L'Ulivarella at Sunset: Open-Air Painting in Palmi

Lido Ulivarella · Palmi, Costa Viola, Calabria

28 August 2026

On Friday 28 August 2026, from 5:00 pm, the Lido Ulivarella on the Tonnara beach in Palmi hosts 'L'Ulivarella al tramonto', an open-air painting session organised by the Associazione Culturalmente with artists Maria Fedele and Loredana Mondello. Facing the Scoglio dell'Ulivo - the little rock crowned by a centuries-old olive tree that is the symbol of the Costa Viola - participants paint the sunset light over the sea, with all materials included, an aperitivo and a sunset swim to end the evening. The fee is 25 euro, places are limited and registration closes on 25 August.

The event at a glance

On Friday 28 August 2026, from 5:00 pm, the Lido Ulivarella - on the Tonnara beach in Palmi - hosts 'L'Ulivarella al tramonto', an open-air painting session created by the Associazione Culturalmente (Arte e Cultura). The poster's invitation is clear: let yourself be inspired by the magic of the sunset and its timeless colours, painting by the sea in front of the most famous rock of the Costa Viola. The participation fee is 25 euro and includes painting materials, an aperitivo and a sunset swim. Places are limited and registrations close on 25 August.

What an 'estemporanea' is

An 'estemporanea' is live painting: you paint on site, during the event itself, inspired by what is in front of you. No works prepared at home - the canvases are born right there, between the sand and the sea, as the light changes minute by minute. It is a formula that combines focus and lightness: everyone works on their own canvas, guided by the atmosphere of the place, and at the end of the evening the paintings tell the story of the same sunset seen through many different eyes. With materials included in the fee, the experience is open to complete beginners too: curiosity matters more than technique.

The subject: the Scoglio dell'Ulivo, the 'Ulivarella'

The star of the evening is the Scoglio dell'Ulivo, affectionately called 'Ulivarella' by the people of Palmi: the rocky islet of the Tonnara crowned by a centuries-old wild olive tree, grown against all odds on bare rock in the middle of the sea. It is the natural monument and symbol of the Costa Viola and one of the most photographed - and painted - subjects of Calabria's Tyrrhenian coast. At sunset, when the sun goes down behind the Strait and sets the sky ablaze with orange and violet, the rock stands out against the light: that is the moment the painting session wants to capture on canvas. You can find the place here: Scoglio dell'Ulivo (Ulivarella).

How the evening unfolds

The meeting point is at 5:00 pm at the Lido Ulivarella, on the Tonnara beach. Painting takes place in the most beautiful hours of the afternoon, following the light all the way to sunset, with materials provided by the organisers and the guidance of artists Maria Fedele and Loredana Mondello. The evening also has its moments of pure relaxation: the aperitivo and the sunset swim, closing the experience with a dip in the Tonnara's waters while the sky is still glowing. 'Colour, nature, emotion', the poster promises: a different way to enjoy Palmi's beach, between art and sea.

The Tonnara di Palmi and the Costa Viola

The Tonnara is Palmi's great beach, a long arc of pale sand and clear water at the foot of Monte Sant'Elia, on the Costa Viola. It owes its name to the old tuna-fishing tradition and today is one of the best-loved seaside spots in the province of Reggio Calabria, with its beach clubs and the Ulivarella rock standing guard. Participants can turn the painting session into a full day by the sea: discover things to do in Palmi, where to eat in Palmi and, if you want to stay a few days, where to sleep in Palmi.

Practical information and registration

Participation costs 25 euro and includes painting materials, the aperitivo and the sunset swim. Places are limited and registrations must be submitted by 25 August 2026: to book your place, the reference is the Associazione Culturalmente and its channels. The Lido Ulivarella is on the Tonnara seafront in Palmi, a few minutes from the town centre and from the Palmi exit of the A2 motorway. Practical tips: comfortable clothes, swimsuit and towel for the swim, and a little extra time before the start to choose the best spot from which to frame the rock.

Frequently asked questions

When and where does 'L'Ulivarella al tramonto' take place?

On Friday 28 August 2026, from 5:00 pm, at the Lido Ulivarella, on the Tonnara beach in Palmi (RC), facing the Scoglio dell'Ulivo.

How much does it cost and what is included?

The fee is 25 euro and includes painting materials, the aperitivo and the sunset swim.

When is the registration deadline?

Registrations must be submitted by 25 August 2026. Places are limited: it is best to book early through the Associazione Culturalmente's channels.

Do I need to know how to paint?

No: the session is open to everyone, including complete beginners. Materials are included and artists Maria Fedele and Loredana Mondello are there to guide participants.

What is the 'Ulivarella'?

It is the affectionate name of the Scoglio dell'Ulivo, the islet of the Tonnara di Palmi crowned by a centuries-old wild olive tree: a natural monument and symbol of the Costa Viola, and the subject painted at sunset.

What should I bring?

Comfortable clothes, a swimsuit and a towel for the sunset swim. Painting materials are provided by the organisers.

How do I reach the Lido Ulivarella?

It is on the Tonnara seafront in Palmi, a few minutes from the town centre and from the Palmi exit of the A2 motorway. If you want to stay in the area you can look for [where to sleep in Palmi](/affitti?comune=Palmi).

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