Sea caves to be visited in Calabria

Our tour of sea caves in Calabria starts from the coastline of Praia a Mare, which, besides flying the Blue Flag and Green Flag, boasts the presence of Calabria's main island: Dino Island, a natural paradise.

Famous for the presence of the Primula Palinuri, one of the oldest protected species of Italian flora, Dino Island can be reached by boat or pedalo and has some of the most beautiful sea caves in Calabria. Two in particular are an unmissable attraction for lovers of this type of excursion: the Blue Cave and the Lion Cave.

Blue Cave (Praia a Mare)

The Blue Cave (Praia a Mare) opens up on the north side of the island and is so called because of the turquoise colour that the sea takes on as it penetrates inside: the play of light is due to a particular phenomenon of refraction that is generated on the surface at noon, on the walls and the vault.

The Blue Cave is the ideal place for snorkelling and diving, as it is rich in flora and fauna. The latter includes red corals and multi-coloured fish.

Lion Cave (Praia a Mare)

Another fascinating cavity is the Lion Cave (Praia a Mare). Protected by a rocky spur, the cave opens up in all its beauty on a very peculiar rock, whose shape resembles that of a lion lying in the water, with its head raised.

A visit to the Calabrian sea caves of Praia also includes the "minor" ones of Frontone, Sarde, Monaco and Cascate.

Descending along the Cosenza Tyrrhenian coast known as the Riviera dei Cedri, we reach the area of Cetraro, an important tourist port and home to the Museum of the Brettii and the Sea.

From the port area, the itinerary to discover the sea caves passes some panoramic viewpoints, such as the Lion's Head rock and the not-to-be-missed Rizzo Caves, among the "FAI Places of the Heart".

Rizzo Caves

The Rizzi cliff, dominated by the famous Rienzo Tower, is home to the Rizzo Caves (Site of Community Importance - SCI). These are very suggestive sea cavities, perfect for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Consisting of limestone cliffs and shale, the Rizzo Caves have large rock walls dating back to the Palaeozoic era, below which are beaches set into the cliffs. The entire area is covered by Mediterranean scrub, with the presence of rare species.

Along the coastline, the Lampezia beach stands out, served by bathing establishments and bordered by the Seafront promenade.

The Tyrrhenian itinerary to discover sea caves takes us straight to Tropea, already Blue Flag among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy in the province of Vibo Valentia, along the renowned Costa degli Dei.

In this picture-postcard setting, famous for one of the most beautiful views in the world of the Shrine of Santa Maria dell'Isola, there are several caves and sea caves to explore. The historic centre of Tropea itself is built on a rocky cliff and the rock on which the shrine stands incorporates wonderful caves.

Among these, the Palombaro Cave, together with the San Lorenzo Cave and the Blue Cave, is one of the most romantic places on the coast.

Have you ever heard of the "hidden beach" in Palombaro Cave (Tropea)?

A favourite destination for couples and celebrities sheltering between its discreet walls, the Palombaro Cave is also a favourite spot for those who like to dive from great heights, right behind the rock.

Accessible only by sea, the cave owes its name to the large number of pigeons (palúmbi) that nest there and recalls several legends from the Homeric epic.

The last stop on our journey among the caves of the Tyrrhenian coast of Vibo Valentia is the marina of Santa Domenica di Ricadi, again along the Costa degli Dei.

We are immersed in breathtaking scenery, between the cliffs of Capo Vaticano and the coves of Riaci Bay, cited among the top 12 best Italian beaches according to National Geographic UK. There are dozens of rocky cavities along this stretch of coastline, one of the most spectacular of which is undoubtedly the Stazzanese Cave.

Protected by a rocky wall full of Mediterranean scrub and prickly pears, the Stazzanese Cave is the access point to a mind-blowing seabed, worthy of the best diving in the Red Sea.

This corner of paradise is the perfect place for snorkelling and is located close to another interesting cavity: the Skeleton Cave, with its iridescent reflections, near an ancient stone quarry.