A Hidden Rocky Cove In Calabria, Italy Offers Pristine Swimming In Crystal Clear Water

When Mother Nature gives you a crystal-clear natural swimming pool framed by a deep grotto and a monumental rock arch, there is only one appropriate question: how soon can we get there? Italy's magical beach, Arcomagno, hides in plain sight but is not exactly a secret. Travelers in the know have long made the trek to experience an early swim in this natural amphitheater of blue sky and crystalline water with nothing to envy among the best secret beaches on earth. 

Arcomagno is located in the town of San Nicola Arcella, on a stretch of the Calabrian coast known as Riviera dei Cedri, an underrated Italian destination for stunning crowd-free beaches. The magnificent beach is something of a local treasure, highly protected to support conservation efforts and prevent damage from overtourism. What's more, the site is also labeled as a Blue Flag beach, meaning that it complies with certain water quality and environmental standards. But Arcomagno is more than just clean. It's the stuff of legends, sometimes referred to as Aeneas Beach after the mythical hero who was said to have passed this way on his journey back from Troy. This was also believed to be one of the spots where sirens would lure in sailors with their hypnotizing songs.

With a little smart planning and a few simple tips, you can enjoy a beach experience here that you'll remember forever. Even if reaching Arcomagno requires a little effort, the rewards far outweigh the journey. Once you arrive, you'll have the divine experience of frolicking in the sparkling waters while enjoying breathtaking views of the rock formations and Dino Island, famous for its caves only reachable by water. 

The closest major international airport to Arcomagno is in Naples, 140 miles north. From Naples, you can either drive or take a train to the town of Scalea, from which buses are available for the short trip to San Nicola Arcella, the town closest to the beach. There are two ways to access the beach from San Nicola Arcella: by land or sea. By sea you can either take a boat tour or rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or pedal boat from San Nicola Arcella's main beach and then make your way around the rocky outcrop to access the arch from the water. If you prefer to arrive on foot, be prepared for a short but strenuous 10-minute trek. At the entrance to the pathway, you'll pay a fee of $3.50 per adult ($1.50 for children under 12). Then there's a steep climb up one side, over the bridge formed by the arch, and then a walk down the other side. 

The key to making the most of your visit to Arcomagno is timing. To say that this place is popular during the summer is a galactic understatement as it's known for being one of the most glorious Italian beaches, offering a true coastal escape. You can avoid the tourist rush by coming during shoulder season, which would be in either May or September. And get there early in the morning to beat the crowds. This is one of the most beautiful natural features on the Italian coast, so access is managed and strictly monitored. Once you are at the beach, you will be allowed a maximum of 30 minutes before you are invited to keep circulating to make room for the next beachgoer.

A few tips ... First, bring comfortable shoes with good grip if you'll be walking over to the beach. As there are no facilities in Arcomagno itself, bring water and a snack but not chairs or umbrellas, as they are not allowed. Finally, for your own safety, heed the safety warnings about not swimming under the arch due to the risk of falling rocks.

While you're in this part of Calabria, spend some time in the charming town of San Nicola Arcella. This ancient town is an old fishing village turned modern seaside resort, with a historic center that was relocated to a hilltop to avoid the Saracen raids in the Middle Ages. The town makes an excellent base for exploring more of the stunning surrounding coastline and striking natural rock formations. It has a nice selection of boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation villas and is well connected to other points of interest along the Riviera dei Cedri, which consists of 50 miles of coastline dotted with charming Calabrian villages. The coast takes its name from the cultivation of the cedar fruit (also known as cedrate), a variety of citrus resembling a huge lemon with a wrinkled rind. It's prized for its myriad health properties. 

More towns and areas to discover ... There are no big brand resorts here, just authentic towns and villages with their slower Calabrian pace of life. The nearby town of Scalea is a charming seaside town with train connections to Naples. It's about a fifteen-minute bus ride from San Nicola Arcella to Scalea; the trip is even shorter if you're driving. For adventurous travelers, the cliffs around Scalea offer short but rewarding hikes, with panoramic views of the coastline. 

If you keep driving south, Tropea dazzles with its powdery white sand beaches and calm turquoise water. Keep going further inland across the wild landscapes of Aspromonte National Park to emerge on the other side of the peninsula on the Ionian coast. Here, you can visit the ancient Greco-Roman ruins of Locri and discover even more of the treasures that Calabria has to offer.