Spiaggia Grotticelle(Spiaggia di Grotticelle)

Located on the western coast of Calabria, Italy, near the town of Capo Vaticano, Spiaggia di Grotticelle (also known as Spiaggia di Grotticelle, Capo Vaticano) is a 600-meter-long white-sand beach with many rocky portions.  The beach is adjacent to the well-known Spiaggia Calispera and has a beautiful backdrop of rocky outcrops, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and many oceanfront buildings, including beach bars, restaurants, and a few hotels, which together offer incredible views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.  Grotticelle is actually composed of three smaller beaches, which are interconnected by rocky portions.  The beach is part of the Capo Vaticano area, and it is promoted as an ecotourism destination, encouraging sustainable tourism practices that preserve its natural environment and marine life.  Spiaggia di Grotticelle has been awarded the Blue Flag certification due to its natural beauty, cleanliness, and water quality standards.

Grotticelle Capo Vaticano has many amenities, including seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, showers, shaded areas, a sunbed and parasol rental facility, a beach equipment rental facility, beachfront bars, restaurants, and hotels.

Spiaggia di Grotticelle offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, snorkeling, diving, hiking, beach volleyball, boating, and photography.  If you plan to go into the water, this naturally sheltered bay is a safe area to swim, but we recommend being careful as the water is known to have rocky bottoms.   Snorkelers and divers may spot the diverse marine life in its clear waters, including sea turtles, rays, dolphins, and reef sharks.  It is worth noting that the beach is a designated marine protected area to preserve its natural beauty and ecosystem.  If you enjoy fishing, you may catch a wide variety of fish here.  Hikers can enjoy the nearby hiking trails, which offer unique insights into the local biodiversity.  If you enjoy tidepooling, you might see various marine creatures, making it an exciting location for nature lovers.  The beach hosts numerous events and festivals annually that attract many visitors, especially during summer.  Visitors can enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it a year-round destination.  The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, striking rock formations, and spectacular views, making it a photographer's delight.  Dogs are not allowed on the beach, which is open from sunrise until sunset.

Grotticelle Beach does not offer an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Spiaggia di Grotticelle is easy - the beach has a paid parking lot near Località Grotticelle, 89866 Capo Vaticano Vibo Valentia, Italy, which provides easy access to the beach.  It is worth noting that there are a series of staircases leading down to the beach. 

The beach is known for its stunning sunsets, with the sun setting over the Tyrrhenian Sea.  Interestingly, on clear days, visitors can see the Aeolian Islands, particularly Stromboli, an active volcano, from the beach.

There are many attractions near Spiaggia Grotticelle.  Capo Vaticano is renowned for its white granite cliffs, beaches, and breathtaking panoramic views over the Tyrrhenian Sea.  Visitors can enjoy many fun activities, including snorkeling, diving, boating, and hiking, making it an excellent destination for travelers seeking a peaceful yet enriching experience.  The Capo Vaticano Lighthouse is an eight-meter-high classic cylindrical tower perched on the rocky cliffs of Capo Vaticano, offering commanding views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.  The lighthouse was built in 1885 and has since served as a critical navigational aid for ships sailing along the coast of Calabria.

Ricadi is a charming coastal town along the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Calabria region, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, traditional houses, historical landmarks, and cultural sites that offer a glimpse into the culture and history of the region.  Visitors can enjoy many fun activities, including snorkeling, boating, hiking, diving, and relishing delectable Calabrian cuisine.  The Garden of the Gods - known as Belvedere dei Cannoni or Praia di Fuoco, is a botanical garden spread over 1000 square meters overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.  It is home to trees, shrubs, bushes, flowering plants, fruiting plants, and aromatic plants endemic to the Mediterranean.  Visitors can enjoy guided tours that offer interesting insights into the native biodiversity.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Museo del Mare (MuRi) is a small museum showcasing the maritime history and heritage of the region.  It features a variety of historical artifacts related to seafaring, fishing, and maritime trade, including tools, navigational instruments, and everyday items used by fishermen and sailors.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Spiaggia di Grotticelle.  Grotticelle Mare Bar Restorant is positioned right on the beach and serves incredible Italian dishes.  Lido Onda Blu serves salads, pizzas, pasta, steaks, pork, meat, and seafood.  Ristorante Pizzeria La Taverna serves pizza, pasta, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  Ristorante La Scogliera snc serves amazing pasta, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant nearby, Antichi Sapori del Mare Pescheria serves delicious seafood food.

If you are looking for a hotel near Spiaggia di Grotticelle, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 4-Star Blue Bay Resort Hotel is two minutes away by car and offers an outdoor pool, a sundeck, a kid’s club, a fitness center, and a restaurant.  A more affordable hotel is the waterfront 4-Star Capovaticano Resort Thalasso Spa, which has many amenities, including an outdoor pool, a spa, a hot tub, a fitness center, a tennis court, and several restaurants.  Another moderately priced option is the 4-Star Hotel Santa Chiara, which offers several amenities, including an outdoor pool, a sundeck, a kid’s pool, a spa, a fitness center, a pool bar, and a restaurant.  A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star Hotel Residence Il Gattopardo, which offers a few amenities, including an outdoor pool, hot tubs, a kid’s play area, and a restaurant.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby hotel, the 3-Star Hotel Residence Sciaron offers many amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a garden, a bar, and a restaurant.