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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, Parghelia, Capo Vaticano, Pizzo Calabro, Zambrone, Praia a Mare, San Nicolo Arcella, or Scilla.

1. Tropea

The beaches of Tropea 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.

2. Parghelia

Parghelia, located right next to Tropea, features several beautiful sandy beaches - both free and private. Starting from the port of Tropea, you will find the beaches Lido del Nonno, La Grazia, Vardano, and Vardanello.

Past the Palombaro rock lies the famous Michelino Beach, accessible via a staircase of over 200 steps. The beach is undeveloped and split into two sandy coves hidden among the rocks, boasting incredibly crystal-clear water.

3. Riaci

Also near Tropea, but on the opposite side from Parghelia, lies Riaci Beach. It features sand mixed with small pebbles in places, crystal-clear waters, and the iconic rock formation known as Scoglio Grande, which dominates the bay.

4. Capo Vaticano

Not far from Riaci, heading south along the Tyrrhenian Sea on the same Costa degli Dei, lies a rocky promontory named Capo Vaticano. Surrounding it are caves and coves hiding dreamlike beaches, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. A word of caution, though - currents are stronger in this area!

Capo Vaticano is featured on the label of the well-known digestif Vecchio Amaro del Capo (see also our article on what to eat in Calabria).

The most famous beaches here are the wild Praia I Focu and 'A Ficara (usually accessible by boat) and, a bit further along, the popular Grotticelle Beach.

Praia I Focu Beach is a narrow strip of sand tucked between steep, rocky cliffs. It is said to take its name from the fires fishermen used to light on the shore to help guide those out at sea. Another explanation is that the water temperature here tends to be noticeably warmer.

Praia i Focu is the only beach in Calabria to feature in the Top 50 Beaches in Europe.

Also hidden by cliffs nearby is 'A Ficara Beach, which gets its name from an old fig tree and is likewise accessible mainly by sea.

The largest and most easily accessible beach in the area is Grotticelle Beach. Composed of three coves, it offers both serviced beach clubs and free public areas, as well as restaurants and bars.

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

5. Zambrone

Also on the Costa degli Dei, but north of Tropea, in Zambrone, there's a wild beach with sand, pebbles, stunning turquoise waters, and a dramatic rocky backdrop. It's completely undeveloped, and getting there requires walking down a dirt path followed by a fairly long flight of stairs.

The beach is called Marinella di Zambrone and is also nicknamed Paradiso del Sub for the beauty of its marine life.

In the same town, you'll also find Marina di Zambrone - a classic, easily accessible sandy beach equipped with various amenities.

If you're a thrill-seeker, you can even take in the views of Zambrone's coastline from above by booking a paragliding flight.

6. Scilla

Staying in the area, we head 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.

7. 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 route that starts from Marinella Beach in San Nicola Arcella, or a more difficult path (not recommended for children and the elderly) coming from Arcomagno (Lidi di Fiuzzi). You can also arrive 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 modified or canceled). Keep in mind that once you reach the beach, you will only be allowed to stay for 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.