Capo Vaticano

Capo Vaticano is a granite promontory at the southern end of the Costa degli Dei, cut into small coves separated by rock spurs, with water that stays clear over pale sand and stone. Grotticelle, Praia i Focu and Tonicello are among the named beaches, most reached by steps down from the road above. A lighthouse stands on the point. On clear days Stromboli and the other Aeolian islands are visible to the north, and Sicily lies across the strait to the south. Granite from the cape was quarried historically, and the underwater rock formations make the area a diving destination.

History

The cape is formed of a white-grey granite studied worldwide for its geology. The writer Giuseppe Berto made Capo Vaticano his home, and he wrote that it was named, like the Roman hill, for the priests and fortune tellers who once sought the future there (Wikipedia, Capo Vaticano).

Highlights

• The granite coves - small beaches divided by rock spurs.
• The clear water - pale sand and stone with good visibility for snorkelling.
• The Aeolian view - Stromboli visible offshore on clear days.
• The lighthouse - a beacon on the point above the cliffs.

When to go

May to September; access to most coves is by long stairs from the road. August is crowded and parking is difficult. Sea conditions affect visibility.

Before you go

Beaches are reached by steep stairs with no other access. Parking above is limited and paid in season. Some coves are occupied by paid clubs.

Nearby

Tropea lies north; the Strait of Messina is south.

Key facts