San Nicola Arcella

Travel Guide

San Nicola Arcella
San Nicola Arcella
San Nicola Arcella
San Nicola Arcella
San Nicola Arcella

Bask on sundrenched beaches, explore fascinating caves and visit centuries-old landmarks at this hilltop village on the Cedri Riviera.

San Nicola Arcella is a town revered for its architectural and natural beauty. It sits in the foothills of tall mountain peaks and overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its old district is representative of the nonchalant charm of southern Italy. From the old district, snake-like roads twist and turn downhill to lookouts and a coastline of sandy beaches, coves and grottos.

The tree-lined streets of the historic quarter are pleasant to traverse on foot without being overloaded with must-see attractions. An architectural highlight is the 19th-century Church of San Nicola da Tolentino, which has a simple whitewashed façade and twin towers. Walk to the Belvedere of San Nicola and marvel at the sweeping sea and mountain views. Another interesting walk is to the Palace of the Princes of Lanza of Trabia, a one-time summer residence of the Lords of Scalea.

Take a well-earned break at the pizzerias, taverns, trattorias and wine bars. Regional dishes draw inspiration from popular peasant meals. Feast on plates of ravioli stuffed with ricotta, sausage and spinach and homemade fusilli served with lashings of spiced tomato sauce.

San Nicola Arcella Beach curves around a scenic bay protected at both ends by rocky headlands. Lidos (beach clubs) occupy much of the beach during the summer months. Most have restaurants and rentable sun lounges, umbrellas and water sports equipment. A trail leads from the southern end of the bay to Crawford Tower observation point and then continues along the coast to Dino Tower.

On the opposite side of the northern headland is Arco Magno Beach, a stunning cove of crystalline water and dramatic rock formations. Most notable is the Arcomagno Cave, which creates an arched entrance to the beach. Arrive by following a trail over the cliffs or rent a paddle boat at San Nicola Arcella Beach. Further north is Praia A Mare, one of the most popular beach resorts in the Calabria region.

Consider renting a car to reach San Nicola Arcella and have the freedom to discover other towns in the province of Cosenza. Alternatively, catch a train to nearby Scalea and take a taxi from there.

Vatikurca

Vatikurca

Corso Principi Lanza di Trabia, San Nicola Arcella, CS
Book a stay at this beach B&B in San Nicola Arcella. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Arco Magno Beach and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"La struttura è molto nuova ed i materiali utilizzati per rifinire le camere sono di ottima qualità. La camera è curata nei dettagli ed il bagno molto comodo. Gianluca, il titolare, è un ragazzo disponibile e sempre gentile. Consigliatissimo!"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Vatikurca
Grand Hotel De Rose

Grand Hotel De Rose

4 out of 5
Lungomare Ruggero di Lauria 22, Scalea, CS
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Scalea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (130 reviews)
"What a lovely hotel with a ton of character! Located at the end of the 'beach strip', it was nice and quiet, with an amazing view of the town, the beach and the coastline. Our room was comfortable, and our view from the balcony was 10 out of 10. There was a mini-fridge in the room stocked with water, ..."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Grand Hotel De Rose
Hotel Ristorante Borgo La Tana

Hotel Ristorante Borgo La Tana

3 out of 5
Via dell'Amicizia, 22, Contrada Castrocucco di Maratea, Maratea, PZ
The price is RM380 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
RM380
RM418 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Maratea. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Spiaggia d'a Gnola and La Secca Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (121 reviews)
"We love the place the personels was so kind the meal was excellent and site was exemply CLEAN We strongly recommande it Thanks a lot receved us"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Hotel Ristorante Borgo La Tana
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Resort Petrasia

Resort Petrasia

SS18, Vibonati, SA
Stay at this apartment in Vibonati. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Spiaggia di Sapri and Policastro Harbour are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6 reviews)
"La struttura è abbastanza nuova, immersa nel verde e con un bel potenziale, ha una piscina non grandissima ma gradevole, campi da calcetto e padel con relativo spogliatoi. Il check-in è risultato veloce anche se il personale di front end non mi ha trasmesso particolare empatia. La casetta che ci ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Resort Petrasia
Club Residence La Castellana

Club Residence La Castellana

4 out of 5
Località La Praia, Belvedere Marittimo, CS
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Belvedere Marittimo. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a free beach shuttle, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Belvedere ...
Club Residence La Castellana
Residence kalispera

Residence kalispera

Via Valeriano de Bonis,30, Scalea, CS
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Scalea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Isola Pedonale Scalea and Scalea Beach ...
6/10 (1 review)
"This property is an not a hotel. The interior and exterior are clean and well appointed with new furniture and modern TVs The picture is very deceptive as the beach is a few miles from the property and the private beach club is the absolute worst one in Scalea. This is not a beachfront apartment ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Residence kalispera
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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