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THE CALABRIAN BEACHES OF RICADI, THE VILLAGE OF CAPO VATICANO – Tourism of the Roots - ITALY

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Vibo Valentia – Located at the base of the Monte Poro plateau and nestled between the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia and Gioia Tauro, Ricadi stretches to the shores of the famous beach of Capo Vaticano.
Today part of the province of Vibo Valentia, Ricadi is rich in archaeological finds that document its historical importance, linked to the sea.

In fact, its territory has been inhabited since ancient times, starting from prehistoric and pre-Christian times, passing through Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans.


Each of these villages left its mark, as did some of the coastal towers that stood guard over the open sea.


Dependent on Tropea until 1799, when independence was recognised thanks to the intervention of the French general Championnet, Ricadi was a fishing village until the summer tourist boom towards Capo Vaticano, the granite bottoms of Formicoli frequented by divers and the white beaches of Tono, Riaci and Grotticelle.


In addition to Capo Vaticano, in fact, the rugged and irregular coastline of Ricadi has many characteristic and unique beaches, such as the Bay of Riaci with its Scoglio Grande or Giardinello with the rock called Ardito due to its shape similar to that of a mushroom.


And again the beaches of Massara, Scalea, Passu du Gabbaturcu, Torre Marino, Praia i focu (named after the bonfires that were lit as a reference point for fishermen), Ficara and Santa Maria (named after the Virgin Mary, to whom a small church on the promenade is dedicated).


The discovery of the village continues with the Marrana Tower in the village of Brivadi, dating from the 14th century, which received signals from the nearby Ruffa Tower and transmitted them to the other towers along the coast.


Also of great interest is the Civic Museum of Ricadi, a “Museum Disseminated” in the streets and in the surrounding area, through a series of facilities located in various spaces and connected by conceptual paths: in addition to the municipal library, the museum is divided into the four sections Archaeological and Paleontological Museum (Palazzo Fazzari), Anthropological Museum and Museum of peasant civilization and immaterial culture (the former oil mill Marcello Sculco), the Museum and Observatory of the Sea (the former viewpoint at Capo Vaticano) and the Museum of the Towers (in the archaeological site of Torre Marrana).


Finally, it is worth seeing the old mill still active in the village of Lampazzone, with its 18th century appearance and which can still grind wheat, maize and barley with its grinders.


But Ricadi is also an unmissable destination to taste the typical dishes of Calabria, guardians of the local cultural roots.


First the famous ’nduja, Calabrian product par excellence and excellent condiment for first courses, followed by the red onion DOP from nearby Tropea.


The best time to try these flavors is the Festa Madonna delle Grazie, the patron saint of Ricadi that takes place at the beginning of July.



In conclusion, Ricadi will be able to impress unforgettable memories made of romantic and relaxing scenery at the same time, perfect to accompany long walks at sunset.



HOW TO REACH: The nearest airport is Lamezia Terme (46 km).

Ricadi has its own station with regional trains.

By car from Rome: take the A24, follow the A1 / E45, A30 and A2 towards SP 5 at Sant’Onofrio, exit at S. Onofrio-Vibo V. , take SS 606, SS 18 Tirrena Inferiore, SP 17 and SP 22 towards Piazza Marconi in Ricadi.


OTHER PLACES TO VISIT: To see the town of Tropea. For lovers of “dark tourism”, it is worth seeing the abandoned village of Papaglionti.