Once upon a time, the entire pantheon of Greek gods had had enough of Mount Olympus and went in search of a true paradise on earth. When they landed on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, they found it and established their home there, at Hipponion, never to return. It was only after many pleas from their faithful that, moved by compassion, they returned to Olympus to watch over Athens. But there, in Hipponion, they had left their mark. Today, Hipponion is called Vibo Valentia, and the coast is called the “Coast of the Gods.” The reason? Very un-divine!
Come Dreaming on the Coast of the Gods
There is nothing seraphic or ethereal about the Coast of the Gods. The beauty is powerfully physical! Colors, smells, flavors, light, but also darkness… everything here is tangible. The Coast of the Gods is not for the gods, but for the pleasure of humans.
While Vibo Valentia has lost some of the centrality it held in the time of Zeus, it has ceded its sceptre to Tropea, which today dominates this coast along with the municipalities of Capo Vaticano, Pizzo, Briatico, Zambrone, Parghelia, Ricadi, Joppolo, and Nicotera. Whether you choose one, a couple, or—if you have time—all of them, spending your vacation in any of these municipalities will be a dream experience.
Land at Lamezia Terme Santa Eufemia Airport (SUF) and reach any destination you desire along the Costa degli Dei by public transport. Thanks to our private transfers, both chauffeured and “hourly service”, you can travel stress-free and forget about flight fatigue.
Beaches to Experience
Which beach will you choose once you reach the Coast of the Gods? You’ll be spoiled for choice, and finding one that isn’t beautiful is an impossible feat! We’d like to recommend the most popular (not necessarily the most crowded) among the hundreds that dot the coastline.
If you enjoy diving, the ideal place is Zambrone, where deep coves hide a thousand underwater secrets; in Capo Vaticano, the best beach is Grotticelle, but it’s also the most chaotic in the summer; Tropea boasts at least four stunning beaches: Grotta del Palombaro, Linguata, Rotonda, and Mare Piccolo; sandy but sheltered and not too large, Joppolo and Parghelia are ideal for those seeking a quiet vacation.
Itineraries on the Coast of the Gods
What if the sea isn’t enough? What if your interests extend beyond beaches and diving? Here are some itinerary ideas that include some or all of the towns on the Coast of the Gods.
If you only have one day available—one day in paradise isn’t enough to appreciate its beauty. But it’s enough to choose a location based on your preferences. If you’re looking for just the sea, we recommend Zambrone, Joppolo, or Parghelia. If you like combining pleasure and culture, Capo Vaticano, Tropea, or Vibo Valentia are the ideal destinations to choose from.
If you have three days available – the ideal itinerary for a three-day vacation includes Tropea, Nicotera, and Zambrone. Tropea is a treasure trove of historical and artistic beauty, including the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, the Co-Cathedral, the Palace Del Sedile, the Church of Michelizia, and the church founded by St Francis from Paola and dedicated to him. Nicotera is a medieval village overlooking the coast from above, but also has a “lower” part on the sea. Worth visiting are the Ruffo Castle, the Palmentieri Gate, the Church of Gesù e Maria, and the Cava—where you can admire the remains of an ancient Roman port. Finally, spend the third day in Zambrone, whose viewpoints offer a spectacular view of the sunset behind the island of Stromboli. Each of these towns has its own beaches that can welcome you at the end, or at the beginning, of your tour.
If you have a week or ten days available – more days will allow you to explore all the towns of the Coast and their fantastic beaches. In addition to the towns already described, Vibo Valentia, the capital, is worth a visit: its ancient churches and convents dot the historic center, alternating with medieval gates and towers and the castle that covers the foundations of ancient Hipponion, the “city of the gods.” You can also visit the village of Pizzo, perched on the cliffs like a nativity scene and home to medieval and Byzantine monuments. Ricadi is famous for the almost constant winds that shape the beautiful golden beach; here you can admire the historic core with its 18th-century buildings. When visiting Briatico, be enchanted by the 18th-century and medieval ruins of Briatico Vecchio, as well as the Sant’Irene and La Rocchetta towers. Joppolo and Parghelia are more recent towns but offer natural views and wonderful beaches for nature lovers and poets in search of romantic emotions.
