THE AWARD WINNING BEACH
SPIAGGIA DI TROPEA & MARINA DELL ISOLA
Trip Advisor has named this the most popular beach in Italy and in the top 20 in the world! Extending either side of the beautiful church on the Isola these are by far the most popular and busy beaches in the area and make a perfect destination if you love to people watch. The beach is easily accessible with soft white sand, crystal clear water and plenty of cafes & restaurants close by. What makes it a world class beach is the stunning backdrop of Tropea and the beautiful view of the Isola and Aeolian Islands.
OUR TOP TIPS: Get there early if you want a good spot, swim around the Isola to discover a secret hidden cove or take a dip as the sun sets.
Parking: pay and display
Amenities: loads of cafes and beach bars available - open from breakfast until after sunset. Sunbed and parasol hire available
Accessibility: by car or an easy walk. Gentle shallow waters
Popularity: busy all year round - get here early if you want a good spot
STUNNING COVES & CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
MICHELINO BEACH - PARGHELIA
Your local beach also happens to be one of the most beautiful in the area. With powder white sand and the clearest water we've ever seen this is a must do beach and well worth climbing the stairs to get up and down. Great for snorkelling, swimming and cliff jumping but equally perfect for sunbathing and relaxing - it's the perfect beach to suit everyone.
OUR TOP TIPS: Take a snack and water as there is no café, save some bread to feed the fish and swim through the secret underwater tunnel that links the 2 sides of this amazing beach.
Parking: pay & display
Amenities: there is bar at the top of the hill. Take your own umbrella as none are available to hire
Accessibility: there are steps down to the beach
Popularity: very busy in summer but quieter in low season
LIDO LA SCOGLIERA - PARGHELIA
This hidden gem is just around the rocks from Michelino beach. It can only be accessed by boat or pedallo,swimming from an adjacent beach or by climbing over the rocks at the very end of La Grazia beach. It is well worth the effort to get here and experience the powder white sand and crystal clear waters. Even in high season it is very quiet and secluded so it's perfect if you want to escape the summer crowds.
TOP TIP: hire a pedallo from La Grazia beach to access this stunning beach
Parking: no
Amenities: no
Accessibility: by boat or climbing over the rocks. Challenging but worth it!
Popularity: very quiet and secluded even in summer
PARADISO DEL SUB - ZAMBRONE
Less than 15 minutes away in Zambrone this gorgeous beach, set in a beautiful rocky cove, is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Pristine clear blue waters make this a great choice if you love to swim in the sea. The 10 minute walk down the cliff edge is worth the effort.
Parking: yes - in Zambrone town with a 10 minute walk to the beach
Amenities: no
Accessibility: lots of steps down to the beach
Popularity: busy in summer
CAPO VATICANO
Perhaps the most stunning coastline in Calabria, Capo Vaticano is a series of isolated coves, only accessible from the sea. You can hire a boat or pedallo and find your own secluded paradise, or just take in the views from above. Our TRIPS & EXPERIENCES GUIDE has more information about this.
Parking: only accessible by boat
Amenities: no
Accessibility: only accessible by boat - but worth the effort
Popularity: quiet and secluded even in summer
popular, accessible & watersports
LA GRAZIA BEACH - PARGHELIA
With easy access, a long flat stretch of sand, sunbeds for hire and water sports on offer, La Grazia has something for everyone. There is a popular restaurant and café too.
Parking: yes (free on street or pay and display)
Amenities: sunbed and parasol hire, watersports, restaurant, toilets, showers.
Accessibility: by car or an easy walk. Gentle shallow waters
Popularity: a popular beach but there's always room even in summer
GROTTICELLE BEACH - CAPO VATICANO
This is the most popular beach in Capo Vaticano. It's easily accessible, has cafes and sunbed hire
and is a great location to hire a pedallo and explore the hidden coves which can only be accessed by boat.
OUR TOP TIP: Hire your pedallo for at least 2 hours to give you enough time to explore all the stunning coves along the coastline
Parking: pay and display
Amenities: sunbed hire, café and water sports
Accessibility: car park and a short walk down hill
Popularity: busy in summer
ZAMBRONE BEACH - ZAMBRONE
Only 10 minutes drive away the long stretch of coast at Zambrone is a popular choice if you want a lively place to sunbathe, swim and people watch. There are loads of cafes and beach bars to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Parking: yes
Amenities: cafes and water sports available on the main beach
Accessibility: easily accessed by car
Popularity: busy in summer
LIDO DEL NONNO - TROPEA
This is the most accessible beach in the area with very gentle access and shallow waters making it perfect for small children or anyone with limited mobility.
Parking: limited free parking and pay and display
Amenities: sunbed hire and cafe and close to the port with more places to eat
Accessibility: car park close by and very easy access
Popularity: busy in summer