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Territory and excursions
What to see in Calabria: excursions to discover the costa degli dei
Choose Calabria for your vacation
The Villaggio Il Gabbiano benefits from a strategic and favorable location: directly on the sea, in the heart of the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods), it allows you to spend enchanting vacation days relaxing by the pool or swimming in the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and then set off to discover the charming territory all around.
Find out what to see and where to go:
not only the sea, but also nature excursions, gastronomy and historic villages.
Here is a selection of itineraries and activities for discovering the sea, hinterland and food and wine in and around Capo Vaticano.
For a special vacation filled with unforgettable experiences that you will carry forever in your mind and heart.
Find out what to see and where to go:
not only the sea, but also nature excursions, gastronomy and historic villages.
Here is a selection of itineraries and activities for discovering the sea, hinterland and food and wine in and around Capo Vaticano.
For a special vacation filled with unforgettable experiences that you will carry forever in your mind and heart.
Shuttle to Tropea
Round-trip price: Adults € 10 / Children 4-12 years old € 8 / Children 0-4 years old free of charge/ Individual ride € 20
Outbound Routes: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Return Routes: 12:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m.
Saturday single route with stop at market area: outbound 9:30 a.m.-return 12:30 p.m.
Outbound Routes: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Return Routes: 12:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m.
Saturday single route with stop at market area: outbound 9:30 a.m.-return 12:30 p.m.
Itinerary for the sea
Discover the most popular seaside resorts in Calabria and dye your vacation in blue!
Boat excursions
Trips to the Aeolian Islands
The volcanic islands of Stromboli, Lipari, Vulcano and Panarea, which you can admire with your eyes from the holiday village, can be reached every day with the resort's partner motorboats. Choose your favorite tour and on which island you would like to stop: don't miss this opportunity to visit the Aeolian archipelago. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Special Stromboli By Night: a half-day excursion to admire the island and, at sunset, enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of the Sciara di Fuoco of one of the most powerful volcanoes in Europe.
Special Stromboli By Night: a half-day excursion to admire the island and, at sunset, enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of the Sciara di Fuoco of one of the most powerful volcanoes in Europe.
Boat trips to Tropea and Capo Vaticano
Dive into the crystalline waters with our partner Mondo Blu for one of the most memorable experiences on the Costa degli Dei. The coast from Capo Vaticano to Tropea features picturesque landscapes: alternating granite cliffs, unspoiled coves and bays, hidden caves, sheer tuff landscapes and a breathtakingly, beautiful sea where you can swim and snorkel between thousands of tiny fish.
The most beautiful beaches
Grotticelle and Praia di Fuoco in Capo Vaticano (3 km)
Grotticelle beach lies between two granite cliffs that form three white bays washed by a crystal-clear sea. From here, you can reach the coves and the famous Praia di Fuoco beach by sea. The green Mediterranean scrub on the cliffs behind and the iridescent turquoise waters make these beaches spectacular.
Riaci Beach and Torre Marino in Santa Domenica (6 km - 3 km)
The north side of the village leads to one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast: Riaci.
A wide bay of fine white sand stretching between two sandstone cliffs with an imposing rock in the centre with small caves crossed by the sea.
To the south, the beaches of Formicoli and Torre Marino: distinguished by the shape of the promontory with sandstone rocks that overhang the white beaches and make for a very evocative panorama. The sandy seabed alternates with shallow corners that make these bays ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts.
A wide bay of fine white sand stretching between two sandstone cliffs with an imposing rock in the centre with small caves crossed by the sea.
To the south, the beaches of Formicoli and Torre Marino: distinguished by the shape of the promontory with sandstone rocks that overhang the white beaches and make for a very evocative panorama. The sandy seabed alternates with shallow corners that make these bays ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts.
Roccette Beach and Grotta Azzurra in Tropea (9 km)
At the foot of Tropea, in a natural bend formed by the island and the mainland, lies the white beach of Roccette. The sea and the panorama created by the town and the island make this bay a magical place. The Tropean coast continues to the south with a succession of lidos and beach establishments. Renting a pedalo or a canoe, you can reach the suggestive Grotta Azzurra, also known as the Grotta dello Scheletro, a granite formation that forms a cave inside which the bodies are coloured a fluorescent blue halo by a play of light.
Sant'Irene Bay in Briatico (27 km)
Briatico is a charming little town perched on the sea halfway between two of the most famous places on the Costa degli Dei, Pizzo and Tropea. The marina with its typical little harbour, featuring an ancient watchtower called the Rocchetta, is very picturesque. Before Briatico, it is worth visiting the delightful bay of Sant'Irene, with the Scoglio della Galera (Galera Rock) off the coast, the adjacent beaches of San Giuseppe and the suggestive little beach of the embers.
Diving paradise in Zambrone (24 km)
The largest and longest beach in the area. For those who love secluded beaches, the beaches at Capo Cozzo are a must. To the north of them is a beautiful, wild and unspoilt stretch of rocky coastline known as Paradise of the Diver, where it is not easy to swim due to the almost total absence of sand. We recommend reaching this impervious coastal ravine by sea or on foot from Capo Cozzo. Divers will find a wonderful seabed here, rich in magnificent marine flora and fauna.
Michelino Beach Parghelia (15 km)
From the Michelino belvedere, a flight of steps leads to the beach of the same name, with its unique colours and landscape. To the north rises the imposing granite rock of Pizzuta, which can be reached by sea.
Itinerary for the villages
Not only sea: along the Tyrrhenian coast there are, one after the other, a series of perched little towns all to be discovered!
Tropea (9 km)
Just 9 km from the Holiday Village, the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea stands on a sandstone cliff from which it towers over the sea below like a majestic queen. It is said that its creator was Hercules who, on his way back from Spain, stopped at the Costa degli Dei and based one of his ports in Tropea.
Due to its distinctive position as a terrace overlooking the sea, Tropea played an important role both during the Roman era and under the Saracen occupation and, even more so, under the Norman and Aragonese occupations.
The old part of the town is situated on a rocky spur that reaches a height of about 50 metres above sea level. In front of which stands a small island with the ancient Benedictine Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola dating back to 370 AD, which for centuries was the refuge of hermits and sailors as it was not connected to the mainland. Today the island is joined to the land by a thin strip of beach, and has become the most famous iconic image of Tropea around the world. The sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, sometimes called Isola Bella, can be admired from the panoramic viewpoints of the town, but can also be reached by means of a steep flight of steps carved into the very rock of the islet. Around the church, there is a beautiful garden full of Mediterranean plants with a stunning view, and in the background, you can catch a glimpse of the Aeolian Islands with Stromboli, Sicily with the majestic Etna and the expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The beaches below the cliff of Tropea are very white and contrast magically with a crystalline sea in colours ranging from turquoise to deep blue. Tropea possesses 2 km of beaches and 1 km of rocky coastline. Its seafront offers a wide range of services, such as equipped bathing establishments, free beaches, car parks, bars and restaurants.
The old town centre is lined with many picturesque streets where you can admire the town's 17th and 18th century architecture. Inside, there are beautiful churches from various eras (Norman Cathedral, San Francesco d'Assisi, Santa Maria della Neve, etc.) and charming Baroque palaces. On the outside of these ancient noble dwellings you can see overhanging 18th century balconies and antique portals. All this is enclosed in a maze of narrow streets that open onto small panoramic squares overlooking the sea below or onto green terraces.
The sandstone composition of the town prompted its former inhabitants to carve out underground spaces, which are now used as small souvenir shops, boutiques, shops selling local crafts and Calabrian gastronomic products, pleasant cafés and restaurants.
The green hinterland of Tropea has also enriched its reputation, thanks to the cultivation of its IGP product par excellence, the 'Cipolla Rossa di Tropea'. Its particular sweetness, which distinguishes it from any other variety of onion, its crunchiness and its pleasantness to the palate are magical gifts from nature, due to factors of genetics, climate and soil.
Due to its distinctive position as a terrace overlooking the sea, Tropea played an important role both during the Roman era and under the Saracen occupation and, even more so, under the Norman and Aragonese occupations.
The old part of the town is situated on a rocky spur that reaches a height of about 50 metres above sea level. In front of which stands a small island with the ancient Benedictine Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola dating back to 370 AD, which for centuries was the refuge of hermits and sailors as it was not connected to the mainland. Today the island is joined to the land by a thin strip of beach, and has become the most famous iconic image of Tropea around the world. The sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, sometimes called Isola Bella, can be admired from the panoramic viewpoints of the town, but can also be reached by means of a steep flight of steps carved into the very rock of the islet. Around the church, there is a beautiful garden full of Mediterranean plants with a stunning view, and in the background, you can catch a glimpse of the Aeolian Islands with Stromboli, Sicily with the majestic Etna and the expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The beaches below the cliff of Tropea are very white and contrast magically with a crystalline sea in colours ranging from turquoise to deep blue. Tropea possesses 2 km of beaches and 1 km of rocky coastline. Its seafront offers a wide range of services, such as equipped bathing establishments, free beaches, car parks, bars and restaurants.
The old town centre is lined with many picturesque streets where you can admire the town's 17th and 18th century architecture. Inside, there are beautiful churches from various eras (Norman Cathedral, San Francesco d'Assisi, Santa Maria della Neve, etc.) and charming Baroque palaces. On the outside of these ancient noble dwellings you can see overhanging 18th century balconies and antique portals. All this is enclosed in a maze of narrow streets that open onto small panoramic squares overlooking the sea below or onto green terraces.
The sandstone composition of the town prompted its former inhabitants to carve out underground spaces, which are now used as small souvenir shops, boutiques, shops selling local crafts and Calabrian gastronomic products, pleasant cafés and restaurants.
The green hinterland of Tropea has also enriched its reputation, thanks to the cultivation of its IGP product par excellence, the 'Cipolla Rossa di Tropea'. Its particular sweetness, which distinguishes it from any other variety of onion, its crunchiness and its pleasantness to the palate are magical gifts from nature, due to factors of genetics, climate and soil.
Reggio (90 km) and Scilla (75 km)
It is worth to travel to the Costa Viola of Calabria and stop in Scilla to visit the Norman Castle of the Ruffo family and the picturesque fishing village called "Chianalea", with its typical little restaurants, then continue to Reggio Calabria and not miss the chance to admire the famous Riace Bronzes exhibited at the National Museum of Reggio Calabria. Take a pleasant walk along the main street and the Lungomare Falcomatà, described by Gabriele D'Annunzio as "the most beautiful kilometre in Italy" for its enchanting view of the Strait.
Along the way, those who love contemporary art and architecture can stop in Mammola to visit the MUSABA Museum Park. It represents an interesting blend of past, present and future where Nik Spatari and Hiske Maas have transformed the historic compound into the only living Museum Park in the Mediterranean.
Along the way, those who love contemporary art and architecture can stop in Mammola to visit the MUSABA Museum Park. It represents an interesting blend of past, present and future where Nik Spatari and Hiske Maas have transformed the historic compound into the only living Museum Park in the Mediterranean.
Pizzo (40 km)
Another interesting seaside town: the square, the Aragonese Castle where Joachim Murat was executed, the church of Piedigrotta and the seafront promenade are not to be missed. It is also famous for its truffles and artisanal ice cream, which you absolutely have to try.
Itinerary for the hinterland
Discover the hinterland of Calabria, among unique flavors and corners full of history.
Locri, Gerace and Stilo (70 - 100 km)
A journey through hills, vineyards and beautiful landscapes leads to the discovery of interesting archaeological sites.
Stilo, a medieval village where Tommaso Campanella, the author of the The City of the Sun, lived, is home to the most significant Byzantine monument in Calabria: the Cattolica, a church dating back to the 10th century BC. The remains of the medieval castle are also very fascinating.
Gerace: the city of a hundred churches. Its historic centre is a concentration of Calabrian history, with churches and palaces displaying all the styles of the various periods of rule over the centuries. The Cathedral and the Church of San Francesco are worth a visit.
Locri: experience all the charm of Magna Grecia among the remnants of the "polis" founded in the 7th century BC: the remains of city walls, forts and hydraulic works, relics of a necropolis dating back to various ages.
Stilo, a medieval village where Tommaso Campanella, the author of the The City of the Sun, lived, is home to the most significant Byzantine monument in Calabria: the Cattolica, a church dating back to the 10th century BC. The remains of the medieval castle are also very fascinating.
Gerace: the city of a hundred churches. Its historic centre is a concentration of Calabrian history, with churches and palaces displaying all the styles of the various periods of rule over the centuries. The Cathedral and the Church of San Francesco are worth a visit.
Locri: experience all the charm of Magna Grecia among the remnants of the "polis" founded in the 7th century BC: the remains of city walls, forts and hydraulic works, relics of a necropolis dating back to various ages.
Zungri (20 km)
In Zungri, there is a very interesting rock settlement called the 'Sbariati', which dates back to between the 9th and 12th centuries BC. It is a village made up of a central core and a myriad of caves. Remains of ancient rock dwellings dug into the sandstone walls of the valley and connected by numerous tunnels. A magical place capable of evoking rural traditions and allowing visitors to step back in time to discover how such distant populations arranged their habitat.
Spilinga (10 km)
The small town in the municipality of Ricadi is world-famous for its traditional product par excellence: 'Nduja, a spicy, creamy pork sausage that contains no chemical additives or colouring agents because its preservation is assured by maturation and the abundant presence of red chilli pepper, which is naturally rich in natural antioxidants, and salt.
The most interesting attraction is the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Fontana, a destination for pilgrims and tourists enchanted by the mystical charm of the place. The small church of the Virgin Mary is set in the sandstone rock and located in a veritable natural paradise between the artificial lake and the miraculous water springs of the fontanelle. The sanctuary welcomes thousands of worshippers, especially in May, the month in which the Madonna is worshipped.
The most interesting attraction is the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Fontana, a destination for pilgrims and tourists enchanted by the mystical charm of the place. The small church of the Virgin Mary is set in the sandstone rock and located in a veritable natural paradise between the artificial lake and the miraculous water springs of the fontanelle. The sanctuary welcomes thousands of worshippers, especially in May, the month in which the Madonna is worshipped.
Serra San Bruno and Soriano (64 km)
Serra San Bruno is one of the most interesting sights in the Calabrian mountains. It is home to the Certosa, an ancient Dominican monastery founded by Bruno di Colonia in the 11th century in the woods south of the citadel. Entry to the Certosa is not permitted to respect the isolation of the monks, who are devoted to prayer and silence, but it is possible to enter the Carthusian monastery by visiting the adjoining museum.
A short distance away, on a wide clearing between beech and pine trees, are the San Bruno pond and the small church of Santa Maria del Bosco. According to tradition, the remains of San Bruno were buried here. When they were unearthed for transfer to the abbey church, a spring, the one that now feeds the pond, gushed forth. Since then, the faithful have flocked to this spring in search of redemption and grace. Serra San Bruno is also home to the Adrenalina Verde adventure park.
The hill town of Soriano Calabro developed thanks to the monumental complex of the Convent of San Domenico, whose foundation in 1510 and beliefs about the apparition of the 'Picture' of the Saint Gusmano in 1530 were apparently linked to miraculous events. The imposing Baroque monastery complex was partially destroyed in the 1783 earthquake. The marble remains, its majestic ruins and the Baroque façade of the old church are an important attraction for tourists.
A short distance away, on a wide clearing between beech and pine trees, are the San Bruno pond and the small church of Santa Maria del Bosco. According to tradition, the remains of San Bruno were buried here. When they were unearthed for transfer to the abbey church, a spring, the one that now feeds the pond, gushed forth. Since then, the faithful have flocked to this spring in search of redemption and grace. Serra San Bruno is also home to the Adrenalina Verde adventure park.
The hill town of Soriano Calabro developed thanks to the monumental complex of the Convent of San Domenico, whose foundation in 1510 and beliefs about the apparition of the 'Picture' of the Saint Gusmano in 1530 were apparently linked to miraculous events. The imposing Baroque monastery complex was partially destroyed in the 1783 earthquake. The marble remains, its majestic ruins and the Baroque façade of the old church are an important attraction for tourists.
Sea, nature, history and food.
I love Calabria!