Where to Stay in Calabria: The Best Beach Towns

ByCassandra Tresl

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Discover the best beach towns and places to stay in Calabria for your next summer holiday.

The southernmost region of mainland Italy is used to getting lost in the shuffle. With neighbors like the island of Sicily and romanticised Puglia, it’s been a tricky journey for Calabria to showcase its merit for unassumingly being one of the best beach destinations in Italy.

After we visited Calabria in the peak of summer, we quickly fell in love with this greatly underrated nook of Italy. It is without question, an absolute paradise for beaches! The region is also enormous, which means there is no shortage of places to stay depending on one’s travel preferences.

From the popular picturesque towns, sleepy seaside hamlets to quiet corners of paradise that you’ve never heard of, we’ve compiled the best beach towns in Calabria.

The Essentials for Visiting Beach Towns in Calabria

✈️ Fly into Lamezia Terme International Airport – Calabria’s major international airport. Pick up a rental car at the airport if you’re interested in making the most of your time in Calabria.

🚊 You can get to Calabria by train from other major cities in Italy. Take the train to Lamezia Terme Central Train Station before transferring to additional trains in order to reach your preferred beach town.

💳 Come prepared with cash on hand. Or, use a solid travel money card that offers easy (and free) ATM withdrawals. Many establishments in Calabria are cash only.

💎 Tropea is the most beloved destination in Calabria and the ideal beach town, especially if you’re not particularly keen on leaving the beaten path.

🧖🏼‍♀️ The top resorts, spas and all-inclusive style accommodations are found on Capo Vaticano.

🛥 Boat tours are the best type of activity in Calabria and can be booked in nearly every coastal town.

⛑ While Calabria is a safe holiday location for tourists, protect yourself from any unforeseen incidents with travel insurance.

⛱ You May Like: 15 Beautiful Beaches in Calabria

Choose the Best Beach Town in Calabria for You

  • Tropea – Most Popular Destination
  • Pizzo – The Best Town for Families
  • Scalea – The Easiest Beach Holiday
  • Scilla – The Most Charming Seaside Town
  • Caminia – The Most Breathtaking Views
  • Roccella Ionica – The Most Laidback Beach Atmosphere
  • Bovalino – The Most off the Radar Location
  • Bova Marina – Best for Peace and Quiet
  • Le Castella – Best Hidden Gem
  • Bagnara Calabra – The Best Lesser Known Alternative
  • Capo Vaticano – Best Luxury Resorts & Spas
  • Borgata Marina – Most Underrated Scenery for Swimming
  • Crotone – Most Classic Italian Lido Experience
  • Capo Rizzuto – The Best Base for Exploring

How to Visit Coastal Towns in Calabria

If your definition of a perfect holiday means you remain in one location, you do not need a car while enjoying a beach town in Calabria. Simply choose a base that suits you and stay put.

You can complete an entire trip to Calabria by just using public transportation. The train system in Calabria is surprisingly fantastic and reaches all of the best coastal towns. If you’re not interested in exploring or hitting the roads yourself, it’s possible to enjoy all of Calabria’s best beach towns by train.

🚊 Find Train Tickets to Calabria

Check prices and availability with Trainline!

On the other hand, many of us may not want to rely solely on public transportation or taking taxis each time we feel like stepping foot out of town. For this reason, we recommend renting a car and driving around because this is always the best chance of finding the most gorgeous beaches.

Particularly if you are visiting Calabria in the summer, the beaches located centrally in a coastal town will get crowded. It’s nice to have the option of hopping in the car and driving a few minutes to reach quieter areas.

🚙 Find a Cheap Rental Car

Browse low-priced rental car options in Calabria.

Map of the Best Beach Towns in Calabria

14 Best Beach Towns in Calabria

1. Tropea

The beloved coastal gem of Tropea is Calabria’s most well-known town and is rapidly becoming one of the top must-visit destinations in southern Italy.

It’s picture-perfect, boasts a handful of stunning beaches, and has a quaint historic center.

Among Tropea’s most distinct characteristics includes its picturesque location atop a cliffside with a turquoise beach below, alongside a hilltop monastery from the Middle Ages. Furthermore, legend has it that Tropea was founded by the Greek symbol Hercules.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Tropea

Where to Stay in Tropea

💰(Budget) Middle Town Palace

💰💰 (Mid-Range) HibiscusUno Tropea Residence

💰💰💰 (High-End) Tenuta Tropeano

🛌 Compare Prices for Hotels in Tropea

2. Pizzo

The petite town of Pizzo is an unsung hero of the Calabrian coast. It is as charming as any other ancient-rooted town, but less known by sun-seeking tourists.

Historically known as a humble fishing village, Pizzo now boasts many marvelous crystal-clear beaches, a 15th-century castle, and waterfront dining.

Pizzo is particularly ideal for families with young children as the beaches are sandy with shallow entrances, and the overall atmosphere is delightfully wholesome.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Pizzo

Where to Stay in Pizzo

💰(Budget) La Piccola Pizzo

💰💰 (Mid-Range) Timpa B&B

💰💰💰 (High-End) Palazzo Paladini

🛌 Check Prices for Hotels in Pizzo

3. Scalea

With a beach that stretches just over 3.5 km (2.20 miles), Scalea is among the most classic beach towns in Calabria. While the beautiful historic center of Scalea is perched on the hillside, the shoreline of Scalea consists of countless beach clubs, restaurants, boat rentals, and beachfront vacation rentals.

Scalea is the best choice for enjoying a relaxing and easy beach holiday because everything is within reach.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Scalea

Where to Stay in Scalea

💰(Budget) Grand Hotel De Rose

💰💰 (Mid-Range) B&B Civico 64

💰💰💰 (High-End) Casa Marinari

🛌 Check Prices for Hotels in Scalea

4. Scilla

Defined by narrow streets, an ancient fortress, colorful historic homes, and a beach that puts Positano to shame, Scilla is among the most characteristic and enchanting towns in Calabria.

Filled with waterfront restaurants and holiday apartments with balconies hanging over the sea, Scilla is also unquestionably the most romantic beach town in Calabria.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Scilla

Where to Stay in Scilla

💰(Budget) Le Stanze della Braceria Calabrese

💰💰 (Mid-Range) Olimpo Palace Affittacamere

💰💰💰 (High-End) Il Borgo or La balza di Scilla

🛌 Check Prices for Hotels in Scilla

5. Caminia

Combined with the nearby town of Montepaone Lido, the coastline near Caminia is undeniably breathtaking and low-key one of the most dramatic scenes of the Calabrian coast.

While there are a few long stretches of sandy beaches with traditional lidos, there are also a couple of incredible secluded coves. The various rock formations also make Caminia a haven for snorkeling, and the many beautiful hotels and B&Bs make Caminia a hidden gem worth travelling to.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Caminia

Where to Stay in Caminia

💰(Budget) Pietragrande Appartamento

💰💰 (Mid-Range) Luna Convento Copanello B&B

💰💰💰 (High-End) Residence Cassiodoro

🛌 Compare Prices for Hotels in Caminia

6. Roccella Ionica

Awarded the world recognized honor of the Blue Flag, the beach in Roccella Ionica attracts many tourists every summer. Crystal clear water and a coastline that stretches for kilometres make it one of the most quintessential places to stay if enjoying the beach is your top priority.

Bordered by a promenade, seafood restaurants on the beach, and no shortage of beach clubs, Roccella Ionica is a relaxing beach town that happens to have it all.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Roccella Ionica

Where to Stay in Roccella Ionica

💰(Budget) Monolocale Micarè 19

💰💰 (Mid-Range) Magna Grecia B&B e Appartamenti

💰💰💰 (High-End) Fiko Suite

🛌 Check Prices for Hotels in Roccella Ionica

7. Bovalino

It’s likely that not even other Italians have ever heard of Bovalino, which hints at the fact that it’s very much a local destination. Bovalino is a regularly functional city, which means it’s by no means touristy, but it does receive a crowd of sunseekers over the weekends.

Its riviera is not comprised of fancy hotels, but instead, simple places to eat, plentiful space to lay out, and a lovely promenade for evening strolls. Instead of upscale beach clubs, Bovalino’s scene tends to be filled with families with their own picnic and children fishing.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Bovalino

Where to Stay in Bovalino

💰(Budget) Il Quadrifoglio di Triveri

💰💰 (Mid-Range) Il Vicoletto Bovalino – B&B

💰💰💰 (High-End) Palazzo Reginella

🛌 Compare Prices for Hotels in Bovalino

8. Bova Marina

Bova Marina has no distinct features that make it a showstopper. While it’s not classically beautiful, it’s still a fantastic beach town for those who simply want to spend the morning at the gorgeous beach, afternoon napping, and drowning in fresh seafood throughout the evening.

Even in peak season, there are few tourists, and Bova Marina remains an unapologetically calm, quiet, and peaceful place to spend a holiday.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Bova Marina

Find uncrowded paradise at the beach of Spiaggia della Rocca del Capo

Take photos with the winged statue of Statua Il Volo di Icaro

Have an authentic experience at Agriturismo di Petru i ‘Ntoni

Hike up to Santuario della Madonna del Mare for panoramic sea views

Visit the inland castles of Castello Normanno di Bova and Castello Ruffo

Where to Stay in Bova Marina

💰(Budget) Villa delle Rose

💰💰 (Mid-Range) Casa Erika

💰💰💰 (High-End) Rio Rosa

🛌 Check Prices for Hotels in Bova Marina

9. Le Castella

The landscape and scenery of Le Castella are magical and undoubtedly among the best hidden gems on the Calabrian coast. The castle’s origins are somewhat lost in a flurry of history and legends, but its stature remains grand, and it is the pinnacle of Le Castella’s charm.

The town is surrounded by heavenly turquoise waters and filled with quaint streets, comprised of small shops, restaurants, and Calabrian hospitality.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Le Castella

Where to Stay in Le Castella

💰(Budget) White Beach Le Castella

💰💰 (Mid-Range) Le Castella B&B Restaurant

💰💰💰 (High-End) Praia Art Resort

🛌 Check Prices for Hotels in Le Castella

10. Bagnara Calabra

Overshadowed by the postcard town of Scilla, Bagnara Calabra is the underrated neighbor with far less expensive accommodation and the same glamorous sea. Like most coastal towns in Calabria, Bagnara Calabra is entrenched in ancient history, which began with the ancient Greeks.

Its character has since been developed around fishing, which has led to the creation of Swordfish alla Bagnara, a celebrated dish of Bagnara Calabra.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Bagnara Calabra

Where to Stay in Bagnara Calabra

💰(Budget) B&B Samuel Fish

💰💰 (Mid-Range) Green Park Hotel & Residence

💰💰💰 (High-End) Resort – Località Santa Barbara

🛌 Check Prices for Hotels in Bagnara Calabra

11. Capo Vaticano

Capo Vaticano is technically a peninsula (or cape), and not a specific town. Still, it’s undoubtedly the best place to stay in Calabria for a high-end experience through its many beautiful villas, resorts, and spa-centric hotels.

The area is drenched in natural beauty, including breathtaking viewpoints, sandy beaches with sparkling blue water, and secret coves that can only be accessed by sea or serious hikers. It is, hands down, the most exclusive non-town beach town to base yourself in while visiting Calabria.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Capo Vaticano

Where to Stay in Capo Vaticano

💰(Budget) L’ Arcobaleno Resort

💰💰 (Mid-Range) Luzia Agriresort

💰💰💰 (High-End) Baia Del Sole Resort

🛌 Check Prices for Hotels in Capo Vaticano

12. Borgata Marina

The small village of Borgata Marina is humble, quaint, and not as flashy as you may expect from a typical coastal beach town. Still, its waterfront is lined with no shortage of places to grab gelato, a morning caffè, and cocktails on the beach.

The real stunner of Borgata Marina is the nearby site of Roseto Capo Spulico, which is defined by Castello Federiciano and the peculiar Scoglio dell’Incudine rock formation. Combined, these two landmarks make Borgata Marina one of the most unique places to take a dip in Calabria.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Borgata Marina

Where to Stay in Borgata Marina

💰(Budget) AFFITTACAMERE BORGATA MARINA

💰💰 (Mid-Range) B&B APOLLONIA

💰💰💰 (High-End) Masseria Agriturismo Torre Di Albidona

🛌 Check Prices for Hotels in Borgata Marina

13. Crotone

The foundation of Crotone dates back to 709 BC when it was founded by Greek colonists. Once a fortified city, Crotone has a characteristic historic center as well as a thriving beach culture.

No beach town in Calabria is complete without a lungomare waterfront promenade, and Crotone has one of the best. Additionally, beaches are equipped with rock barriers, which create calm pools of water for the many beach clubs and swimming areas.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Crotone

Where to Stay in Crotone

💰(Budget) Casa di Chiara

💰💰 (Mid-Range) B&B L’ORIZZONTE

💰💰💰 (High-End) Boutique – Lodge & Suites

🛌 Compare Prices for Hotels in Crotone

14. Capo Rizzuto

For travellers who like to keep their options open, Capo Rizzuto is the ideal base while exploring various beaches in Calabria without driving too far. Within 30 minutes, there are incredible beaches to visit in each direction, as well as other destinations including the pretty town of Le Castella and the bigger city of Crotone.

The beaches of Capo Rizzuto are distinct from other areas of Calabria because of their golden sand and the many wild beaches opposed to just paid beach clubs.

The Best Beaches and Things to Do in Capo Rizzuto

Where to Stay in Capo Rizzuto

💰(Budget) CASA VACANZA SUL MARE

💰💰 (Mid-Range) B&B Capo Rizzuto

💰💰💰 (High-End) Casa Elvira

🛌 Check Prices for Hotels in Capo Rizzuto

FAQs: Best Beach Towns in Calabria

What is the Easiest Way to Get to Calabria?

Whether you plan to arrive in Calabria by train or plane, make Lamezia Terme your destination. Flights from within Italy or other European cities are regularly scheduled to Lamezia Terme International Airport. By train, you can always find a route that heads down to Lamezia Terme Central Train Station.

👍 Read More: How to Get to Calabria, Italy

If you’re interested in visiting Calabria from either Rome or Naples, it’s recommended to take the train down to Lamezia Terme and then renting a car from there to explore the coast.

🚙 Find a Cheap Rental Car

Browse low-priced rental car options in Calabria.

Are Beach Towns in Calabria Safe for Tourists?

Calabria in general is no more or less safe than any other major destination in Italy. Naturally, beach towns in the summer will be packed with people, so as a precaution, whenever you are around crowds, watch your belongings and maintain a level of common sense.

We personally traveled around various parts of Calabria, including touristy sites as well as places that felt like the middle of nowhere. We never felt like we were in the middle of an unsafe situation.

⛑ Get Quotes for Travel Insurance

Protect your trip to Calabria with travel insurance.

Is Calabria a Good Destination for a Summer Holiday?

Calabria is an excellent destination for a beach-centric holiday for anyone who wants to venture slightly off the beaten path.

If you know you will be annoyed by crowded beaches in Sicily or Puglia, you’ll really appreciate the low-key nature of the many coastal towns in Calabria instead, with beaches that are just as beautiful.

👍 You May Like: The Best Towns in Puglia

Are Hotels Expensive in Calabria’s Best Beach Towns?

Hotels in Tropea, Scilla, and the Capo Vaticano area will be the most expensive places to stay in terms of accommodation prices. These destinations are undeniably the busiest, and therefore, demand drives the prices up compared to the rest of the region. However, they are still much more affordable than what you’d find on the Amalfi Coast, Taormina or Cinque Terre.

Additionally, the further south you travel to lesser-known beach towns in Calabria, the better value you will receive. On average, the prices for hotels and holiday apartments can be up to 30% cheaper in non-touristy locations.

💤 Find Hotels in Calabria

Check accommodation prices with Booking.com.

💸 You May Like: How to Plan a Trip to Italy on a Budget

What Is the Overall Best Beach Town in Calabria?

To satisfy the urge of experiencing a lovely quintessential Italian summer by the sea, we’d recommend visiting Tropea because it effortlessly checks off all the boxes.

Tropea manages to be a charming coastal town with a historic center, beautiful beaches but without the sense of being too touristy. It is filled with fantastic restaurants, places to entertain yourself in the evenings, and enough activities for sightseeing enthusiasts.

⛵️ Book Discounted Tours in Tropea

Check prices and availability with Viator

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Calabrian Coast?

Calabria is mainland Italy’s southernmost region, which most importantly means it’s pleasantly warm all year round. In other words, there is no need to sprint to Calabria in the peak of summer between June and August. In fact, these months can get very hot, and sitting out on the beach becomes just plain intolerable.

Furthermore, Calabria regularly experiences wild fires which are most prone to occur from June – August.

If you can swing it, plan a trip to a beach town in Calabria during September or even early October. In October, you’ll also be able to find killer deals on 4-star hotels that are just looking to fill rooms during the shoulder season.

Calabria Beach Towns Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: Safety Wing or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

📞 ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

booking activities TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Cassandra Tresl is the author and owner of Adventures of Ace, a travel blog that helps fellow adventurers uncover underrated destinations, budget travel hacks and family travel tips. She serves as the head co-pilot on road trips and is known to get captivated for hours by a search in Google Maps. When she isn't writing, Cassandra enjoys navigating life abroad in Italy and cooking for her daughter and husband.