What Are the Best Beaches and Bays from Tropea to Capo Vaticano?
Are you unsure whether to rent a small boat or join our Costa Degli Dei Tour?
Sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Costa Degli Dei during the summer might seem easy, but it’s far from it. This is not only due to the diverse morphology of the coastline and unpredictable weather conditions but also because of the heavy traffic of boats of all sizes. Additionally, it’s common to encounter swimmers or divers venturing beyond the permitted limits, sometimes without proper signalling.
Before giving you any advice, let me ask you a couple of questions:
- Do you have a boating license or experience with small boats?
- Are you familiar with safety regulations and the distances you must maintain along the coast?
If you answered “no” to these questions, I strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with navigation rules before embarking on such an adventure. Your safety and that of others should always come first.
That said, my advice is simple: rely on professionals. Choose those with experience, not only in navigation but also in knowing these stunning locations.
On board the Blue Ocean, you can enjoy a unique experience in complete relaxation, guided by an expert crew who will take you to discover the most beautiful and unspoiled bays and coves of the Costa degli Dei.
The Best of the Costa degli Dei: An Unforgettable Journey
We start from Tropea, known as “The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian.” This town boasts a millennia-old history: archaeological finds from the Neolithic period show that Tropea existed 500 years before the founding of Rome.
Here’s a list of the most beautiful beaches and bays to visit along the route to Capo Vaticano:
- Cannone Beach
Located just outside the harbour and next to San Leonardo Rock, it’s Tropea’s smallest and least crowded beach. The name comes from Spanish cannons discovered hn 1938, now displayed in Piazza Cannone. - Mari Picciulu
Meaning “small sea” in the Calabrian dialect, this beach is between San Leonardo Rock and Santa Maria dell’Isola. It’s divided into three small but famous beaches: La Rotonda, Le Roccette, and La Linguata. - Santa Maria dell’Isola
A symbol of Tropea, this islet is home to the ancient Norman monastery of the Madonna dell’Isola. From the sea, you can admire the Palombaro Cave, named after pigeons that nest inside. - Mari Randi
Meaning “big sea,” it’s Tropea’s longest beach. It includes sections like Marina del Convento and Passu i Cavaleri Beach. - Sapuni Beach
Its name comes from the rocks resembling homemade soap bars. - Occhiale Beach
Characterized by two large holes in the cliff resembling eyeglasses. - Skeleton Cave (or White Cave)
Inside this cave, your skin appears white, even if you’re deeply tanned, giving the impression of a skeleton. - Gabbaturchi Rocks
These low rocks were used to deceive Turkish ships that ventured into these waters, hence the name “Gabbu,” meaning “deception” in the Calabrian dialect. - Riaci Bay
Dominated by the Riaci Rock, this bay hides a shipwreck from World War I, lying 30 meters deep on the seabed. - Formicoli
An ancient Roman harbour is now submerged, perfect for scuba diving. - Ruffa Tower
This long beach is named after an ancient watchtower overlooking the landscape. - Vadaro Rock
A 3-meter-high rock above sea level, and 30 meters below. It’s a haven for large fish and perfect for first-time diving experiences. - Praia di Focus
Three small beaches surrounded by rocks, ranked among the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world by Tripadvisor. - Grotticelle
The most famous bay of Capo Vaticano is located beneath the lighthouse. With its white sandy seabed and turquoise waters, it’s often called “the Caribbean of Calabria.”
Experience the Costa degli Dei with Blue Ocean.
These locations are just a glimpse of the wonders you can admire. To truly discover the magic of the Costa degli Dei, book your boat trip from Tropea to Capo Vaticano today.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Blue Ocean for an experience you’ll never forget!
—
Stefano Barillari