Capo Vaticano is a cape in a popular holiday region in Calabria a little south of Tropea.
background
The Capo Vaticano is a cape on a cliff at the westernmost end of the peninsula of Tropea, the so-called "Costa degli Dei", the "Coast of the Gods". It rises high above the Tyrrhenian Sea and allows a view over to the volcanic island Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands. From the vantage point on the cape, near the lighthouse, you can even see the Strait of Messina ("Stretto") in good weather.
The name of the cap comes from the fact that an oracle was consulted here at the Capo dei Vaticinii (Cape of Prophecies) with the Vatican the proper name has nothing to do.
There are bathing beaches on both sides of the cape, with stretches of coastline with high cliffs in between. The area is populated with small towns, the locality Santa Maria (belongs to the community Vibo Valentia lies south of the cape, the cape itself belongs to the hamlet Ricadi, the city Tropea is 12 km away.
history
In ancient times an oracle was consulted by the Greek sailors at the Capo di Vaticinii, ruins from Greek times are no longer to be found. The harbor Portus Herculis, reported by Roman historians, was a little further north Formiculi.
landscape
The cape is located on a cliff made of an extraordinary white-gray granite, it rises up to 124 m above sea level. Part of the coast is practically inaccessible due to the steep cliffs, in between there are fine sandy bays, which are among the most beautiful beaches in Italy.
The hilly hinterland rises to the Monte Poro at 710 m above sea level, a large part of the hinterland is used as a landscape, among other things the mild red onion "Cipolla di Tropea" is grown here.
Flora and fauna
In addition to the usual Mediterranean flora, especially in April - May, the entire coastal region is in bloom, here are giant ferns (Woodwardia radicans), dwarf palms (Chamaerops humilis), huge agaves with inflorescences resembling telephone poles and the fleshy midday flowers (Carpobrotus edulis).
climate
The Mediterranean climate makes early summer and early autumn the most pleasant travel times for Central Europeans, temperatures of up to 28-30 ° C can often occur in July and August, and temperatures of around 14 ° C are also reached in the winter months thanks to the mild coastal climate.
getting there
By plane
The nearest airport is that Lamezia Terme Airport
(IATA: SUF).
By train
The express train line Naples - Lamezia Terme - Reggio di Calabria runs between Vibo Valentia partly in tunnels up to Rosarno through the hinterland. The regional trains of the Trenitalia the line Lamezia Terme - Rosarno run every 1 - 3 hours along the entire coastline, there is even a direct train connection via Joppolo and Nicotera to the south. There is no direct coastal road connection here.
The train station 1 Ricadi is a little to the north of Capo Vaticano, there is no stop at Santa Maria, the train then disappears in the tunnel and only stops much further south.
In the street
The coastal highway 
Salerno - Reggio di Calabria circles the peninsula with the Costa dei Dei between Vibo Valentia and Rosarno in the hinterland. At the exit 
Pizzo Calabro leads the 
SS522 from the north along the coast to Tropea, which continues on the provincial road 
SP22 to Brivadi and Ricadi. Side streets near the coast lead to Capo Vaticano and the town of Santa Maria with the beaches of Grotticelle.
mobility
You can't just get near the beach by public transport; having your own car or rented scooter makes things a lot easier. Some bays below the steep cliffs can only be reached by boat by sea.
Tourist Attractions
- the viewpoint can be reached from a parking lot 1 Belvedere del Faro on a comfortable sidewalk, a footpath "Percorso panoramico" leads along the cliff. The lighthouse was built in 1870. The view to the southeast to the beach of Grotticelle and across to the volcanic cone of Stromboli is particularly picturesque.
- a little further north is the 2 Parco del Belvedere Praia i Focufrom which there is a view down to the bays of Praia i Focu results. The steep footpath down to the beach is no longer accessible after landslides.
- along the coastline to the north there are long stretches of beach lined with campsites and hotels.
- to the south the bays of Grotticelli and Santa Maria, which are among the most beautiful beaches in Italy.
activities
- you come to Capo Vaticano itself to enjoy the view over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
- Otherwise, activities in and around the water are in the interest of visitors to the region, on the extensive beaches bathed there are quite a few off the coast Dive sites.
shop
The next shopping opportunities are in Tropea, On the arterial roads along the SP22, groceries and everyday items are available in supermarkets.
kitchen
accommodation
camping
There are a large number of campsites between Tropea and Capo Vaticano, so that the wall with the access signs is almost confusing. Most of the campsites are only open seasonally, however, outside the main holiday season it is therefore advisable to inquire whether the selected campground is open.
- Villaggio camping "Costa Verde", 89865 San Nicolò di Ricadi. Tel.: 39 (0)963 663090, Fax: 39 (0)963 663792, Email: [email protected]. Open all year round, campground and bungalows, steep driveway, a bit challenging for caravans.
Hotels and hostels
security
The security situation is harmless, but like everywhere else, no valuables should be left in the parked vehicle in the high season, especially if you only go to the beach in your swimming trunks and the parking lot cannot be seen from the beach.
trips
- In any case, a trip to the town should be Tropea not to be left out.
