10 Giu Costa dei Gelsomini: among the most beautiful beaches in Calabria

Do you know where the Costa dei Gelsomini is? Probably not, and that’s a shame because some of the most beautiful beaches in Calabria can be found here.

That is why we decided to take you on a tour of discovery of this stretch of the Ionian coast of Calabria, which offers many emotions with its crystal-clear sea and the nature that presents itself here in all its splendour.

Where is located the Costa dei Gelsomini

We are in the Ionian side of Calabria and, to be precise, in the province of Reggio Calabria. 90 km of splendour, amidst low-lying beaches and cliffs overlooking the sea.

The most famous places along this stretch of coast are Riace Marina, Roccella Ionica, Monasterace and, again, Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, Siderno, Locri and Brancaleone and Palizzi.

Together with the Costa degli Aranci, it is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in the entire region and many of the most beautiful beaches can be found here. The name comes from the presence of jasmine whose scent, during the flowering period, pervades the entire coastline. A sight for the eyes as well, since these flowers are known for their beauty and delicacy as well as their intense and seductive scent.

Costa dei Gelsomini: beaches

The coastal stretch that covers the area consists of both low-lying beaches and sheer cliffs. All this makes the Costa dei Gelsomini a perfect destination for all types of tourists and also for families.

This is the southernmost stretch of coastline in Calabria, between Riace and Locri. A spectacular stretch of coastline that faces the Ionian Sea and has much to tell. But which are the most beautiful beaches on the Costa dei Gelsomini? Let’s discover them together.

There are 42 small seaside towns in the area and all of them are well supplied in terms of tourist offer.

The most tourist resorts are Riace, Roccella Ionica and Marina di Gioiosa Ionica. The beach at Riace Marina is famous for the discovery, on 16 August 1972, during a dive. On that occasion, the two Riace Bronzes were found. These two statues, which were found intact, date back to the middle of the 5th century BC. A historical find that is considered one of the most important of all.

The beach here is accessible to everyone, thanks to the long stretch of sand and the shallow water. A true paradise for those who enjoy this kind of experience.

The beach at Roccella Jonica, located in the seaside town of the same name, is also very interesting. There is more tourism here, also because the small ancient village is very beautiful and characteristic. The beach here has fine sand mixed with pebbles and is interesting because it leads up to the Castello dei Principi Carafa, a stupendous medieval construction that was erected to defend against Saracen invasions.

For those who love unspoilt landscapes, we recommend the beach at Marina di Gioiosa Ionica. Here the beach is very wide and sandy. It is characterised by palm trees alternating with olive and citrus groves. A real gem with a somewhat tropical flavour.

Moving southwards, it is also possible to reach Siderno and Locri. The Siderno beach is pebbly and perfect for those in search of peace and relaxation as well as a spectacular sea.

Much better known is the area of Locri, famous above all for the Archaeological Park of Locri Epizefiri. Here are the archaeological remains of the Greek colony of the same name. Among the monuments in this open-air museum are the sanctuary of Zeus and the theatre from the 4th century BC.

For history lovers, we also recommend Gerace, which has a beautiful medieval village as well as beautiful beaches.

Going further south, at the end of the Bonamico stream, we find the end of the Costa dei Gelsomini. Here we find Capo Spartivento and other small seaside resorts that are worth a visit and especially a dip such as Africo, Brancaleone Marina and Capo Ferruzzano.

The landscape

The Jasmine Coast presents a decidedly varied landscape. From soft, golden sandy beaches to pebbly beaches and then rocky coves. The lowest common denominator? The beauty of the sea and of a landscape that still remains fairly unspoilt.

This stretch of coast is, in fact, still far from the most touristy routes in Calabria. The Costa dei Gelsomini links a beautiful sea, which has been awarded the Blue Flag several times, to the presence of historical and archaeological finds of worldwide importance. There is no lack of nature, among the citrus and olive groves that characterise the hilly area and the beautiful expanses of jasmine that give the area its name.

Organising a holiday in Calabria is always a good idea and certainly the Jasmine Coast is a perfect destination for every type of tourist, even families with children in tow.

How to arrive in Costa dei Gelsomini

To get to the Costa dei Gelsomini, the reference airports are those of Reggio Calabria and Lamezia Terme, which are connected with the main Italian cities and also with many foreign ones.

The advice, however, is to travel by car once in the area so as to be able to reach every corner of this precious stretch of the Calabrian coast that is to be discovered in its diversity and beauty.