Once home to the Italian screenwriter Giuseppe Berto, Capo Vaticano occupies a rugged stretch of coastline in Calabria. It’s renowned for its rocky beaches and countless sea caves, which are watched over by a 19th-century lighthouse.
For a day at the beach, there are plenty of scenic coves where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Head south to Spiaggia di Grotticelle to explore its crystal clear waters by pedal boat, then dine at one of the two restaurants backing the sand. On the northern edge of Capo Vaticano is the picturesque Praia I Focu, which is a popular snorkelling spot.
Dominating the coastline is the Faro di Capo Vaticano, a whitewashed lighthouse that dates back to 1885. It features an eight-metre-high tower attached to a lighthouse keeper’s cottage and is still operated by the Marina Militare. From the lighthouse, you can descend to the Grotta del Cantante or hike along the prickly pear-lined trail to Spiaggetta del Faro.
Getting there
Capo Vaticano is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Reggio Calabria Airport, which has regular flights to Milan and Rome. Trains connect to the Ricadi railway station, from where it’s a 20-minute walk to Capo Vaticano.