Capo Vaticano is a wonderful seaside tourist destination located in the municipality of Ricardi, in the province of Vibo Valentia.

Overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast, this beautiful Calabrian town located between the Gulf of Gioia Tauro and the Gulf of Lamezia Terme, famous for its homonymous rocky promontory consisting of a particular type of granite (with a gray white color), studied for its unusual geological characteristics and for the richness of sediment marine.

In addition to geology and paleontology enthusiasts, Capo Vaticano will conquer even the most romantic ones: its suggestive bays, lapped by crystal clear water, overlook the Volcano, Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands.

A real seaside paradise, Capo Vaticano, extends along the beautiful Costa degli Dei and is the ideal destination for those who wants to treat yourself to a relaxing holiday.

The coast of Capo Vaticano extends from the Tono Bay to the beautiful bay of Santa Maria (practically at the offshore of Monte Poro.

The most beautiful and suggestive stretch of beach is undoubtedly that of Grotticelle, characterized by fine and white sand & egrave; bathed by an emerald color sea, incredibly clear and crystal clear.

The coast of Grotticelle, which has nothing to envy to the Caribbean beaches, is considered the third most beautiful Italian beach and it was included among the top hundred beaches in the world.

Grotticelle is the main beach, as well as the most loved beach in Capo Vaticano. Reaching it is easy, you meet it once you cross the Cliff of Capo Vaticano.

Characterized by a vast cove and three loops, this stretch of beach is dotted with equipped bathing establishments and numerous accommodation facilities (it serves, in particular, many holiday parks).

The curious name of this beach comes from the fact that once, not too far away, the beach was made even more impressive by the presence of a particular natural cave. which served, during the winter months, as a shelter for the flocks that grazed the area (at least so we are told by the director of the Gazzettino di Tropea, Giovanbattista Petracca Scaglione, in his chronicles).

Also perfect for families with children, this beautiful beach sheltered from the winds and currents of the nearby Strait of Messina, boasts a rather low seabed and sandy and warm waters. The only mole? Maybe it's a bit too crowded during the warmer months...

But Grotticelle, it is not the only beach in Capo Vaticano. Other beaches in the municipality of Ricadi are:

Riaci: you meet it coming from Tropea and you it presents as a welcoming, as charming bay. Its curious name would come from Ruachione, a Greek term that indicates a particularly impetuous stream.

Simply beautiful, this beach dominated by very high cliffs (unmistakable the Great Rock) and surrounded by typical and very green Mediterranean vegetation, is soft and sandy. Perfect for those who love to swim, it is also suitable for those who want to enjoy a bath in complete serenity, as its seabed are sandy and sloping. From the bay of Riaci you can see the Aeolian Islands and get lost in a beautiful turquoise sea.

A little curiosity: just off this beach, in 1917, a merchant ship sank (known as U' Vapuri), which today rests on the seabed.

Giardinello: immediately after the Bay of Riaci, we meet the beach called Giardinello (so called because once, now, now far away, its background was covered with very dense vegetation). Dominated by the Tower Gisotta (also called Balì), it has a stretch of light sand and stony stretches of the shoreline. In front of this stretch of coast, from the sea, crystal clear, impressive rock formations emerge.

Gabbaturco: a delightful beach called Passu du Gabbaturco (since here, during the Saracen invasions, some fishermen of the place managed to gabbate - that is to to make fun of the fierce Turkish pirates by designing a cunning trap).

Reachable through a rather steep path, this unequipped beach characterized by different rock formations is sometimes sandy. It is ideal for those who love to enjoy the sea in a pure and wild state.

Tingles: frequented, but rather quiet, it is wide and sandy. According to the stories of the historian Dionysius of Halicarnassus (but not only), the current beach of Formicoli, was one of the ports founded by the mythical Hercules, who arrived along the Italian coasts: Forum Erculis.

The coast of Formicoli is very suggestive: its very fine and white sand and its very blue sea do not make the Caribbean regret.

In front of the coast, you can see the suggestive rocks that emerge from the sea.

This well-equipped beach is perfect for those who love diving, in how much its wonderful seabeds hide countless polyps and a particularly rich marine fauna.

Scalea: a real jewel nestled between the bay of Riaci and the coast of Formicoli, this beach, characterized by suggestive cliffs and white sand reachable through a staircase.

Praia di Fuoco: called by the inhabitants Praia i Focu, it develops at the extreme tip of Capo Vaticano, about 500 meters from the famous Lighthouse (right in front of the famous rock of the Mantineum). Full of charming coves and cliffs (reachable only by sea), it is ideal for relaxing, swimming and diving.

Those who love not only sunbathing and swimming, but also living and discovering the sea, will be happy to know that Capo Vaticano hosts an excellent Diving Center. The center, in addition to organizing various courses (Open Water Diver, Divemaster, Diver Stress and Rescue...), organizes different and fascinating guided dives. The most interesting ones lead to the discovery of the wreck U' Vapuri (not far from the bay of Riaci), by Formicoli (for those who want to treat themselves to the pleasure of a not too demanding dive and deep) and at the rock of Vadaro (with its countless and enchanting ravines).

Capo Vaticano is a lovely place to discover (although, honestly, it will be difficult for you to leave its wonderful beaches). So why not organize some excursions with family or friends? the hinterland, with its still unspoiled nature, is the right choice for those who love hiking and mountain biking. In addition, Capo Vaticano can count on an excellent riding school that organizes horseback riding excursions even for beginners.

Absolutely to discover is the Lighthouse of Capo. Imposing lighthouse, not far from the suggestive Belvedere (which offers shows panoramic views up to the Aspromonte and the Strait of Messina). Since 1870 it stands in all its magnitude on a spur of rock, 110 meters above the sea. Traditional Mediterranean architecture (with cylindrical tower and adjacent wood-burning oven), is the ideal place for those who want to treat themselves to a very romantic sunset on Stromboli.

If, you are looking for a slightly more challenging excursion, you can reach Monte Poro. Its altitude is modest: 710 meters, but its nature is enchanting and unusually varied.

On the top of the mountain, there is a military station dedicated to sighting and broadcasting, and a small church dedicated to the Virgin of Mount Carmel.

There are also many possibilities to organize excursions at sea, aboard a boat, a sailboat or a catamaran. The nautical center of Tropea, located in Torre Ruffa, also organizes various personalized excursions and activities suitable for children.

Finally, a beach holiday cannot be separated from the discovery of local cuisine.

Calabrian cuisine is very rich in flavor and colors and is a joy, not only for the palate, but also for the eyes.

The renowned red onion of Tropea (recognized PDO), is produced mainly in Capo Vaticano and owes its exquisite flavor and its indescribable sweetness, just the peculiarity of the territory, particularly sandy, of the promontory and the special micro-climate.

Very tasty, even raw, the Rossa di Tropea, is the protagonist of many Calabrian dishes (but not only), in particular the onion tart.

Other typical Vibonese specialties are: the “fileia” (a particular format of homemade pasta, accompanied by tasty sauce), the Tagghiarini ( otherwise known as tagliatelle), and the Pitte di San Martino (delicious biscuits prepared with nuts, raisins, pine nuts and chocolate).