Capo Vaticano: Coast, Views and History

Capo Vaticano is part of the Costa degli Dei, the stretch of coastline that runs from Capo Vaticano, in the San Nicolò district of the municipality of Ricadi, to Tropea. The promontory is made of distinctive grey-white granite, whose geological properties are studied worldwide. Ancient vineyards on earthen terraces are another defining feature of the landscape. Farmers shaped these terraces with dry-stone walls made from the rock; they slope gently down towards the sea. The granite promontory and the hillside landscape shaped by people thus stand side by side as two distinct aspects of the area.

Beaches and viewpoints

Grotticelle Beach is a long sandy beach with very light-colored sand, divided into three connected beach areas. The beaches below the promontory are often accessible only via narrow paths or from the sea.

From the Belvedere del Capo, the view opens out towards the Gulf of Gioia Tauro and Sicily. From there, you can see the Aeolian Islands, the Strait of Messina and the Sicilian coast with Mount Etna. A walk to the lighthouse at the tip of the promontory leads to a viewpoint where, at sunset, you can see the Stromboli volcano and the Aeolian Islands. The lighthouse was built in 1870 and stands 100 metres above sea level; the promontory reaches a maximum height of 124 metres.

Cultural history by the sea

The Museo del Mare in Capo Vaticano is housed in a former naval observation post that served as a daymark until the mid-20th century. Two rooms display fishing and navigation equipment donated by residents of Ricadi and nearby towns. There are also marine biology exhibits featuring Mediterranean and exotic shells, fish, molluscs, crustaceans and whale bones. The exhibits thus span the use of the sea and its marine and shell life.

Baia di Santa Maria also brings together archaeological and religious history. A Greek settlement stood on the northern promontory that encloses the bay. It was in use from the 5th century to the first decades of the 3rd century BC, as evidenced by pottery finds recovered during excavations. A Roman amphora deposit dating from the 2nd to 1st century BC was also discovered in the bay, in the 1980s. These dates distinguish the earlier Greek settlement from the later-dated Roman deposit.

The church at Baia di Santa Maria became a country church in the 17th century for the farmers and fishermen of the neighbouring village. In the 18th century, it was expanded in devotion to Maria SS. di Loreto. Torre Ruffa was the last tower to be built; the Codice Carratelli, which dates to the end of the 16th century, shows it still under construction.

Discover more destinations: Acquaro, Zaccanopoli, Ricadi, Brognaturo, Francavilla Angitola, Zungri, Brattiro', San Cono

For the main travel overview: Vibo Valentia.