San Nicolò Di Ricadi: Coast, History and Local Culture

San Nicolò Di Ricadi lies on the final slopes of the Poro massif, which descend towards the sea at Capo Vaticano. Capo Vaticano is located in the San Nicolò district of the municipality of Ricadi. From the bell tower of the church of San Nicolò, the view extends towards Capo Vaticano, across the surrounding landscape and as far as the Aeolian Islands. In this way, the town combines hills, sea and wide vistas with beaches, regional culture and traces of history.

Between the Costa degli Dei and secluded coves

From the Belvedere del Capo, the view stretches across the Gulf of Gioia Tauro and Sicily. The coast from Capo Vaticano to Tropea is known as the Costa degli Dei. One particularly striking stretch of coastline is Grotticelle Beach, which consists of three connected beaches. The beaches below the headland of Capo Vaticano can often be reached only via narrow paths or by sea. This is just as important for your planning as the appealing combination of views and seascapes: not every beach is accessible in the same way.

Views and maritime experiences

A walk to the lighthouse at the tip of Capo Vaticano leads to a viewpoint overlooking Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands. The lighthouse of Capo Vaticano at the Belvedere del Capo was built in 1870. Boat trips and dives are offered at Capo Vaticano. In the area around San Nicolò, the Fiumara della Ruffa can be reached from Brivadi via old paths or a steep, uneven mule track. The different routes and viewpoints therefore appeal both to visitors seeking coastal views and to travellers planning a more active excursion.

Museums between sea and landscape

The Museo del Mare in Capo Vaticano is housed in a former observation post of the Italian Navy, which served as a “day lighthouse” until the mid-20th century. The museum displays fishing and seafaring equipment donated by residents of Ricadi and surrounding municipalities. The outdoor grounds include two wooden boats and a garden of more than 2,000 m² with an educational trail on Mediterranean flora. In the Capo Vaticano area, Torre Ruffa is the only one of the four coastal towers still standing.

Church, remembrance and local history

The Chiesa di San Nicola in San Nicolò is a single-nave church and houses a Stations of the Cross from 1779 belonging to the Tropea school. Visible remains of early Christian necropolises can be found in San Nicolò. The ancient church of San Nicola in San Nicolò was destroyed in the earthquake of 1783. Near Villa Toraldo, an old chapel dedicated to Saint Nicola stands along the provincial road as a memorial to the former church. The feast of Saint Nicola in San Nicolò is celebrated on 6 December. Together with the view from the church tower, this provides a historical perspective on the town, linking religious art, older settlement remains and present-day local traditions.

The red onion of Tropea

The Museo della Cipolla Rossa di Tropea IGP is located near San Nicolò di Ricadi railway station, in an extensive red-onion-growing area. The first room traces the cultivation of red onions from the earliest records in the late 18th century to the end of the 20th century and displays trade-related items. The second room presents traditional cultivation from flowering to seed, open-field cultivation and the “treccia” method. This local speciality thus complements the coastal and cultural themes with an insight into the agricultural character of the surrounding area.

Further destinations for planning your regional itinerary: Pannaconi, Vibo Valentia, Mongiana, Paravati, Nicotera Marina, Brognaturo, Joppolo, San Calogero

To the overview of the wider travel region: Vibo Valentia.