Holidays in Capo Vaticano, between dream beaches and sea

Sheer cliffs, white sand and turquoise waters. The souvenir photo of your holiday in Calabria can only be a glimpse of Capo Vaticano, breathtakingly beautiful.

Nature, culture, sport, relaxation, entertainment, food and wine: you have everything you need here. Starting with the crystal-clear water in which to dive, moving on to the discovery of ancient villages that guard architecture and works of art. And what about the cuisine? Perfumes and flavours will leave indelible memories. And after sunset, dive into the nightlife. You will be spoilt for choice among the clubs offering music and cocktails.

Capo Vaticano and the Costa degli Dei

It is called the Costa degli Dei and you need only glance at it to realise how appropriate this name is.

Between Pizzo and Nicotera there are white beaches and breathtaking inlets, historic centres perched on ridges, lidos crowded with tourists and unspoilt beaches. The Capo Vaticano cliffs embrace this stretch of the region's most iconic coastline to the south, to be enjoyed from spring until late autumn. 

Easily accessible thanks to the international airport of Lamezia Terme and easy connections also for those arriving by car, train or boat thanks to the port of Vibo Valentia and the tourist port of Tropea. Accommodation ranges from hotels and B&Bs to villages and resorts or noble residences converted into luxury residences.

It is an itinerary of beauty, from Briatico to Parghelia, from Ricadi to Zungri with its caves or Mileto with its remains from the Norman era.

The beach of Capo Vaticano

The sea will lead you to Capo Vaticano. Turquoise, crystal clear, framed by headlands. Fine sand, bays, coves and caves. Then this place will conquer you with all its peculiarities that make it unique.

The Capo Vaticano beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful on the Calabrian coastline, appreciated for its fine, white sand that makes it an ideal place to relax and spend happy moments with friends. You can choose to patrol a different spot every day, moving among the small bays and hidden coves, some of which can only be reached by sea or through paths. 

The most famous bay of Capo Vaticano is Grotticelle, a stretch referred to as "the Calabrian Caribbean" for the particularity of its natural pools and the turquoise colour that the white sand on the seabed gives the sea water. The "Praia i focu" beach is definitely worth a visit: a strip of sand surrounded by three cliff walls and to enjoy its beauty, it must be reached by boat. Caribbean colours also for the bay of Riaci surrounded by high cliffs and the beach of Tono or that of Porticello: crystal-clear water and a seabed with alternating sandy bottoms and rocks all to be explored, all you need to do is bring your mask and a snorkel.

What to see in Capo Vaticano and surroundings

Snorkelling, boat trips, trekking: your holiday in Capo Vaticano can be tailored to your tastes.

Don't miss a visit to the lookout tower and the Sea Museum, the collection of fossils and shells will delight adults and children alike. You absolutely must go to the Belvedere, 124 metres above the sea and a spectacular view where on a clear day you can even see the Strait of Messina. Through a panoramic path you can walk as far as the Lighthouse and even from here the view will fill your eyes and heart.

A little tour of the surrounding area will give you the chance to get to know this splendid stretch of coast better. Starting with Tropea, the "pearl of the Tyrrhenian" to be discovered, from the beaches to the historic centre. Not far away is Santa Domenica di Ricadi: crystal-clear water, white sand and, of course, a gastronomic offer that cannot do without the undisputed queen of the area: the PGI Red Onion. For dessert, all you have to do is travel to Pizzo, a town renowned for the Castle where Gioacchino Murat was shot and for its uniquely flavoured ice cream, the famous Tartufo di Pizzo.