Ricadi is a charming and sleepy rural town located along the cliffs of the Tyrrhenian coast. Situated in the southern Italian region of Calabria, Ricadi dates back to around the 10th century. The town was reduced to rubble during an earthquake in the late 18th century, before being rebuilt again.
During your holiday in Ricadi you can unearth the many civilisations - from the Greeks and Romans to the Byzantines and Normans, that dominated Ricadi over the years in the archaeological sites that are dotted around the town. While it is a coastal town, within the hilly locality of Grotticelle you will find a variety of hotels and farm stays where you can experience a tranquil bucolic stay, sprinkled with secret beaches, medieval structures, scenic trails, and stunning panoramas.
Off-the-beaten track, Ricadi is a hidden gem of a destination for your holiday in Calabria.
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Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Sunday 10:00 to 16:00.
Santa Domenica di Ricadi is home to many beautiful beaches, in particular Baia di Riaci and its surrounding cliffs. Isolated, secret beaches and natural grottoes welcome leisurely adventure during your Ricadi holiday. The glittering blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea are perfect for swimming in during the hot, dry summer months and are a scuba diver’s paradise.
Cape Vaticano and southerly beaches
Pack a picnic and head to Capo Vaticano, which is steeped in mythology. Hike along jagged rocks, where a 19th century lighthouse looms over Spiaggia di Grotticelle. Go paddle boating or snorkelling, or simply find a deck chair for a lazy day on the beach. Travel a little further south to the Spiaggia di Santa Maria di Ricadi where white sands are tucked within a bay of pretty coves and inlets.
Marrana Tower of Brivadi
Unearth a network of ancient medieval lookout towers in Ricadi that date back to the 14th century, and experience a theatrical performance at the amphitheatre with the beautiful Thyrrenian Sea as your natural backdrop.
Red Onion Festival
There are a few interesting festivals in Ricadi that take place annually, including La Sagra della Cipolla Rossa in the month of August, which celebrates the humble red onion which is grown in Ricadi and, as a protected food, holds the IGP quality mark. Games are played in the main square and you can feast on everything from onion soup and onion jam to onion omelettes and even red onion ice cream! Try to arrange your Calabrian holiday in Ricadi around this fun event!
Agricultural Museum
The Museo d’Arte Contadina showcases Ricadi’s agricultural traditions and intriguing artifacts and tools. It’s an ideal place to learn about Ricadi’s farming history.
Sanctuary of Santa Maria Lauretana
The Chiesa di Santa Maria Lauretana is a small restored church in Ricadi that was built during the 17th century to emphasize the earlier 16th century shrine for the Blessed Virgin of Mercy.
Flight Information
Calabria’s main airport is Lamezia Terme International Airport, and it is about an hour’s drive to begin your holiday in Ricadi.
When to go
The best time to visit Ricadi is between mid-March and mid-June, and between September and November. In June, July and August, many Italians head to the coast for their summer holidays so beaches and towns can become busy.
You can enjoy balmy temperatures between 12°C and 20°C from mid-March to mid-June. Alternatively, avoid the school holidays and enjoy the warm autumn weather and temperatures of 12°C to 25°C from September until November.
Rainfall and humidity remain low throughout the year.
Visa Information
At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.
Tipping
Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.
Introduction to languages
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.
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