Award winning beaches

Calabria with coast bathed by two seas, the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian has mile upon mile of sandy beaches, rocky coves, spectacular headlands … and space.

The beaches are among the cleanest in Italy and absolutely stunning! Like you’ve gone long haul but without the flight!

Jagged cliffs tumble down into the sea offering exclusive little white sand beaches, rocky grottoes and turquoise waters. At the same time, if you are looking for larger, family oriented beaches there are plenty to choose from. You’ll find the unique Italian ‘Lido’ beaches where you’ll be offered sun beds, parasols, a bar service, kids clubs and babysitting as well as beach games to keep the family amused.

Probably the most famous of all beaches in Calabria is that of Tropea and no visit to the region would be complete without witnessing the glistening white sands that gently spill into the glittering blue waters of the sea. From the shore, there is an impressive view of the church of Santa Maria dell’Isola. This church is a former Benedictine sanctuary and is built on a crag of land jutting out to the sea. Not only is it the perfect spot if you’re looking for some shade from the midday sun but is also a lovely sight to behold when it’s all lit up in the evening.  The beach is surrounded by cliffs, there’s a light breeze from the sea and on a clear day you can see the Lipari Islands.

The Sunday Times named Tropea as its top beach holiday destination in Europe ahead of more famous locations in Ibiza, France and Sardinia. Other recognised sources such as The Daily Telegraph, Tripadvisor and CNN have also named Tropea as one best beaches in the world.

Paraghelia (the village that the Marasusa complex is in) has a large beach where there is water sports, sun loungers, showers, a bar and a restaurant on the beach.  There is also the hidden beautiful beach (beach Michelino) which in 2018 was recognised by the international travel website SkyScanner as the third most beautiful beach in the whole of Italy. This movie shows the beaches of Parghelia on a quiet day.

Just off the coast of Calabria you can witness Stromboli erupting as it has done every 20 mins for 200 years and also see the dolphins playing in the pure waters of the wake of the ship.