The Calabria Coast, Italy, is perfect for beach lovers, nature lovers, and families travelling with kids who want to experience the “real Italy”. You won’t find water as clear as these beaches anywhere else in the country!

The Ionian Coast has calmer seas than the Tyrrhenian Coast but just as impressive cliffs and stretches of sand. The Ionian Coast is also less developed and less crowded than its Tyrrhenian counterpart.

Moreover, if you love history, the Calabria Coast, Italy, offers numerous archaeological treats including the impressive Castello Aragonese, an Aragon fortress used to ward off attacks from the Ottoman Turks.

Below the best beach destinations on the Calabria Coast, Italy.

Soverato beaches

The town of Soverato is a very popular summer holiday resort and is a popular destination for national and international tourism, thanks to many holiday resorts, as well as recreation and leisure structures.

The landscape is really lovely: clean and clear sea, fine white sandy beaches that sparkle against the rays of the sun, a mild climate throughout the year. The beach of Soverato is one of the most famous of the Calabrian beaches and is located on the northeast coast of the region between Montepaone Lido and Marina di Davoli.

The beach is narrow and long and composed of very fine white sand that emphasizes the colour of the sea from turquoise to cobalt blue. The seabed slopes down quickly and is clearly visible meters from the coast; it is therefore an ideal place for snorkelers who want to admire the species of marine flora and fauna that reside in this stretch of coast.

Among the most appreciated beaches of Soverato is the Hippocampus Bay, located a short distance from the city centre.

A curiosity: The typical product of the area, exported internationally, is the Soverato chilli pepper – also called Diavolicchio – which is one of the most spicy in the world (with an average hotness of around 30,000 on the Scoville scale ).

Don’t miss to visit: There are many opportunities for cultural excursions from Soverato, such as to the ancient ruins of the Scolacium Archaeological Park and to Catanzaro, Calabria’s capital, both of Soverato’s north. In a southerly direction lie numerous medieval towns, such as Gerace, Badolato and Stilo, the latter renowned for its “Cattolica” Church, a gem of the Byzantine.

Capo Rizzuto beaches

Isola di Capo Rizzuto is located on Jonico side of Calabria and is one of the main Italian seaside resorts .The beach of Isola di Capo Rizzuto is among the most beautiful and popular in Calabria and it is part of the splendid Marine Protected Area of Capo Rizzuto which since 1991 protects many species of flora and fauna.

In fact, many fans of scuba diving and water sports like snorkelling go to this stretch of coast for their beach holidays. The beach is narrow and long and consists of sandy beaches with fine grain and light colour and cliffs on which you can lie down and enjoy this little corner of paradise.

The beach has been repeatedly awarded the Green Flag, a prize awarded by Italian paediatricians to beaches suitable for families with children. In the immediate vicinity of the main beach there are numerous accommodation facilities where you can stay and restaurants where you can taste typical dishes prepared according to the local culinary tradition.

Don’t miss: Every Saturday morning on the town’s waterfront, tents and stalls flock to the village market, an ideal opportunity to get in touch with the place and buy small souvenirs of your holiday.

Le Castella beach

One of the most renowned seaside resorts on the Calabrian Ionian coast is the Castella, a fraction of the municipality of Isola di Capo Rizzuto from which it is just 9 km away.

The town is known for the suggestive Aragonese fortress that dominates the bay from an islet overlooking the mainland which, recently restored, has become one of the major attractions of the entire Saracen coast and adopted by the Calabria Region as a symbol of Calabrian tourism.

From the castle you can enjoy a splendid view of the Ionian Sea and the waters of the Capo Rizzuto.

Sitting under a beach umbrella or eating a plate of pasta with clam sauce in a trattoria with a view of this castle is priceless!

Best time to Visit Calabria

With some of the best beaches in Italy, and untouched nature, Calabria is one of Italy’s hidden gems.

Summer is definitely the best time to Visit Calabria to appreciate its beauty. With the main attractions being the National parks and the stunning coastline, you want to be able to swim in the beautiful beaches. After all, they are some of the best beaches in Italy!

The best time to travel in Calabria is the summer months from the beginning of June to mid-October. During this time, water temperatures of well over 73 °F offer ideal conditions for extensive bathing and beach holidays.