Capo Vaticano
Ricadi, Italy
A granite headland with a lighthouse and coves of clear water below. On a clear day Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands show on the horizon.
Capo Vaticano is a headland about 7 km south of Tropea on the Tyrrhenian coast. It is made of white-gray granite, which geologists study worldwide; its highest point is about 124 meters. The lighthouse was built in 1885. Its tower is 8 meters tall, the light stands 108 meters above the sea and carries 24 nautical miles (about 44 km). The coast runs from Santa Maria beach to Tonicello.
A short footpath by the lighthouse offers views as far as the Aeolian Islands; the FAI names Stromboli and Vulcano, and Etna. The point is especially rewarding at sunset. For swimming you have a choice: Grotticelle, Santa Maria or Torre Ruffa; on these beaches Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Greeks already traded in antiquity. The FAI describes Praia i Focu as a wild, wonderful beach opposite the cape. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to see.
- Nearest town
- Ricadi, Italy
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 38.6190, 15.8290
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping UlivetoCampsite1 km from Capo VaticanoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
- Marina del ConventoCampsite9 km from Capo Vaticano · 80 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Marina dell'IsolaCampsite9 km from Capo Vaticano · 52 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Da Ciccio ParkingMotorhome stopover9 km from Capo Vaticano · 40 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Borgo sul Porto camperMotorhome stopover10 km from Capo VaticanoMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Villaggio Camping MimosaCampsite14 km from Capo Vaticano · 20 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Capo Vaticano?
Capo Vaticano is in Ricadi, Italy, at GPS 38.6190, 15.8290. It is about 9 km from Tropea.
Can you camp near Capo Vaticano?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Uliveto, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Capo Vaticano?
Capo Vaticano is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Calabria’s Coast of the Gods and Red onions, rock-cut churches and Stromboli on the horizon – by motorhome along the Costa degli Dei and the Costa Viola to Scilla.
What is there to see near Capo Vaticano?
Places worth a stop nearby: Santa Maria dell’Isola (9 km), Piedigrotta church (32 km), Chianalea di Scilla (42 km) and Riace Bronzes, Reggio Calabria (58 km).
When is the best time to visit Capo Vaticano?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)