Nicotera lies at 15 km from Capo Vaticano on the border of the province of Reggio Calabria . Nicotera has a well preserved 17th/18th century historic centre culminating in the Ruffo Castle (1763)  which houses the archaeological Museum, the mineralogy and petrology Museum and the Mount Poro Farming Civilisation Museum. The Museum of Sacred art has exhibits of silver, ornaments and 18th  century Calabrian paintings and a magnificent 14th/15th century wooden crucifix. In the cathedral there is a statue representing the Virgin of Grace attributed to  Gagini.  Nicotera is renowned for its granite which can be seen in various houses and churchs, columns, doorway, architraves, stairway, and obelisks and there is a Roman granite quarry near the station. The town is known internationally as the focal point of the Mediterranean diet thanks to the result of research carried out showing the excellent health of its inhabitants. Nicotera marina has recent origins and is a summer holidays resort  with numerous bathing areas and renowned holiday villages. Between Nicotera Marina and the mouth of the Mesima it is possible to see the Roman Remains and an Iron Age Necropolis.