The Ricadi area is located between the San’Eufemia (Lamezia Terme) and the Gioia Tauro gulfs; it ranges from the base of Monte Poro highland to the sea shore where the Capo Vaticano promontory stands. A 12 kms stretch of coast laps the bays of Santa Maria, Grotticelle, Tono, Formicoli and Riaci. The promontory divides the two gulfs.

The Ricadi territory has been inhabited for many centuries; many populations have dominated the area from prehistoric and pre-Christian era: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Saracens and Bourbons.

You can visit the Ricadi districts of Barbalaconi, Brivadi, Ciaramìti, Lampazzone, Orsigliadi, Santa Domenica, Santa Maria, San Nicolò, Torre Marino and Torre Ruffa.

History teaches us that Ricadi was founded during the Byzantine era and became the headquarters of the University of Tropea. Ricadi became an independent town in 1808 thanks to an edict by Joseph-Napoleon Bonaparte, allowing the town to appoint its own mayor. One of its districts (Santa Domenica, Ciaramiti, San Nicolò, Brivadi e Orsigliadi) was Brattiro’, subsequently annexed to the nearby Drapia town.

Capo Vaticano has a gorgeous beach, an ideal place for those who love being in contact with nature and a unique crystal clear turquoise sea. The coast is studded with plunging cliffs, sandy beaches, caves, and immaculate bays that can only be reached by sea.

Formicoli has some of the best sea beds, made of granite rock formations that burst with life. The white fine sand beaches and the fascinating scenery make this area utterly charming.

The town offers very modern and efficient tourist structures, although it’s keeping the charm of an uncontaminated and extremely evocative nature.

For more info www.portalecalabria.com