleep, and the sun rises silently over the sea. The first rays caress the cliffs and whitewashed houses. It’s a suspended moment, perfect for a quiet walk, reflection, and starting the day with a wider perspective.

A moment of relaxation
A perfect place to find yourself is the Giardino degli Dei inside Villaggio Bridge, perched above the coast. There’s a special kind of silence — broken only by the wind through the maritime pines and the distant sea. Or you can retreat to the little park beneath Torre Crawford, nestled in greenery and history — perfect for reading or simply breathing.

A special experience
Dinner on the terrace at Club Residenza del Golfo with a menu inspired by local products: citron, fresh fish, wild herbs. At sunset, with the right music, every detail — from the dish to the smallest plate — tells the story of this place.

The essence of the place
It’s a delicate balance between the power of nature and attention to detail. Here, rugged rock meets gentle architecture, the slow pace of alleys blends with the force of the sea. The essence of San Nicola Arcella is that of a South that doesn’t show off — it reveals itself.

A fun night out
Aperitivo in the town square with local friends — where time flows, stories overlap, and glasses clink among real laughter. Then maybe a music night by the sea, in the small venues dotted along the coast. Nights here are never loud, always intimate.

An unforgettable dish
Lobster catalana at La Sabbia d’oro restaurant in Diamante. Absolute freshness, a marine flavor, and a fragrance that lingers in memory. It’s the perfect synthesis of the region: citrus, sea, and simplicity.

The most beautiful view
From the Belvedere di Dino at sunset. One of the most stunning viewpoints in the village, where you can take in Dino Island, the Arcomagno, and the coast toward Maratea all at once. When the sun dives into the sea, the sky lights up and every detail looks painted. It’s a place that’s hard to leave.

A souvenir to pack
A bottle of artisanal citron liqueur from Santa Maria del Cedro by Opificio Calabria — delicious!

A drink to try
The “Cedrino”: a fresh, fragrant cocktail with local gin, citron essence, and a splash of soda. Served with care at Borgo 13 Café in the old town, accompanied by glimpses of the sea through the alleys. Perfect for sipping at sunset as the sky shifts colors above the ancient rooftops.

What to pack for a weekend?
Very little. A swimsuit, a book, comfy shoes for the trails, and something white to wear in the evening. The rest you’ll find here: light, warmth, silence.

The perfect beach for a swim
Beyond the famous Arcomagno beach, I recommend Lido Noah, facing Dino Island — easily accessible and ideal for snorkeling. Or the lesser-known, enchanting Grotta Azzurra beach, with crystal-clear waters and surprisingly rich seabeds. The Gnola beach, on the border with Maratea, is also a gem — long, sandy, and surrounded by nature.

Favorite hotel
I have two: Palazzo Principi Lanza and Club Residenza del Golfo.

How to feel like a local in San Nicola Arcella?
Put your phone away. Go to the village bar, order a coffee, sit down, and listen to the locals talk. Wander the alleys slowly, respect the silence. The secret to feeling like a local is not trying to understand everything all at once. San Nicola reveals itself to those who stay, not those who rush. One trait of the locals? They always leave their car keys inside — it’s a safe place.



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