The Best Beaches on the Coast of the Gods, Calabria, Italy
Tropea is the summer destination for many Italians, Europeans, and other International travelers. It’s so easy to see why so many people are drawn to this Calabrian seaside town. This charming town sits perched on dramatic cliffs looking down on a simple and picturesque church surrounded by the most incredible sparkling blue-green sea. The water is so clear that when it is still, it seems like things are flying just about the water instead of actually floating on it.
There are a lot of wonderful things to see and do in Tropea. But if you are looking to also spend a relaxing day at the beach, then instead of heading to the main beach in Tropea, why not considering heading a little further down the coast. There you’ll find some lesser-known, but also incredibly spectacular beaches!
This beautiful stretch of coastline near Tropea, named La Costa degli Dei (the Coast of the Gods) winds through the province of Vibo Valentia, revealing an unspoiled landscape full of unexpected tourist attractions, extending from Pizzo to Nicotera. These beaches are relatively unknown to the average tourist, so you’ll typically be sharing the day with locals.
Rich in history, culture and breathtaking natural beauty, the Costa degli Dei is a true paradise for sea lovers. This area boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Italy. Each beach presents its own uniqueness and fascinating beauty, making every day at the beach an unforgettable experience.
Briatico beach
Among the most picturesque places on the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) in Calabria is the small village of Briatico, overlooking the Gulf of Saint Euphemia and located at the foot of the Monte Poro promontory. It is the perfect year-round destination for tourists looking for a beautiful sea and a cosy, tranquil environment, while not missing out on discovering Italian historical sites.
Briatico beach alternates between stretches of white sand with cliffs and bays that are only accessible by boat. But what makes this stretch of coastline truly unique are the ruins of ancient towers, built to defend against the Saracens. Only two of the five original buildings have survived the passage of time: La Rocchetta and Torre Sant’Irene.
Marinella di Zambrone
Marinella di Zambrone is also known as Paradiso del Sub because its cove is a local favorite for snorkeling. It is an easy 15-minute drive north of Tropea. To get to this beach, you have to do a little bit of work. The walk down to the beach takes about 10 minutes. You must follow a rustic trail that winds its way down to the beach below. Once you arrive at your final destination, you are greeted with white sandy beaches and crystal waters. Because of its slightly “inconvenient” (but so worth it) access, this beach is less busy, and you certainly won’t find a lot of tourists here. It’s a great way to mingle with the locals while feeling like you are on your own private beach.
Spiaggia Michelino in Parghelia
Located just a couple of miles north of Tropea, are two beaches that are much-loved by the locals. These long sandy beaches have sparkling clear waters, little coves, and beautiful large rocks in and around the coast that you can explore. Like the beach of Zambrone, you can’t access this beach directly from the street. However, this beach is easier to get to because it has a staircase leading down to the beach. If you’d like to get a view of the coastline from a bit higher up, then take the path to the right before going down the steps. It will take you to a viewpoint where you can admire the coast and the beach below. Once you reach the bottom of the steps, you have the option to go to the left for Spiaggia Parghelia or to the right for Spiaggia Michelino. They are both beautiful, so you can’t go wrong with whichever one you choose.
Piedigrotta beach in Pizzo Calabro
One of the hidden treasures of this coast is the Piedigrotta Beach, named after the small church of the same name located in a cave a few meters from the sea. This unique church, sculpted entirely in the sea rock by local artists over time, is a sanctuary of peace and serenity. With its altar directly overlooking the sea, it is impossible not to be struck by its special beauty and spirituality.
Capo Vaticano in Ricadi
Just south of Tropea we discover Capo Vaticano, a spectacular granite cliff that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the Aeolian Islands. The unspoiled nature and beauty of Capo Vaticano's scenery is perfect for trekking and adventure lovers.
The famous Venetian writer Giuseppe Berto made Capo Vaticano his home, after travelling throughout Italy. "Capo Vaticano", he wrote, "is called Vatican as a Roman hill: once priests and fortune tellers searched for the future basing their predictions on birds' flights. 200 metres over the Cape there is a rock called Mantineo and in ancient Greek, it means: to communicate with God. The Cape was a holy place and now it is the same."
Baia di Riaci in Ricadi
This small beach has a large natural rock formation that you can swim in, around and through – it is truly magical. Here the beaches are sandy, and the gorgeous transparent water is shallow, which is great for families with children.
Sources: My Bella Vita and e-borghi
Follow us on Instagram, @calabria_mediterranea
