The Ionian coast
The stretch of Catanzaro coast, almost entirely facing the Ionian Sea, is enriched by the presence of rocky promontories of white granite, which form small coves and sparkling caves with truly breathtaking tropical seabeds. The promontory that rises to the south of the long coast of SQUILLACE LIDO is bordered by the beaches of COPANELLO to the north, while to the south it blends into the white beaches of MONTEPAONE LIDO and SOVERATO.
In the central part stands the promontory of CAMINIA.
CATANZARO MARINA
Lido district - 13 km from the center
It can be considered one of the most beautiful urban beaches, together with Soverato, and this year it was awarded the coveted Blue Flag. Long and well-equipped, access to the beach is directly via stairways from its seafront promenade. The latter is decorated with a huge mosaic, the work of Atelier Mendini, which measures 1800 meters in length and is made up of over 5 million tiles, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of Records! The sea in this stretch is blue, with seabeds rich in flora and fauna, and extends for about five kilometers along the Ionian coast. Along the two kilometers of seafront promenade, there are numerous restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and hotels. In the nearby locality of Casciolino there is a small marina. A further stretch of seafront, about one kilometer long, is in the Giovino area, which is characterized by a wide white beach dotted with beach clubs and a splendid pine forest with delightful kiosks and equipped areas.
Hotel Perla Del Porto
via Martiri di Cefalonia, 64 0961360325
www.hotelperladelporto.it
Hotel Palace
Via Lungomare Pugliese, 221 096131800 www.hotel-palace.it
Grand Hotel Paradiso
viale Europa 096132193
www.grandhotelparadiso.it
Park Hotel Dune di Giovino
via Carlo Pisacane - q.re Lido 0961060603
www.parkhoteldune.it
Hotel Niagara
viale Crotone, 170 096131697
www.hotelniagaracatanzaro.it
BADOLATO MARINA
48 km from the center
It overlooks a wide, sandy beach with free access, or with serviced areas of beach resorts, always with available and free parking. Adjacent is a green area equipped with a pine forest, picnic area, green park, benches, and privately managed sports facilities.
Villaggio Aquilia Resort
Via Aquilia 0681150353
www.aquiliaresort.it
Camping La Rocca
Via Aquilia mt. 2008 0967814297
www.campinglarocca.it
Oasi Villaggio Camping
Via Aquilia 3336784656
www.campingoasibadolato.it
BOTRICELLO
31 km from the center
The beach is a mix of exotic and unspoiled nature where it is still possible to see Mediterranean scrub plants, sea lilies, salt-tolerant mimosas, and tamarisks. Birthplace of sea turtles.
Marina Del Marchese
Via Marina di Bruni III - 0961967490
www.marinadelmarchese.com
Agriturismo La Casa Di Botro
Via B. Zaccagnini, 2 - 0961966592
www.botro.it
Nirvana Village
C.da Magliacane - Belcastro - 0961967580 www.villaggionirvana.it
Agriturismo Fieri
Loc. Fieri - Belcastro 3426686088
www.agriturismofieri.it
Hotel Onda Bleu
S.S.106 km 212 - Botricello - 3288263713 www.hotelondableu.it
Bed & Breakfast La Villetta
Via Ilaria alpi, 1 - 3277364755
CAMINIA
25 km from the center
Shallow and crystal-clear seabeds, a light sandy beach, very sheltered and wide, it is nestled between two cliffs that form a natural bay rich in caves, inlets, and archaeological evidence. It was voted among the most beautiful beaches in Italy in 2019 by the authoritative international flight and destination search site, Skyscanner. From the beach, you can reach the Cave of San Gregorio (Patron Saint of Stalettì), where according to tradition, his relics were found in a wooden box, coming from the sea. Nearby are the ruins of the Byzantine church of Panaja. Well-equipped beach, it has that characteristic white/ivory color that distinguishes it and, as already mentioned, is nestled between striking granite rocks. Also in the Caminia area, stop to admire the Torrazzo Cliff, which rises sheer above the sea. The sea at this point is truly unspoiled and crystal-clear, and around the cliff there are traces of marine vegetation.
Baia Dell’est
Caminia 0961911352
COPANELLO
21 km from the center
The beach is wide with white-golden hues and is mainly rocky with numerous rocks plunging straight into the sea. A must-see are the fabulous “Vasche di Cassiodoro,” carved into the rock and once used for fish farming. They can only be reached by sea, although in truth there is the possibility of accessing them from land, but there are private areas to cross, so it's better to go by pedal boat or swim. In the Copanello area, it is worth mentioning that the Caffè Guglielmo factory is located here, the most consumed coffee not only in Calabria but also in many Italian cities—we're talking about Caffè Guglielmo.
Villaggio Club Cala Verde
località Copanello, 16 - 328 469 3571 - www.calaverde.net
Luna Convento
p.le E.Marincola, 7 - 388 056 2028
www.lunaconvento.com
Hotel Club Poseidon
via Lido, 12 - 0961911252
www.hotelresidenceposeidon.net
Hotel Conca D’oro
via Conca d’Oro - 0961 911010
www.hotelconcadoro.org
CROPANI MARINA
27 km from the center
A wide sandy beach, at times pebbly, with not too deep waters. The beautiful beach is characterized by the wild nature that surrounds it.
Agriturismo Borgo Santa Lucia
C.da Santa Lucia - 3287264170
www.agriturismoborgosantalucia.it
Villaggio Camping Lungomare
Viale Venezia, 46 - 0961551155
www.campinglungomare.com
B&B Bruno
viale Taranto - Loc. Difesa - 3331254640 www.bb-bruno.com
Villaggio Alemia
viale Adriatico - 0961961023
www.alemia.it
Camping Mare Azzurro
piazzale Adriatico - 0961879250
www.campingmareazzurro.it
Sena Park Village
viale Venezia, 34 - 3890292739
www.sena-park.wixsite.com
DAVOLI MARINA
35 km from the center
Beach with a long and narrow shoreline composed of medium-grained white sand; in some stretches you can also find fine gravel with some small pebbles.
Agriturismo La Calabrisella
Viale XXV Aprile, 107 - 3337142011
www.agriturismolacalabrisella.com
Aquamarine Residence
Via G. Verdi, loc. Roella Sotto - 096770191
www.aquamarineresidence.it
Hotel Rivabella
Via Ada Negri, 16 (Satriano) - 096770017
www.hotelrivabelladavoli.it
GUARDAVALLE MARINA
58 km from the center
In the area of the Serre Calabresi Regional Natural Park. Its beach is very wide and consists of sand mixed with small pebbles. The sea is crystal clear with shallow waters.
Calalandrusa Holiday Park
S.S. 106, KM 143 - 096786002
www.calalandrusa.com
Riviera Dei Bronzi
Via Lungomare - 202636283
www.rivieradeibronzi.com
Resort Faro Punta Stilo
Via Lungomare - 096786506
www.rivieradeibronzi.com
ISCA MARINA
44 km from the center
Founded as a village on the Ionian Sea, built as a means of defense against numerous pirate attacks, 4 km from the coast and 188 m above sea level. Today, the very long coastline is characterized by the high mountains of Pietra Cavallera and Trematerra that surround it and give it a very pleasant climate. Thanks to the winds, you can practice windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beach stretches for 6 km and is characterized by fine white sand, spectacular even just for a simple walk.
Villaggio La Feluca
C.da Rugo - 096745447
www.villaggiolafeluca.com
Mimosa Camping
Viale del mare - 096745190
MONTEPAONE LIDO
27 km from the center
Its strategic location, between Caminia and Soverato, offers one of the most evocative landscapes of the entire Ionian Coast. White sand, mixed with pebbles near the shoreline, and a cobalt blue sea with transparent seabeds. Locations awarded with the Green Flag.
Hotel Residence Pegaso
Via E. Berlinguer, 13 - 0967577596
www.hotelscheck-in.com
Hotel Villaggio Calaghena
Via G. Carducci, 70 - 0961532551
www.calaghena.it
Estella Club
V.le delle Provincie - 0967576721
www.estellaclub.com
Rada Siri Hotel
Via Nazionale - 0967 576571
www.radasiri.it
Mirabeau Park Hotel
C.da Pilinga, 1 Gasperina - 0967 577656
www.parkhotelmirabeau.it
Albachiara
Via F. Turati, 26 - 0967 576108
MONTAURO LIDO
32 km from the center
It is the seaside district of Montauro located between Catanzaro Marina and Soverato. Overlooking the Gulf of Squillace, it offers highly charming coastlines. The beach of Calalunga di Pietragrande, in particular, is made up of sand mixed with gravel and consists of a small beach set between two cliffs. The seabed is gravelly and immediately deep, and the sea is transparent and crystalline. Its seafront is characteristic for its sinuous shape that recalls the waves of the sea. Don’t miss the chance to visit the “Dadada beach museum,” the first museum in the world on the beach.
La Giara
Via Marina di Pietragrande - 0967576575
www.lagiara.it
Hotel Calalonga
Via dei Marinai, 2 - 0967576412
www.hotelcalalonga.it
Residence Rivamare
Via Giardino Nuovo - 0967578811
www.residencerivamare.it
Residence Costa degli Aranci
Villaggio Costa degli Aranci - 0967577266
PIETRAGRANDE
26 km from the center
The beach owes its name to the large rock located in front of it, and is situated near the hamlet of the same name in the municipality of Montauro. Mainly composed of large pebbles and sand mixed with gravel, it has a crystal-clear sea with turquoise hues, and a gravelly, sloping seabed.
Hotel La Giara
Via M.na di Pietragrande, 1 - 0967 576575
www.hotelscheck-in.com/lagiarahotel/it
ROCCELLETTA DI BORGIA
17 km from the center
Located not far from the Archaeological Park of Scolacium, with its remains of the ancient Roman colony and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Roccella just a few steps from the sea. Falling within the territory of Borgia, the beach stretches for about 2 km, surrounded by a lush pine forest that can provide shelter during the scorching summer hours. Needless to say, the sea here is also blue and crystal clear, but it becomes deep immediately, so caution is advised.
Camping Cammello Grigio
loc. Laganusa 3404295099
www.campingcammellogrigio.it
Camping Calabrisella
viale M. A.Cassiodoro, 73 0961391207
www.campingcalabrisella.it
Baia Dei Canonici
viale M. Grecia - Borgia 333 747 7267
Lv Residence
viale Nausicaa 3881705509
www.lvresidence.com
Borgo Piazza Resort
c.da Vallo di Borgia 0961 391326
www.borgopiazza.it
Residence Gavius
viale Nausicaa 0961 954085
Il Casolare
via Scylletion 338 709 2721
SQUILLACE LIDO
20 km from the center
It is considered the “Marina” of the historic village of Squillace, which is located further inland and is home to numerous ceramic workshops. The beach is located within the gulf of the same name, which was once known as Scylleticus Sinus and was greatly feared by sailors, as (even today) it is an area that experiences strong winds. Long, golden beaches bathed by a sea with blue hues that blend with the surrounding vegetation, typical Mediterranean with pines, oleanders, and wild heather. The area has been awarded the Green Flag.
Porto Rhoca Village
Vill. Gebiola Porto Rhoca - 0681150354
Club Esse Sunbeach
via Lungomare Ulisse, 1 - 064543 9344 - www.clubesse.it
Hfruit Village
S. P. 152/2 Loc. Gebbiola - 081506 8048 - www.fruitviaggi.it
SANTA CATERINA
DELLO IONIO
57 km from the center
Well-equipped lidos alternate with free beaches, where white sand is washed by crystal-clear sea. Along the coast, surrounded by lush vegetation, stands the almost intact Torre di Sant’Antonio, dating back to 1563, one of the ancient 360 towers that crowned the entire Spanish viceroyalty. The watch was entrusted to men on horseback, who patrolled the coastline and made sure to warn the population from the top of the tower in case of enemy sightings. This location has been awarded the Green Flag.
Riva Del Sol Beach Resort
Loc. Cottura, S.S.106 Jonica-0967227389
www.rivadelsolbeachresort.com
Villaggio Poseidon
C.da Miloti km 148, S.S. 106-3488892740
www.villaggioposeidon.eu
SAINT ANDREW THE APOSTLE
OF THE IONIAN
41 km from the center
The beach of Sant’Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio is made up of white granite sand, while the sea is so crystal clear that you can admire the seabed even at many meters of depth. An ideal habitat for protected wildlife species, it is also a sought-after place for the nesting of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Among the soft white sand also grows a rare flower with a sweet and delicate scent, called the Sea Lily or Pancratium. Linked to Greek mythology and the goddess Hera, it represents candor and purity, qualities also found in this wonderful place.
Villaggio Santandrea
C.da Taverna - 0961770038
www.villaggiosantandrea.com
Nausicaa Village
Viale F. Lucifero - 0967 45851
www.nausicaavillage.it
SAN SOSTENE MARINA
36 km from the center
At over 400 m above sea level, it overlooks the Ionian Sea. The beautiful beach is characterized by the wild nature that surrounds it. Composed of rocks and stretches of fine sand, it is accessed by a path that descends from the village.
Meridie Village
Via delle Ortensie - 096771005
www.meridievillage.it
Freedom Village
Via dei Pini, 20 - 096771346
www.freedomvacanze.it
SELLIA MARINA
22 km from the center
The first in the province to have earned the Blue Flag. The beach consists mainly of light sand tending towards gray and the sea is an intense blue. Added to this is the pine forest that runs along it, offering perfect shade during the hottest hours.
Villaggio La Fenice
c.da Don A. Marra, 24 - 0961968682
www.villaggiolafenice.it
Villaggio Triton
viale S. Vincenzo - 3801591612
www.aurumhotels.it
Villaggio Borgo Degli Ulivi
località Don Nicola - 0961968376
www.villaggioborgodegliulivi.it
Hotel Costa Jonica
località Ruggero, 11 - 0961964159
www.hotelcostajonica.com
Costa Blu Residence
località Finocchiaro - 0961964376
Hotel Villaggio Sirio
viale S. Vincenzo - 09741871893
www.siriovillaggio.it
Ghotel
SS 106 Km 199,200 - 0961968574
Il Feudo
via Scilotraco 11 - 3398944686
SIMERI MARE
16 km from the center
The beach is famous for its white color, its crystal green sea, and for being surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Not far from the sea, the picturesque village of Simeri and Crichi where you can find everything you need for a great holiday including shops and pharmacies. Simeri Mare is recommended both for families and groups of young people, as there is no shortage of fun. In fact, there are many clubs, restaurants, and discos scattered along the entire coast.
Simeri Village
località Chiusa - 0961052676 www.thsimeri.it
Floriana Resort
via del Mare, 8 - 0961791150 www.voihotels.com
SOVERATO
34 km from the center
Called the “Pearl of the Ionian” and is one of the beaches awarded the Blue Flag and the Green Flag. Extremely fine sand of a sparkling white color, which highlights the spectacular color of the sea with turquoise and cobalt blue hues. The seabed slopes down rapidly and is clearly visible meters from the coast, making it the ideal place for snorkeling enthusiasts. Since 2018, there has been a marine park to safeguard the protected species of seahorse: Hippocampus Hippocampus and Hippocampus Gattulatus, which has also become a symbol of Soverato. There is a stretch of sea called Baia dell’Ippocampo, a protected area included in the Regional Marine Park Baia di Soverato. The large promenade that runs along the beaches is interesting. We recommend also reaching the other Soverato, known as “superiore,” the ancient one, with its ruins, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea. A curiosity: not everyone knows that the typical product of the area, also exported all over the world, is chili pepper (also called “Diavolicchio”) which seems to be one of the spiciest in the world. Very recent and very ancient, Soverato preserves stories of millennia and modern services: traces of the Siculi; remains of Greeks and Romans; a fairly well-preserved medieval town; a picturesque hilltop village; the Pietà by Gagini (1521); a coastal city of trade, road, rail and maritime traffic; schools, services, theaters, venues; a now bicentennial tradition of seaside, food and wine, entertainment tourism, and cultural offerings thanks to its centrality in the Ionian and the wooded Serre behind it.
Il Nocchiero City Hotel
Piazza Maria Ausiliatrice, 18 - 096721491
www.hotelnocchiero.com
B&B Da Placida Al Mare
Via Fra Giacomo da Soverato, 5 - 00740774
www.daplacidaalmare.com
Hotel San Domenico
Via della Galleria, 10 - 0967530433
www.sandomenicohotel.it
Hotel Elizabeth
Via S. Giovanni Bosco, 89 - 096725570
Hotel San Vincenzo
Corso Umberto I, 296 - 096721106
Hotel Nettuno
Viale Grecia Magna, 42 - 096725371
www.hotelnettunosoverato.com
Hotel gli Ulivi
Via Aldo Moro, 1 - 0967521194
www.hotelgliulivi.it
The Tyrrhenian coast
The jagged Calabrian Tyrrhenian coast is characterized by long white beaches overlooking a crystal-clear sea in every shade of blue, alternating with small hidden coves.
There are many places worth the trip: PRAIA A MARE, SCALEA, DIAMANTE, CIRELLA, AMANTEA, TROPEA, CAPO VATICANO, PIZZO CALABRO, BAGNARA, SCILLA and many others.
The locations on the Tyrrhenian coast that fall within the province of Catanzaro are:
FALERNA MARINA
54 km from the center
The beach of Falerna Marina is considered one of the most beautiful on this stretch of coast thanks to the splendid sea that bathes it, which is also why it is among the most popular of the Calabrian beaches on the Tyrrhenian side. Falerna is an ancient village with very old origins, and the seaside area, Falerna Marina, is a quiet seaside resort, perfect for those who want to spend a relaxing holiday in Calabria. The shoreline has a particular grain composition made up of medium sand, pebbles, and gravel. In particular, near the water's edge, you can find a large quantity of small pebbles with a grayish color. These can make it difficult to enter the water, so it is advisable to use water shoes, especially for the youngest members of the family. The sea that bathes the beach of Falerna Marina has an intense blue color that fascinates and leaves you speechless. The water is extremely clean and those who swim in it can experience a refreshing and regenerating sensation. Without a doubt, it can be a great idea to bring equipment such as goggles or diving masks to the beach at Falerna Marina, so you can admire the seabed. Most of the beach is free, but there are also beach resorts where you can rent relaxation equipment such as deck chairs, sunbeds, and umbrellas. The accommodation offer in the area is good. To reach the beach of Falerna Marina by car, you need to take the E45 road. Alternatively, you can choose the coastal route that crosses the entire "Riviera dei Cedri," also taking the SS18 Tirrena Inferiore.
Lion's Hotel
SS18,60/A-C.daTorre Lupo- 0968999870
www.lionshotel.it
Hotel Mistef
Svinc. Autostr.A3 29 - Falerna- 096893055 www.mistef.it
Hotel Paradiso
Via Pusi Antica, 45 Falerna 0968999801
www.hotelparadisofalerna.com
Hotel Lo Svincolo
SS 18 d, 29 - Falerna Marina 096893672
B&B La Casa di Chiaretta
Via nazionale, 7 3925214029
GIZZERIA LIDO
53 km from the center
Although Gizzeria Lido is perfect for beginner kitesurfers, nearby, on another beach called Hang Loose Beach, international competitions of this sport are held in July. Hang Loose Beach is located in Gizzeria and is now one of the most internationally renowned destinations for kitesurfing in Calabria. All the international travel guides and the major magazines and websites in the sector highlight this “spot” as one of the best in the world. This is due to the thermal wind that is always present during the spring-summer period, which, accelerated by the "Venturi Effect," reaches good intensity and consistency, with an average of 17 knots, making Hang Loose Beach one of the places with the highest percentage of wind in Italy. The water park, reserved exclusively for sports activities, allows you to kitesurf in the best possible way. The winds in Gizzeria blow from April to September, and a convenient bay with many kilometers of beaches gives you the chance to train comfortably, without any risk of collisions or breakages. It is a place for young people that attracts tourists with its parties. The sandy beach has good infrastructure. Everything you need is available here and, when there is no wind, you can have fun with other water games. Also worth considering is the possibility that from here you can also book, at affordable prices, a small boat for a tour to the Aeolian Islands or along the coast for a 4-hour sea tour.
Hotel Cridda
Via A. Vespucci, 47 - 096897378
Hotel Marechiaro
V.le Stazione SS18 - 096853710
www.hotelmarechiarogizzeria.com
Hotel La Lampara
Caposuvero - 0968466217
www.lalampararistorante.org
Palmed Hotel
SS18Tirrena Inf. Km369 II - 0968466383
Hotel L'avvenire
C.da Mortilla - Via degli Oleandri, 17
0968466177
MARINA DI
NOCERA TERINESE
61 km from the center
An unspoiled beach located south of the city of Nocera Terinese, stretching for about 3 km, with golden, soft sand overlooking the crystal-clear blue sea. With its transparent waters and intimate atmosphere, Marina di Nocera Terinese offers the ideal environment to relax in tranquility. The surrounding area also has many attractions to see, such as the 12th-century Medieval Castle, ancient Roman ruins, and the Byzantine chapel. During the summer, this place becomes a tourist destination thanks to its pleasant climate and natural beauty.
Palace Nuova Strada
v.le Stazione - Nocera Sc. 096893219
www.unanuovastrada.it
Temesa Resort
Via del mare, 1 Nocera Sc. 09681901400
Tenuta Mauri Agriturismo Vota
C.da Vota - Nocera Terinese 096891517
www.agriturismovota.it
Riviera dei Tramonti
Via M. de Luca, Nocera Sc. 3409218895
BLUE FLAG
In Calabria, there are 19 seaside resorts that have been awarded the coveted "BLUE FLAG", which is an international recognition established in 1987 and is awarded every year in 49 European and non-European countries. The Blue Flag project is conducted by the non-governmental and non-profit organization called “Foundation for Environmental Education” and rewards beaches (both sea and lake) based on several factors such as the quality of bathing waters, sustainable tourism, waste management, purification efficiency, and the enhancement of natural areas. In the province of Catanzaro, there are three: Sellia Marina, Soverato, and from this year, Catanzaro itself can boast this recognition.
GREEN FLAG
Many are still unaware that there is also a GREEN FLAG as a recognition awarded every year to Italian beaches. The Green Flag means that the beach is safe and suitable for children, because not only are criteria such as water quality and services offered to bathers judged, but above all the presence of parameters such as shallow waters, first aid service for children, sandy beach and not pebbles, quality entertainment and activities for minors. Sand is better than pebbles, and it must be clean so that children can use it to play and build sandcastles. More space between umbrellas for playing, presence of colorful playgrounds, clear water with a gently sloping entrance to the sea, beaches with lifeguard assistance and rescue, bars nearby for snacks and to heat up baby bottles, spaces to change diapers and breastfeed. The survey, Farnetani specifies, is carried out “without any pediatrician receiving financial compensation for participation and there is no self-nomination, it is the pediatricians who propose and choose the suitable beaches. It is a medical opinion in all respects.”
In Calabria, there are twenty Green Flags and the province of Catanzaro counts 4 of them: Santa Caterina dello Ionio Marina, Squillace, Soverato, and from this year also Montepaone.