Bocale: Coast, Vineyards and Historic Traces

Bocale is a suitable choice if you would like to combine a seaside destination with scenic experiences and multifaceted historical traces. Its character ranges from the beach and vineyards to churches, fortresses and archaeological sites. This makes it possible to tailor a stay to different interests without reducing Bocale to a single holiday theme.

Sea, Vineyards and Hills

Bocale has a sandy beach and clear sea. The area is predominantly hilly; citrus groves and vineyards descend towards the sea. A distinctive landscape feature is Leucopetra: The name is of Greek origin and refers to a 150-metre-high rocky promontory that slopes down to the sea and dominates the Capo d'Armi headland. Coastal erosion has also exposed a possible archaeological site of historical and scientific interest in Bocale.

There are also clear options for active days. Along the coast of Bocale, you can go windsurfing, while the waters offer opportunities for snorkelling. Inland, numerous paths run through olive groves and forests; from there, views open up over the Strait of Messina. This means that in Bocale you can choose between experiences on the coast and routes inland.

Churches and Archaeological Traces

The Castello di Santo Niceto – also known as Castello di San Niceto or Motta Santo Niceto – is a Byzantine fortress. It was built in the first half of the 11th century at the top of a rocky hill. There is free parking near the Castello di San Niceto. The Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano in Bocale was destroyed by the 1908 earthquake and rebuilt in 1930.

The Chiesa della Confraternita del Leandro is of Byzantine origin. It was fully operational by the second half of the 17th century at the latest. A marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child was venerated there. The Museo Civico Archeologico Antiquarium Leucopetra preserves archaeological finds from the area of Motta San Giovanni. The Bocale area is also home to a necropolis dating from the Hellenistic period.

In the archaeological area of Lazzaro are the remains of a Roman villa that probably belonged to the patrician Publio Valerio. Publio Valerio is said to have sheltered Cicero while he was fleeing Rome. Archaeological finds in the Lazzaro area also point to a presumed Greek place of worship. The historic centre of Motta San Giovanni preserves the original urban layout with narrow lanes.

The Monumento al 38° Parallelo in Bocale has a truncated-pyramid-shaped foundation. Its sloping side features medallions bearing the landmarks of the six cities crossed by the 38th parallel: Reggio Calabria, Seoul, Smyrna, Athens, San Francisco and Córdoba. Bocale is also known for its wine production. In September 2021, a celebration in honour of Saints Cosmas and Damian was held in Bocale, including novenas, Masses and confessions; one Mass took place at the Santuario S. Cosimo.

Getting There and Choosing Your Accommodation

Reggio di Calabria Bocale railway station is served by regional trains. No assistance service for people with reduced mobility is available there. When choosing your accommodation in Bocale, you can consider the coast, the paths through olive groves and forests, or the historic sites as different areas of interest. This allows you to select a hotel based specifically on your personal travel rhythm and the themes that particularly interest you during your stay.

Further destinations: Monasterace Marina, Favazzina, Portigliola, Condofuri, Condofuri Marina, Varapodio, Scilla and Taureana.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.