Holiday in the Maldives of Calabria

Do you dream of the Maldives but can't afford it? Come and discover the "Maldives of Calabria", amidst clean sea and paradisiacal coves bearing the Blue Flag, which have nothing to envy to international exotic destinations.

We have selected for you 5 of the many beautiful beaches in Calabria, along which you can spend an unforgettable holiday, amidst water sports and activities in full respect of nature.

Zambrone - Paradiso del Sub

Absolutely one of the most beautiful coves on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, in the stretch known as the Costa degli Dei, in the province of Vibo Valentia. The most renowned seaside resort in the Zambrone (Marinella) area is the small beach that, not surprisingly, has the name Paradiso del Sub.

An unmissable destination for those dreaming of a diving and snorkelling holiday, where contact with unspoilt marine nature leaves you breathless.

Legend has it that the gods have chosen this corner of paradise as their home. Nearby you can visit Tropea, among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, and Pizzo.

Santa Domenica di Ricadi - Baia di Riaci

Remaining along this legendary stretch of coastline, a little further south we encounter another corner of the "Maldives of Calabria". This is the Bay of Riaci, in the municipality of Santa Domenica di Ricadi.

Here, coves of fine sand alternate with cliffs and steep crags, perfect for those who enjoy a more direct and wild contact with nature and the possibility of diving from great heights, such as the tuff cliff that dominates the white beach.

All around are caves and ravines to be discovered through boat excursions and diving.

San Nicola Arcella - Arcomagno

The "Calabrian Maldives" in the province of Cosenza, also along the Tyrrhenian Sea, pass through the well-known Spiaggetta dell'Arcomagno, in the municipality of San Nicola Arcella.

This intimate and unspoilt Eden has several peculiarities. In the meantime, it is a natural rock arch arranged like an amphitheatre, bordering a sheltered cove that can be reached either on foot or by boat.

Formerly known as the "Saracen Cave", the cavity that opens up behind the beach offers a wonderful natural soft pool inside, its blue colour changing depending on the light outside.

The Arcomagno is also known as Aeneas' Beach, since it is said that the hero found shelter here following the fall of Troy.

Cirò Marina - Punta Alice

We move on to the Tyrrhenian Sea, precisely along the so-called Costa dei Saraceni, in the province of Crotone, to another magical place.

In the municipality of Cirò Marina, already known for the production of the prized Calabrian wine Cirò DOC, stretches a tongue of sand with an ancient face, Blue Flag, characterised once again by the encounter between sea and myth.

The site appears to correspond to the ancient city of Krimisa, famous for the Sanctuary of Apollo Aleo, of which there are some remains. Here the water is clean and transparent, of considerable depth, and crosses several currents.

Bova Marina - Rocca del Capo

We conclude our journey among the "Maldives of Calabria" in another Blue Flag resort, this time along the Ionian coast of Reggio Calabria.

This is the beach of Bova Marina, which extends to the foot of the small panoramic promontory (Capo San Giovanni or Rocca del Capo) on which stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Mare.

An evocative view, among the most fascinating panoramas of the Calabrian Ionian coast, overlooking a clean, fine sandy beach.

The Festa della Madonna del Mare is held every year in August and it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the local traditions that characterise this corner of paradise.