One of Italy’s gifts to the world is its beautiful beaches. From colorful speckled cliffs to stunning islands in the middle of the Mediterranean, it offers some of the most spectacular beaches and seaside towns you can find. It’s not always easy to decide which town or beach is the right fit for you but luckily, each coastal region has something to offer. America Domani has put together a shortlist of fantastic beaches to visit in the region of Calabria, also known as the “toe” of Italy’s boot.
Tropea Beach
The ancient city of Tropea, perched atop cliffs, is the jewel of the Calabrian coast, and it's easy to see why. The city overlooks two and a half miles of pristine sandy white beaches with vivid turquoise water. Tropea’s beaches are among the cleanest of all of Italy and are backdropped by dramatic rock formations and secret coves.
Marinella di Zambrone
Located beneath a rocky promontory, this small secluded beach boasts white sands and clear blue waters. The path to the beach is a little tricky to walk but worth the dramatic view of cliffs teeming with Mediterranean vegetation that you get from the bottom. The shallow and clear waters are home to many fish, making this beach a great pick for snorkelers.
Spiaggia dell’ Arcomagno
This beach is among the most unique in Calabria because it is covered on all sides by tall cliffs. The isolated cove is situated beneath a natural rocky arch, where swimmers can bathe in a column of sunlight. The path to reach the beach is steep and rocky and therefore not very family-friendly.
Spiaggia di Grotticelle
Spiaggia di Grotticelle is located in a secluded bay and is a long, narrow stretch of sandy white beach hugged by imposing rock formations. With beach bars and restaurants overlooking azure waters, the beach has one of the best coastal views in the region.
Spiaggia Praia i Focu
This small beach may not be the easiest to get to, but it is definitely one of Calabria’s most charming. Accessible only by sea, whether it be via water taxi, kayak, or pedal boat, it is framed by steep cliffs covered with dense shrubs. The crescent-shaped beach is a hotspot for snorkeling and boasts a view of faraway mountains. Its isolated location will make you feel completely immersed in nature.
Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual freelance journalist from Rome, Italy. In the past, her work on culture, travel, and history has been published in The Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura, The Christian Science Monitor, and Grub Street, New York Magazine's food section. In her free time, Asia enjoys traveling home to Italy to spend time with family and friends, drinking Hugo Spritzes, and making her nonna's homemade cavatelli.