Resorts of Italy: Calabria (Tyrrhenian Sea). The best beaches in Calabria

Pure sandy beaches, framed by snow-white cliffs or olive groves and orange plantations: a beach holiday in Calabria is always a delight for the eyes and soul!

Almost 780 kilometers of coastline run through the territory Italian region, and every meter here gives the traveler amazing impressions and emotions.

The coast of Calabria consists of white sandy beaches surrounded by fragrant orange plantations, myrtle thickets and olive groves, historic fishing villages and high cliffs cutting turquoise sea ​​waves, sometimes smoothly developing into sea grottoes with bizarre names or turning into sheer rocky arches hanging over the shore...

Tropea beaches

The beaches located near the beautiful Calabrian city amaze with their natural beauty expressing all the splendor of the local rich flora and fauna. The town itself, among its narrow streets and small squares, keeps many romantic panoramic terraces, allowing you to enjoy great view on snow-white cliffs framing sea waves of intense turquoise color.

La spiaggia della Rotonda

The beach "Rotonda" is characterized by very fine white sand and incredible clean water: here the seabed is visible even on great depth. The beach lies at the foot of the cliff on which the city extends. The beach "Rotonda" is separated by a massive cliff of San Leonardo from a small and quiet beach spiaggia del cannone, hidden behind the pier of the tourist port.

La Spiaggia della Linguata

Linguata beach with picturesque beach the islands of Santa Maria are a favorite destination for divers: crystal clear waves allow you to enjoy the unique beauty of the seabed and the vibrant underwater life that has arisen on a few meters of flat reef.

La Spiaggia del Convento

Among the attractive bays that open up between the rocks of Tropea, the monastery beach or the "Del Convento" beach, named after the former monastery, deserves attention. The beach is characterized by fine white sand mixed with small pebbles, smooth and polished by the sea.

Le Spiagge delle Grotte del Cavaliere

Just a few kilometers from the city of Tropea are the "caves of the Knight". Here, between high walls of sandstone cliffs, there are small beaches where you can enjoy the sun and sea in solitude or practice diving to explore the depths of the sea and amazing flora and fauna. mediterranean sea.

The beaches of Capo Vaticano

At the famous cape among travelers, located at the foot of Mount Poro, there is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Tyrrhenian coast, characterized by alternating beautiful bays and white sandy beaches.

La Spiaggia della Baia di Riacii

The beach of the bay of Riaccia is one of the most famous beaches throughout Calabria, characterized by unique scenery: the clearest sea is dominated by a high limestone rock that emerges from the water on one side of the coast. Both lovers of soaking up the sand near the water and amateurs of outdoor activities will like it here: the bay of Riacia is a paradise for a diver, both a beginner and a real professional.

La Spiaggia di Grotticelle

The beach "Grotticelle" is formed by the union of three small beaches that smoothly merge into one another. Small White sand, except for the outer part of the beach, also covers the seabed at a shallow depth, which will appeal to kids and their parents. At the same time, you can swim with a mask near the rocks that frame the beach on the sides. Of course, it is best to go here not to high season- at this time, unfortunately for the tourist, it is very crowded and hard to find a good place for relax.

La Spiaggia di Salamite

In Capo Vaticano, the word "Salamite" refers to tiny lizards that once lived en masse near this beautiful beach because of his "wildness". Even today, this beach is very often deserted, which means it is good choice for those who wish to enjoy the crystal clear waters of this stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast and the warm sands in the city alone. Given the opportunity, you can come here by boat and explore the caves and the bay of the cape.

"A Casa du Gaiuzzo"

Gayuzzo was the name of an old rooster who became famous for his roaring chants. The bird lived in a peasant's house between the villages of Santa Maria di Ricardi and Formicoli, near the beach, which later received her name. The beach "A Casa du Gaiuzzo" is located in a delightfully beautiful bay, where it is pleasant to relax away from the bustle of the city.

La Spiaggia di Praia i Focus

This beach is often called the “Four Seasons” beach because of the mild microclimate and cozy location: warm currents pass here, maintaining high water temperatures throughout the year, and the beach itself, located at the extreme tip of Capo Vaticano, is protected from the winds by high cliffs, you can only be reached by sea, but this path is worth doing: when you set foot on Sandy shore, you will be amazed by the rich flora and fauna that inhabit this place.

Reggio Calabria and Junki Beach

Even Gabriele D'Annunzio admired this beach, and the poet called the entire coast "the most beautiful kilometer of Italy." On clear days, the Sicilian coast is visible from here, which, it seems, can be reached with just an outstretched hand. And in the evening, gentle lights illuminate Strait of Messina, which is the border between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas.

Before you reach the beautiful Reggio, you can't help but stop at Junki Beach, located north of historical center cities. The beach is very beautiful, but very often it blows here strong winds, to the delight of fans of windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Photo Thinstock, Touringclub.it

If we recall the geographic outlines of the Apennine Peninsula, that very “boot” occupied by Italy, then the Calabria region falls on its “cape”. This is the southernmost region of peninsular Italy, which, thanks to its climate and popularity beach holiday often referred to as the "Caribbean of Europe".

It has everything to seduce the traveler who is hungry for new experiences: bright colors, amazing cuisine, soulful locals, breathtaking landscapes, the cleanest sea with good beaches. We present you the most beautiful beaches of Calabria, which are worth seeing with your own eyes and, of course, relaxing here with your family or loved one.

The most beautiful beaches of Calabria:

1. Praia a Mare
2. Tropea
3. Capo Vaticano
4. Caminia
5. Soverato
6. diamante
7. Roseto Capo Spulico
8. shilla
9. Isola Capo Rizzuto
10. Tonnara di Palmi

Praia a Mare

The beach in Praia a Mare has a long coastline of gray sand mixed with gravel. It is washed by a dazzling blue sea, and the bottom here is ideal for scuba diving.

Tropea

The Italian city of Tropea once ranked first in the list of the 20 most beautiful beaches in Europe. There is a beautiful sea with sandy beaches, beautiful rocks and interesting historical center.

Capo Vaticano

Capo Vaticano has many coastal bays that form small sandy beaches with picturesque cliffs. There are also wild beaches which can only be reached by boat.

Caminia

If you want to enjoy a beach holiday the way the locals do, then head to the town of Kaminia, which is not so spoiled by tourists. Kaminia beach is located on the coast of the Ionian Sea. The beach is quite wild and pebbly, but beautiful, thanks to the surroundings picturesque rocks. Caminia is one of the most picturesque and unspoiled stretches of the Calabrian coast, so it is worth coming here for those who crave an idyllic holiday.

Soverato

Soverato is called the pearl of the Ionian Sea due to the sandy coastline and the waters so clear that the seabed can be seen even at considerable depths. The beach is well equipped and offers a lot of entertainment and standard tourist services.

Roseto Capo Spulico

At Roseto Capo Spulico you will have a breathtaking view. In addition to the beach, there is a fortified stone castle Castrum Petrae Roseti dating back to the Norman period. It is one of the main historical monuments of Calabria.

diamante

Diamante is called Italian city wall paintings, so head here if you want to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing and walking around. The beaches of Diamante are famous for their white sand, which shimmers in the sun like a scattering of diamonds, hence the name of the commune.

Isola Capo Rizzuto

The Capo Rizzuto area is one of the most beautiful protected natural areas on the Mediterranean. It combines excellent opportunities for a beach holiday with close proximity to interesting historical sites such as Capo Colonna and Le Castella.

shilla

The beach of Scilla (Scylla) boasts clear sea and the beauty of the seabed. It's very popular tourist place, so there are many hotels, cafes and restaurants on the coast for every taste.

The most visited place in Scilla after the beach is Ruffo Castle. The castle was built on high rock, it offers a stunning view of the azure expanse. It was originally built for military purposes, but was subsequently converted into residential property in 1532. Visitors to the castle can admire beautiful view on the coast of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.

Tonnara di Palmi

The coast of Palmi is mostly rocky, but there are also sandy areas, in addition, there is a stunningly clear sea. The name Tonnara di Palmi recalls the past of this place. Once a tuna fishery was developed here, of which today there is no trace.

Calabria captivates tourists at first sight with its wildness and originality. It is not surprising that the great poet compared the area with the sweet caprice of the Most High, who, tired of the creation of the world, gathered all the best in this part of Italy.

Story

The first settlements in Calabria appeared in ancient times. In the 8th century BC, the ancient Greeks settled here and built such cities as Ipponio, Medma, Metauro, Locri, Crotone and Sybaris. In the 3rd century, Roman colonies appeared, who made an invaluable contribution to the development of the region by building cities and trade routes here. However, the Romans needed forests to build ships - this caused great harm to the local nature.

In the 5th-15th centuries, the area was attacked by various conquerors. Byzantines and Goths, Normans, Lombards and Saracens ruled here. On the territory of Calabria, the remains of architectural structures relating to different eras. In the middle of the 19th century, the region became part of the united Italy, the city of Catanzaro became the capital.

Climate

Calabria enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate. The weather is mostly warm and sunny, rains are very rare. Even in winter, the air temperature rarely drops below +10°C, while the sea temperature remains at +16°C. In summer - warm and comfortable, + 26 ° С ... + 29 ° С. Calabria is very hospitable in September, when the real velvet season begins here.

Location

Mountains, the Calabrian Apennines, occupy about 42% of the territory, and the landscape of the rest of the region is predominantly hilly. No more than 8% of the territory falls on the plains. Due to the fact that the entire peninsula is crossed by ridges, the local rivers are quite short, but there are many artificial lakes.

The area is washed by two seas: Ionian and Tyrrhenian. If you are interested in a more accurate location, then Calabria on the map of Italy is the narrowest point of the boot peninsula, its southernmost territory.

How to get there?

To visit Calabria, you can book a flight to Naples or Rome. Further options are possible: traveling by train or flight, which will allow you to get to destination called Calabria. The airport is located in Lamezia Terme. Railway goes along sea ​​coast which will allow you to enjoy the view of the picturesque landscapes. Air travel will save time, and the directions are formed in a variety of ways. resort towns region.

Recreation features

The beauty of visiting this corner of Italy lies in the fact that it combines a beach holiday on the coast and picturesque mountains, unique untouched nature And holiday season, which, as it may seem, does not end. In the spring (early March) it still functions ski resort, and on the sea coast you can meet vacationers who bask in the rays of the gentle sun. Inhabitants northern countries happy to come here in the fall.

Ecology and nature conservation is given Special attention. Sea water incredibly clean and the local fish and seafood is very healthy. The construction of multi-storey buildings in the region is prohibited, and everything has to wonderful holiday. The absence of large industrial plants has led to the fact that the area is ideal for resort complexes.

Where to stay?

In Calabria, along with traditional hotels, villas and apartments built on estates or on farms that grow olives, grapes and citrus fruits, produce wine and collect honey are considered a very popular settlement option. This variant of the settlement is called "agriturismo".

Often equipped with hotels-estates. The owners are hereditary aristocrats who managed to preserve the unusual old atmosphere. Vacationers will receive real pleasure while admiring exquisite furniture, frescoes, original works of art. Here, tourists can order local sausages and cheeses a couple of days before departure if they want to take something with them.

Calabria offers a variety of settlement options. Hotels focused on vacationers different levels. You can comfortably relax in a 3 * hotel, where accommodation is provided in spacious and functional rooms, created good conditions For family vacation There is also an indoor pool. 4 * hotels are recommended for accommodation, where they will offer an expanded range of services. In 5 * hotels, everything is thought out to the maximum for comfortable rest, animators work, there are discos and a lot of entertainment.

Marine vacation

The area stretches along the sea coast. No wonder the beaches of Calabria are so popular with vacationers. For a long time, the local resorts were visited exclusively by residents. major cities Italy, such as Rome, Turin and Milan, focused on the highest standard of living. But soon the popular resorts of Reggio di Calabria, Soverato, Tropea, Scalea and many others became known far beyond the borders of the country, and one of the most popular destinations became Calabria. Reviews of tourists who spent a wonderful vacation here played a role.

Resort Reggio Calabria

The city is considered one of the most popular places holidays in Calabria. The years of foundation of Reggio di Calabria are not known for certain, but it is believed that already in 750 BC the first Greek colonies. Historically, from time immemorial, special attention has been paid to the development of art and science here, and its own school of philosophy was founded. The city was constantly in the center of attention of the conquerors, as it was located at the intersection of important sea and trade routes. At the end of the 18th century, Reggio di Calabria suffered severe damage due to an earthquake.

A walk along the promenade, acquaintance with the Cathedral, ancient churches and mansions - this is the whole hospitable Calabria. Reviews of tourists will be another proof that the direction for the rest is chosen correctly. Among the local attractions, special attention should be paid to visiting the botanical garden and ancient monuments (Roman baths and ancient city walls).

Resort Soverato

Spread on the coast of the Ionian Sea cozy town Soverato, which is ideal for a beach holiday. This is one of the most beloved resorts that Calabria offers. On the map of Italy, it can be seen that the city is located on the shores of the Squilace Gulf, not far from Catanzaro, the capital of the local province.

The main type of recreation is visiting the beaches that stretch along the coast for many kilometers. Of the attractions deserve special attention Cathedral Holy Virgin Mary, Marincolla Palace and Botanical Garden Santicello.

Tropea Resort

One of the most beautiful resorts where the architecture is distinguished by rigor and sophistication. The city is built on a rock formed from the coast washed by the waters of the gulfs of Gioia and Sant'Eufemia, in the purest water the reefs of San Leonardo, Isola Bella, La Pizzuta and Formicoli are located.

Local sandy beaches are recognized as the best. They are covered with soft white sand. Occasionally, along the coast you can see bays and grottoes that look majestic. The picturesque view of the coast is complemented by hills where magnificent fruit trees grow.

Resort Scalea

Surrounded by mountains and sea lurks great place for relax. This city is chosen by those tourists who appreciate comfort. It is here that modern hotels, villas are built, and the beaches are equipped with everything necessary for receiving guests. developed in the city tourism infrastructure, which makes it more attractive for the arrival of vacationers.

Of the attractions can be noted Old city located on a hill at some distance from the resort. The tower of La Torre Talao, built in the 16th century and performing defensive functions, is considered a symbol. The Church of San Nicola in Plateis is worth a visit.

Ski holidays

Despite the fact that in coastal zone Calabria is very hot, the climate of the mountainous part is quite severe. Due to the peculiarities of the landscape, Calabria, which tourists reviews are impressive, is ideal for practicing skiing. Landscapes seem even more amazing if you snow-capped peaks look at the azure, turquoise, purple and emerald waters of the washing seas and bays.

A popular resort is Camigliatello, where tracks are built for beginners and experts in skiing, there are tracks located in the mountains and on the plains. You can ride snowmobiles, ATVs.

Tourists are advised to visit Palumbo. The trails of this resort center located on Mount Carillon. Accept visitors small resorts Lorik and Chirilla.

Kitchen Features

For those who prefer seafood dishes, love fish (usual and exotic varieties), holidays in Calabria will seem like paradise. The main components of the dishes are mussels, shrimp, lobsters, tuna, swordfish and hammerhead fish. Here they cook pasta and cheese, pizza in a special way. Fans of gourmet drinks will be able to appreciate the unique taste of local Calabrian wines, which are considered among the best on the peninsula. Limoncello and Cedro liqueurs are prepared from lemon peel, which they drink before meals, believing that they stimulate the digestive tract.

Local residents independently produce olive oil, the raw materials for which are obtained here. They grow grapes, figs, potatoes, wheat and citrus fruits.

As for pasta, or “pasta”, the local housewives love to pamper their relatives and guests with home-made products, and they rarely cook from semi-finished products. Pasta sauces are made from tomato, fish or meat. In some areas, you can enjoy delicious sausages, which also belong to the national cuisine.

Excursions (Calabria)

A trip to the lake involves a visit to the current one, consisting of basalt and andesitic lavas. Next, tourists are taken to the island of Panarea, where the unique village era bronze age, consisting of oval huts. A peculiar center of the excursion is a visit to the island of Lipari, where there is a museum with unique exhibits of 4-1 millennia BC. Coastline dotted with rocks and caves. The last to visit is the island of Vulcano, whose unique landscape was formed as a result of volcanic activity.

Excursions to Pizzo Calabro are combined with a visit to the city of Tropea. In Pizzo, it is worth taking the time to walk around the old town with its squares and narrow streets. Not far from the sea is amazing cave, inside which Piedigrotta's church was hidden. Picturesque Calabria, the sights of which are represented mainly by ancient buildings, offers the ancient town of Tropea for inspection. by the most interesting places are the Norman Cathedral and the Church of St. Mary, which is on a small island. Tropea was practically not affected by the earthquake at the beginning of the 20th century, and therefore the local ancient buildings are of real historical value.

When making excursions to the town of Scilla, or Scylla, it is worth listening to interesting legend about its origin. Noteworthy is the Church of the Holy Spirit and medieval castle Ruffo, where one of Napoleon's marshals was executed.

A trip to the city of Sera San Bruno is unthinkable without visiting the local churches built in the Baroque style, as well as the Certosa Museum, founded in the 12th century. Calabria is extremely rich in architectural and historical monuments. Attractions are in almost every locality. Tourists are offered to visit Sicily or order night tour to the volcano Stromboli, stay in Dzungri, where they hold a tasting of salami, cheese, vegetables and wine.

Calabria: reviews of tourists

In addition to the well-known and popular resorts, tourists are advised to visit Diamante, admire the works of local painters who adorn the walls of houses. Or walk along food market, which is open on Saturdays: buy amazing homemade cheeses and all kinds of sea fish.

Those who are fond of diving will get a lot of impressions from the trip. Beyond colorful underwater world, tourists will be lucky enough to see the remains of the ancients off the coast.

Be sure to visit Vibo Valentia, from here you can enjoy a great view of the Gulf of Santa Eufemia. There are excellent opportunities for recreation: equipped beaches and historical monuments, such as the Suevo-Norman Castle and the Cathedral of San Leoluca.

Not far from Tropea is the cozy town of Capo Vaticano. Those tourists who crave new experiences should definitely come here. From the local beach you can see the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna, rising from sea ​​depths. Everything around is saturated with the mysterious spirit of antiquity.

The most ancient cities of the province are Crotone and Sibari Marina, on the territory of which archaeological excavations, and local archaeological museums full of exhibits from different eras of ancient history.

What to bring from Calabria?

In some provinces of the region, special alcoholic drinks are produced, such as grappa or lemon liqueurs, wines. You can order cheese or honey, which is prepared on farms. And from here they bring alcoholic drinks based on bergamot and reproductions of bronze statues. There are no special restrictions on the export of goods. It is forbidden to export works of art and archaeological values.

Calabria is the most southern region Italy, and she was even nicknamed the "Caribbean of Europe". Here are the cleanest virgin beaches, bewitching landscapes and rural charm. majestic mountains, overgrown with forests, are harmoniously combined with hills covered with vineyards and fertile plains stretching to the very sea. resort towns and villages with ancient Greek temples and Byzantine churches dispose to a leisurely beach-excursion rest.

Winters in Calabria are quite mild, while summers are sunny and dry. On three sides, this piece of land is surrounded by different parts of the Mediterranean Sea: the Ionian Sea from the east, the Tyrrhenian from the west and the Strait of Messina from the south. The main resorts of the region are located on the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts of Calabria.

Of the interesting local events, we recommend visiting the hot cayenne pepper festival, which is held annually in the first half of September in the village of Diamante. It is this burning vegetable that is considered the unofficial symbol of Calabria. Therefore, here, as nowhere else, they prepare the most spicy olive oil, seasoned with cayenne pepper, and it is called “olio santo”.

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What to see, where to visit

main tourist center this region is the city of Reggio di Calabria, where we recommend visiting the National Museum Greater Greece. And the famous Italian writer d'Annunzio called its embankment "the most beautiful kilometer in the country." In other towns of Calabria, there is also something to see. For example, in Gerace, the castle and the cathedral of the Middle Ages are of interest, in Scalea - the anti-pirate tower Torre Talao, in Tropea - the church of Santa Maria dell Isola, and the philosopher Campanella lived in Stilo. A rather unusual attraction is located on the Kandera hill. This is an ancient cemetery, which occupies a vast territory and is a whole city with chapels and historical tombstones. And Dino Island is famous for the Blue Cave, where it is pleasant to swim in incredibly turquoise water, accompanied by a flock of small fish.

Beaches

On the coast of Calabria there are beaches for every taste - from wild and deserted, hidden in picturesque bays surrounded by rocks, to quite civilized and well-equipped, where fun discos are held in the evenings.

Beaches along Tyrrhenian Sea- sandy and long, and along the Ionian - small and rocky.

Entertainment and active recreation

Divers from all over the world come to Calabria, who are fond of historical and adventure diving. The fact is that in the local seas, not far from the coasts, more than 50 ships sank, the remains of some of them date back to the 4th century BC!

And lovers of mountaineering find here great places for climbing. For example, in the mountains of Aspromonte.

Calabria has a large selection of beaches. It offers tourists crowded equipped areas and secluded quiet coves. Beaches Tyrrhenian coast- sandy and long. The beaches of the Ionian Sea are small and rocky.

Climate

Maritime Calabria is divided into Ionian and Tyrrhenian zones with hot summers and moderately cold winters. On the Ionian coast, there are more warm days, respectively, and bathing season longer.

Attractions

Tourist centre region - Reggio Calabria. Until now, monuments from different eras have been preserved here: the Aragonese castle, the Ottimati Church, the Cathedral and many magnificent palaces of the Art Nouveau era (early 20th century). But Reggio's main pride is National Museum Greater Greece with unique archaeological finds, the most famous of which are two bronze figures of warriors of the 5th century BC. e. Historians called them "Warriors from Riace" (or "Bronze from Riace"), after the name of the village where they were found.

However, in other areas of Calabria, no less interesting excursions await you. scalea famous for its ancient defensive tower(which once protected the city from pirate raids). IN Gerace survived medieval cathedral and a castle. IN stilo you can wander through the places of the philosopher Campanella, and in Tropea visit the grandiose temple of Santa Maria dell'Isola.