Tropea is the summer destination for many Italians, Europeans, and other International travelers. It’s so easy to see why so many people are drawn to this Calabrian seaside town. This charming town sits perched on dramatic cliffs looking down on a simple and picturesque church surrounded by the most incredible sparkling blue-green sea. The water is so clear that when it is still, it seems like things are flying just about the water instead of actually floating on it.
Continue reading to discover some of our favorite beaches in the area. If you want to travel to Calabria and see the best of the region for yourself, explore our selection of Small Group Trips to Southern Italy.
Tropea is a wonderful place to visit when in Calabria, and as you can imagine it’s quite popular in the summer months. That means that there are periods when it can get a bit crowded with tourists. There are a lot of wonderful things to see and do in Tropea.
But if you are looking to also spend a relaxing day at the beach, then instead of heading to the main beach in Tropea, why not consider heading a little further down the coast? There you’ll find some lesser-known, but also incredibly spectacular beaches! These beaches are relatively unknown to the average tourist, so you’ll typically be sharing the day with locals.
Marinella di Zambrone
Marinella di Zambrone, also known as Paradiso del Sub (Diver’s Paradise), is a hidden gem and a favorite spot for snorkeling enthusiasts. Located just a 15-minute drive north of Tropea, this beach requires a bit of effort to reach—but it’s well worth it. The journey involves a 10-minute walk down a rustic trail that winds through picturesque terrain to the beach below.
Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. Thanks to its slightly “inconvenient” access, the beach is less crowded and offers a peaceful escape, free from the usual tourist crowds. It’s the perfect place to mingle with locals and enjoy the feeling of having your own private slice of paradise.
To reach the beach, take the dirt path across from the Zambrone train station. Be sure to bring all your essentials, as this remote beach does not have any facilities.
Spiaggia Parghelia/Spiaggia Michelino
Just a few miles north of Tropea, you’ll find two stunning beaches beloved by locals. These expansive sandy shores feature sparkling clear waters, secluded coves, and striking rock formations both on the coast and in the sea—perfect for exploration. Like Zambrone Beach, these beaches aren’t accessible directly from the street, but getting there is much easier thanks to a staircase leading down to the sand.
For a breathtaking view of the coastline before descending, take the path to the right of the steps. It leads to a scenic viewpoint where you can admire the beach and surrounding coast from above. Once you reach the bottom of the staircase, you’ll have two choices: head left to Spiaggia Parghelia or right to Spiaggia Michelino. Both are equally beautiful, so you can’t go wrong with either.
Access the beaches via the staircase from Via Michelino, and be sure to bring everything you’ll need for the day, as these beaches lack facilities. If you prefer a beach with amenities, Spiaggia Vardano, located just before Parghelia, offers beach bars and rentable sunbeds for added comfort.
Baia di Riaci
Riace is best known for the incredible historical discovery of the bronze statues known as the Bronzi, which are currently on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Reggio Calabria. However, the Baia di Riaci is an amazing discovery in and of itself. This small beach is so breathtaking. It has a large natural rock formation that you can swim in, around, and through – truly magical. Here, the beaches are sandy, and the gorgeous transparent water is shallow, which is great for families with children.
The kids will love exploring the water and rocks for different types of sea life. You can choose to stay on the public beach or rent a sunbed and umbrella for the day from one of the private beach bars. If you choose to stay on the public beach, the beach bars are not too far away, so you can easily pop in for a snack or a meal.
Tropea and these beaches all sit on the coastline known as “The Coast of the Gods”, and these few spots will make you feel like you’ve found a little piece of heaven on earth!
If you are interested in traveling to Calabria and/or Tropea, we can help you plan the perfect itinerary, so contact us here! For more inspiration, you can also explore our curated Small Group Trips to Calabria.
