Login with your member password below to see your content

Subscribe today on http://www.miomyitaly.com/subscribe.html

Where is the Best Beach in Italy?

It's a secret. Well, no, not for you and me, it isn't. It is for everyone else who isn't a supporter.

The reason is that I only want to share this beach with a few people. I have seen too many beautiful beaches in Italy ruined by overtourism—for example, one pink beach in Sardinia lost much of its pink color because of tourists taking home the sand.

When to Visit

May, June, or September is best. In July and August, the beaches nearby, which you need to visit first in order to hire a pedalo, are very busy, and pedalos are often booked up days in advance by the hotels nearby.

Getting to the Beach

The beach is a little difficult to reach. The first step is to get to the beach called Spiaggia del Tono. Here's how you get there:

By Train

Staying in nearby Tropea? Then catch the earliest train you can to Ricadi Station—the earlier, the better to beat the crowds and the heat. When you arrive, don’t be surprised to find a few friendly locals waiting outside, offering rides to the nearby beaches. They’ll likely throw out a high price at first (that’s just how it goes!), but with a bit of friendly negotiating, you’ll almost always land a better deal.

Just smile, be polite, and let them know exactly where you’d like to go: Spiaggia del Tono, with a quick stop at the Belvedere viewpoint along the way

Prefer to walk from the station? Then I recommend walking to the Belvedere Viewpoint first; this will give you a stunning "overview" of the beach you will be visiting. The walk to Belvedere is 2.3 km (around 1.5 miles), and it is then about the same distance, mostly downhill, to the Spiaggia del Tono. The walk isn't bad, but it does feel steep on the way back up after a long day on the beach.

By Car

There is parking near the beach and it costs around 14 euros for the day. Here's a link to the Google map of the parking area: https://goo.gl/maps/ssFpi6FxyWAvSgty7

Get there early, as there are not many parking bays and most are gone by 9 a.m. If you aren't staying in the area, then allow time for an early morning visit to the Belvedere View Point before your visit to the beach.

Getting From Spiaggia del Tono to The Best Beach

Once you've reached Spiaggia del Tono, you simply need to look around for a pedalo; most of the private beaches have them, as does the Villaggio Camping La Scogliera at the southern end of the beach. Rates vary; you can rent by the hour or pay a slightly lower rate overall if you hire one for the day.

Secured a pedalo? Excellent! Now set off around the headland on the south side of the beach. The first beach, Spiaggia di Ele e Ispis, is the one you want.

The beach is never crowded because it can only be reached by pedalo or via a very difficult and not recommended path down the cliffs. The day trip boat tours cannot get close because of the rocks below the surface; a pedalo, though, simply sails over them.

About the Beach

With its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural surroundings, this beach is a true paradise.

Snorkeling enthusiasts will love the vibrant underwater world; the region's coastal waters are home to various fish species, making snorkeling a thrilling and fascinating experience.

Some of the fish commonly spotted while snorkeling here include

1. Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse (Coris julis): This vibrant and colorful fish is a common sight, with males displaying striking hues of blue, green, and orange.
2. Sargo (Diplodus sargus): a common fish found in the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by its silver body and black stripes. They often swim in small groups near rocky areas.
3. Saddled Bream (Oblada melanura): These small, silver-colored fish are known for their distinctive dark spot on their back. They can be seen swimming near rocky shores and seagrass beds.
4. Annular Seabream (Diplodus annularis): Recognized by their yellowish body and prominent black spot on their sides, annular seabreams are commonly found in Calabrian waters.
5. Two-banded Seabream (Diplodus vulgaris): This species features two dark bands along its body, giving it its name. They are frequently encountered near rocky reefs and seagrass meadows.
6. Salema Porgy (Sarpa salpa): These fish have a unique shape and are known for their yellowish body and distinctively protruding mouth. They often gather in large schools near rocky areas.
7. Gilt-head Bream (Sparus aurata): Known locally as "Orata," gilt-head bream is a highly prized fish when it comes to dinner. They inhabit coastal waters and are frequently encountered by snorkelers.

What sets Spiaggia di Ele e Ispis apart is its idyllic natural surroundings.

Towering cliffs adorned with lush Mediterranean vegetation frame the beach, creating a breathtaking backdrop. This unique combination of rugged cliffs, crystal-clear sea, and verdant greenery adds to the beach's allure, making it a photographer's dream and an enchanting setting for nature lovers. This is definitely one of the most Exquisite Coasts in all of Italy

Staying in the Area

The beaches here are so lovely that spending a few days on Spiaggia del Tono is always a good idea. The best accommodation options are the Case Vacanze Pietragrande or the Villagio Tramonto.

Return to A Secret Italy Index