What to visit in the Gulf of Squillace in three days
The Gulf of Squillace offers an extraordinary mix of sea, history, and authentic villages. Here is the ideal 3-day itinerary with Maison Stalettì as a base, overlooking the Gulf of Squillace in Calabria.
Day 1 — Sea and Coast: Caminia, Copanello and Stalettì
Spend your morning at Spiaggia di Caminia, a true natural amphitheatre by the sea, known for its light, fine sand and incredibly clear waters. Its sheltered position protects it from the wind, ensuring a calm sea almost all year round, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can reach the Grotta di San Gregorio by swimming or pedalo, hidden among granite cliffs. In the afternoon, move to Spiaggia di Copanello for snorkeling among the Vasche di Cassiodoro, ancient Roman fish-farming pools carved into the rock. In the evening, head to Soverato for dinner along the seafront promenade, enjoying freshly caught fish. The Soverato chili pepper, known as “Diavolicchio,” is considered one of the hottest in the world.
Day 2 — Medieval Villages: Squillace and Badolato
In the morning, visit Squillace, a medieval village perched above the Gulf of Squillace just a few minutes from Stalettì. Its historic centre preserves a Norman castle, stone alleyways, and breathtaking panoramic views over the gulf. It is also the birthplace of Cassiodorus, statesman of Theodoric and a key figure in early European medieval culture. In the afternoon, head to Badolato, one of the most charming medieval villages in Southern Italy, with narrow streets, stone houses, and stunning sea views. In the evening, return to Maison Stalettì and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace at sunset over the Gulf of Squillace.
Day 3 — Soverato and Scolacium Archaeological Park
In the morning, explore Soverato, the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”: its seafront promenade, the local Friday market, and a breakfast featuring traditional Calabrian pastries. Before lunch, visit the Parco Archeologico di Scolacium in Roccelletta di Borgia, home to the remains of an ancient Roman colony and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Roccella, just steps from the sea and surrounded by a centuries-old pine forest. In the afternoon, enjoy one last swim at Spiaggia di Pietragrande or Spiaggia di Stalettì, then end your journey with a sunset from the terrace of Maison Stalettì.