The 12 most beautiful beaches in Calabria on the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea

To find the most beautiful sea in Calabria you can venture along its 780 km of coastline, where you can come across some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy with some beaches also included in the list of Blue Flags of 2024. The eclectic-liberty style of Reggio Calabria is combined with the jewels of Magna Graecia, such as the magnificent Riace Bronzes, one of the most important archaeological discoveries made off the coast of the Calabrian municipality. The beaches that can be found in Calabria are both sandy and rugged coastlines full of rocks, which often hide small hidden coves. The variety of tourist offers and landscapes make Calabria the ideal destination for every type of traveler: families with children, teenagers and young adults, couples, families with animals. For the younger ones, Scalea remains one of the favourite destinations, while for those who prefer relaxation, comfort and services Praia a mare It has a wide and rather easy beach. Let’s discover the 12 most beautiful beaches in Calabria with an updated map to visit in 2024.

The most beautiful beaches of Calabria on the Tyrrhenian Sea

The most renowned and famous beaches in Calabria are mainly found on the Tyrrhenian side. From Tropea to Scilla, passing through Praia a Mare, here are the most beautiful beaches on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Cannon Beach (Tropea)

In Tropea the main beach of the city, the Cannon Beachboasts a crystal clear sea with a glimpse of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola which dominates the entire bay. The coast called from Cannon It has both sand and rocks, and is surmounted by the Scoglio di San Leonardo which is accessed through a tunnel built in the 1920s by digging into the rock. The beach owes its name to the seventeenth-century cannon that was found in the small bay near the port and which is now located on the panoramic terrace of Largo Galluppi.

Type of beach: free, sand and rocks.

Chianalea of ​​Scylla (Scylla)

In Scilla, a municipality in the province of Reggio Calabria, the myth of Scylla and Charybdis described by Homer is part of the popular tradition, especially in the village of Chianalea of ​​Scilla overlooking the sea, observed especially from the Ruffo Castle. The beach of Chianalea, which is part of the so-called Costa Viola, has sand mixed with pebbles and stones: it also has a bathing establishment, although it is also possible to find space for those who love the free beach.

Beach type: sand and stones, free and equipped

Grotticelle Bay (Capo Vaticano)

The the bathroom Of Grotticelle is one of the most beautiful in all of Calabria. Along the splendid Costa degli Dei, we find a bay with three coves set in the rock and the landscape of Capo Vaticano overlooking the blue sea. The location is in the province of Vibo Valentia and is beloved by tourists from all over the world: the sandy beach between the rocks has wonderful vegetation behind it that contrasts with the crystalline waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. From Capo Vaticano you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli: the beach is both equipped and free and is perfect for snorkeling lovers and those who love to practice underwater activities.

Type of beach: sand, free and equipped

Arcomagno beach (San Nicola Arcella)

The Arcomagno beachlocated in the province of Cosenza, in the municipality of San Nicola Arcella, is a real gem. One of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in Calabria is enclosed in a sort of rocky basin in the shape of an arch, which in fact opens access to the sea. The rocky arch, the result of erosion of the rock, opens in front of a beach of very fine sand that has earned this beach the Blue Flag. This natural paradise surrounded by ample vegetation is in fact placed in a cradle, also called Grotto of the Saracen. So how do you get to this sort of forbidden paradise? There are two ways: take the path that goes down the mountain and offers a majestic view of the Calabrian coast and the island of Dino: the landscape is breathtaking, but it is certainly unstable terrain, so for families with children it is advisable to arrive by sea. You can reach the Arcomagno beach by renting either a small boat or a pedal boat from the nearby beaches. The sunset show is one of those that stays in your heart.

Beach type: sand and free.

Dino Island (Praia a Mare)

L’Dino island it is located in front of the municipality of Praia a Mare, in the province of Cosenza. The name of the island has an uncertain origin: it probably derives from the Greek term ignoblewhich means whirlpool or storm, and which would indicate that the waters near the island were once dangerous for those who set out on a sea voyage. The beach of Praia a Mare, large, equipped and sandy, ideal for family holidays, is literally a few hundred meters from the caves of Dino Island. The latter is famous for its cliffs and can only be accessed from the Praia a Mare side where it is possible to dock: here you can admire the wild nature with Mediterranean plants such as myrtle, dwarf palm and holm oak. The caves of the island, which have more than a thousand years of history, are famous: among these the most famous are that of the Sardines, that of the waterfalls, the Blue cave and the Lion cave where you can admire a wonderful seabed rich in coral.

Beach type: rocks and caves.

Cirella Island (Diamond)

L’Cirella Island it is another of the islands of Calabria located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Place in the heart of FAI, this small island is part of the municipality of Diamante, in the province of Cosenza. Small lemon groves surround the reliefs which then lead to large caves. The island is mainly frequented by snorkelling lovers, in particular due to the seabed which is very rich in vegetation. This small green jewel, less than 100 square meters, is not inhabited, is full of caves and is only accessible via canoe excursions or small organized boat tours.

Paradise Beach of the Sub (Zambrone)

Bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Paradiso del Sub beach, known as Maldives of Calabria, is located in the municipality of Zambrone and is one of the most famous in Calabria. The beach is not equipped and is full of rocks, as well as being protected by a large cliff. Made up of two different coves, which divides it from the beaches of Capo Cozzo, it is separated by the Leone rock, a rock corroded by the water that has the appearance of a lion. Rich in stones both on the seabed and on the beach strip, it is called a diver’s paradise due to its wonderful seabed which is a dream for snorkelling enthusiasts.

Beach type: rock and free

Coreca Cliff (Amantea)

The Coreca cliff in the province of Cosenza it overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and is a small piece of coast in which are grouped about ten rocks all renamed by the residents: Capoto, Formica, Ginario, Longarino, Piccirillo, Tirolé, and the 4 Scuagli da Funtana (fountain rocks). The beach is full of rocks, therefore not suitable for lovers of sand: since it is not a real coastline, this piece of coast does not have equipped establishments and is only for free use.

Beach type: rocks and free.

Scalea Beach (Scalea)

Scalea beach is located in the province of Cosenza and is one of the most popular seaside resorts among young people. The sandy beach, also full of pebbles, is interrupted by the rock where the Torre Talao is located: the crystal clear water and the presence of establishments make it an attractive location for young people but also for families with children. For lovers of free beach, there is also a small area where you can place your umbrella. Among the most popular locations on the Scalea coast we find: the Ruggiero Promenadethe Via Tirreno Beachthe Corso Mediterraneo beachwhere the free beach is located.

Type of beaches: sand, pebbles, free and equipped.

The most beautiful beaches of Calabria on the Ionian side

The most beautiful beaches on the Ionian side in Calabria are real jewels. One above all Caminia, in the municipality of Stalettì, near the more famous Soverato, is the pearl of the Ionian Sea frequented by residents and tourists.

Caminia Beach (Soverato)

You can’t talk about beaches in Calabria without mentioning the Caminia beach, one of the most famous on the Orange Coast. Inside the Gulf of Squillace, we find this strip of sand enclosed between two cliffs: a treasure much loved by residents and tourists and impossible not to love. Located in the municipality of Stalettì, in the province of Catanzaro, it is enclosed between the coasts of Soverato and Copanello: “protecting” it we find two cliffs. The beach is sandy and fine, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, and overlooking the bluest Ionian Sea. The seabed is almost immediately deep and full of pebbles and for lovers of caves along the coast there is the Grotta di San Gregorio, so called because history has it that the saint was thrown into the sea and then brought back to shore by angels: the cave it is a sacred place for many believers. In high season the Caminia beach it is super crowded, which is why it is advisable to arrive as early as possible: the beach is free even if it has a bar.

Type of beach: free and sand.

Le Castella beach (Capo Rizzuto)

In Isola di Capo Rizzuto, in the province of Crotone, there is a strip of beach that seems heavenly: it is the Le Castella beach, a segment of coastline with shallow seabed and almost reddish sand. The Ionian Sea with its crystal clear water and shallow seabed bathes this beach, it is part of the protected Marine Natural Area of ​​the municipality of Capo Rizzuto, which, despite what the name might suggest, is not an island. In front of the coast stands the Aragonese Castle of Le Castella. A beach not to be missed, truly.

Type of beach: sand and free.

Marinella Beach (Capo Rizzuto)

Marinella beach in the municipality of Capo Rizzuto di Crotone. This sandy beach, which has been awarded by Legambiente, is a small maritime jewel just a few steps from the town center. Surrounded by vegetation, this beach of fine sand overlooks crystal clear water. The beach is free and has no equipped facilities.

Type of beach: sand and free.