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The Best Beaches in Calabria

The beaches of Calabria often appear among the most beautiful beaches in Italy. Along nearly 800 km of coastline on both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, you'll find a mix of fine sandy or pebbly beaches and rocky shores with azure or turquoise waters. Be warned that reaching some of them may require climbing up and down many steps.

Our opinion: the beaches are more beautiful, and the infrastructure is better, in the resorts along the western side, facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. The eastern beaches, on the Ionian Sea (such as those in Le Castella, Soverato, or Roseto Capo Spulico), tend to be of more local interest. They're worth a short stop if you're touring by car to see Calabria's attractions, but perhaps not ideal for spending an entire vacation (although prices are generally lower). For a longer stay in Calabria, it's better to choose one of the better-known resorts on the western coast, such as Tropea, Capo Vaticano, Pizzo Calabro, Praia a Mare, San Nicolo Arcella, or Scilla.

Tropea

The beaches of Tropea (including those in the nearby areas - Parghelia with Michelino Beach and Riaci with its beach) are perhaps the most beautiful and best-known in Calabria. This area is part of the so-called Costa degli Dei ("Coast of the Gods"), which, according to legend, the gods chose as their home because of its stunning beauty.

The most beautiful beaches in Tropea are Mare Piccolo and Rotonda, with fine sand and incredibly clear turquoise waters. In August they can get quite crowded (as is the case with all tourist destinations in Italy, since most Italians take their holidays then). Both beaches are located just to the right of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola (the main landmark of Tropea), when facing the sea. Mare Piccolo Beach is unorganized, while Rotonda Beach has sunbeds and umbrellas at one end.

Capo Vaticano

Not far from Tropea, to the south, still on the Tyrrhenian Sea and along the same Costa degli Dei, lies a rocky promontory called Capo Vaticano. Around it, there are several of caves and coves that conceal breathtaking beaches, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.

If you're staying in Tropea, you can also reach Capo Vaticano by joining one of the organized boat trips.

Zambrone

On the same Costa degli Dei, but north of Tropea, in Zambrone, there's a wild beach with sand, pebbles, crystal-clear waters, and a rocky landscape. It's unorganized, and access is a bit tricky (besides going down a flight of stairs, you'll also need to get past a rock). The beach is called Marinella di Zambrone and is also nicknamed Paradiso del Sub for the beauty of its marine life. It's the only beach in Calabria to appear in the Top 50 European Beaches 2025.

If you're a thrill-seeker, you can admire the beaches of Zambrone from above by booking a paragliding flight.

Scilla

We stay in the area, heading south from Tropea toward Reggio Calabria. Scilla, located on the Costa Viola, has a long beach with both organized and free areas, a mix of sand and pebbles, and beautiful waters. The landscape's charm is enhanced by the mountainous backdrop of the Aspromonte massif and the majestic Ruffo Castle overlooking the beach from its rocky perch. Boat trips to explore the Costa Viola are organized from the port.

San Nicola Arcella

In the northern part of Calabria, very close to the border with Basilicata and still on the western side, by the Tyrrhenian Sea, lies another area with beautiful beaches, known as the Riviera dei Cedri.

The most stunning and unique one is Arcomagno Beach (Spiaggia dell’Arcomagno) in the town of San Nicola Arcella.

To get there, you have two options: a scenic trail starting from Marinella Beach in San Nicola Arcella, or an easier route from Praia a Mare. You can also reach it by boat. The entrance fee is €4 (make sure to keep your ticket, as checks are carried out several times along the way). Tickets can be purchased on-site or online (they cannot be changed or refunded). Note that once you reach the beach, you are allowed to stay for only 30 minutes.

The panoramic trail starts at the far-right end of Marinella Beach (which is also beautiful, with small grey pebbles and many organized sections), next to Lido Nettuno.

The path alternates between stairs and an unpaved trail, and in about 15 minutes you’ll reach the stunning beach, dominated by a natural stone arch (from which it takes its name) and a cave on the left side.

Also beautiful are the nearby beaches of Praia a Mare (with Dino Island), San Nicola Arcella, and Scalea, as well as those further south, around the Diamante area.