Best Things to Do in Scalea, Italy: A Local’s Guide

When I want a beach day in Calabria, Scalea is one of the first places that comes to mind. I’ve lived in the region for more than a decade, and my family and I have made plenty of memories here, from swimming in the Tyrrhenian Sea to boat rides, gelato stops and evenings exploring the town.

Located along Calabria’s Riviera dei Cedri, Scalea offers a combination of beautiful beaches, medieval architecture, coastal excursions and family-friendly entertainment. It’s also an appealing alternative to some of the more expensive destinations featured among Italy’s best coastal cities.

What I especially appreciate about Scalea is how easy it is to enjoy a full day without an elaborate itinerary. You can spend the morning at the beach, explore the historic center in the afternoon and finish with pizza, gelato and a walk along the seafront.

Here are my recommendations for the best things to do in Scalea, Italy, including a few practical tips from my family’s visits.

Best Things to Do in Scalea, Italy

1. Wander Through Scalea’s Historic Old Town

Scalea Vecchia, the town’s medieval historic center, is one of the first places I’d recommend exploring.

Perched above the newer beachfront area, it’s filled with narrow passageways, stone staircases, archways and centuries-old buildings. There’s something enjoyable about wandering through these streets without having to follow a rigid itinerary.

For a walking route, start around Piazza Maggiore De Palma and continue toward Piazza Cimalonga. From there, you can explore the upper streets around Via Castello.

Piazza Cimalonga is particularly interesting because it offers panoramic views and is home to Torre Cimalonga, a historic defensive tower.

As you climb, you’ll notice how different the atmosphere feels from the beachfront. Down below, Scalea is a lively seaside destination. Up here, you’re surrounded by the architecture and layout of a medieval settlement.

Give yourself at least an hour or two to explore.

And wear comfortable shoes. There are plenty of steps, and some surfaces are uneven. I wouldn’t recommend tackling the steepest sections with a stroller.

2. Spend a Day at Scalea’s Main Beach

If I could give you one piece of advice about visiting Scalea’s beach during summer, it would be this: get there early.

My family has arrived as early as 7:30 a.m., and even in July, we’ve found the beach surprisingly quiet at that hour.

That changes as the morning progresses. Scalea is a popular summer destination, and the beach can become extremely crowded once everyone starts arriving.

Another thing worth knowing is that the shoreline isn’t necessarily the soft, sandy beach you might imagine.

The section we’ve used has pebbles and coarse gravel, or ghiaia in Italian. I strongly recommend bringing beach shoes. Walking barefoot across the stones, especially once they’ve heated up, isn’t particularly comfortable.

The water has been lovely during our visits, and we’ve enjoyed days with relatively gentle waves. Of course, conditions vary, so always pay attention to the sea before swimming.

You’ll find numerous lidi along the beachfront. These privately operated beach establishments rent umbrellas and loungers, often with additional amenities nearby.

You can also bring your own beach equipment and use one of the public-access areas.

Restaurants, cafés and gelato shops are within easy reach, making it convenient to spend most of the day near the water.

During July and August, daytime temperatures commonly reach around 29–31°C (84–88°F), so sunscreen, water and shade are essential.

If you’re hoping to explore more of the coastline, there are also several best beaches near Scalea worth considering, particularly if you prefer smaller coves or different coastal scenery.

But for a convenient family beach day, Scalea’s main beachfront is a great place to start.

3. Visit Torre Talao, Scalea’s Most Recognizable Landmark

Torre Talao is one of those landmarks that immediately identifies Scalea.

The 16th-century watchtower stands on a rocky rise near the seafront and has become one of the town’s most recognizable symbols.

Built in 1563, it formed part of a coastal defensive system intended to protect the area from attacks arriving by sea.

What makes Torre Talao especially interesting is its location. It sits between the historic hillside and the modern beachfront, providing a visual connection between two very different parts of Scalea.

It’s worth stopping to admire the exterior, take photographs and appreciate the surrounding scenery.

According to the municipality, visits inside the tower are managed through designated staff. Published visiting hours are available, but I’d confirm current arrangements before planning to enter.

Even if you don’t go inside, Torre Talao is an easy stop to incorporate into a day exploring the town.

4. Explore the Norman Castle Ruins and Panoramic Viewpoints

If you’re willing to climb a little farther through Scalea Vecchia, head toward the Norman castle ruins near Via Castello.

The castle dates to the Norman period and once occupied an important defensive position above the coastline.

Although much of the original structure has disappeared, the setting remains impressive.

The surrounding viewpoints offer a wonderful perspective of Scalea’s position between the mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

It’s one of the things I appreciate about exploring the upper town. You can see how dramatically the historic settlement rises above the modern coastal area.

The castle is a ruin, so don’t expect the experience of touring a fully restored fortress. Access may also be restricted in certain areas.

I’d recommend checking local conditions before visiting, wearing sturdy shoes and avoiding any closed or unstable sections.

For visitors who enjoy history, architecture and photography, the climb through the old town is worthwhile in its own right.

5. Take a Boat Trip Along Scalea’s Coast

One of my favorite family experiences in this part of Calabria has been taking a boat trip along the coastline.

There’s something special about seeing the sea and surrounding cliffs from the water rather than from the beach.

The scenery changes as you travel along the coast, with rocky formations, caves and stretches of shoreline that look completely different from offshore.

Several operators offer boat excursions departing from Scalea, including trips toward San Nicola Arcella, Arcomagno and Isola di Dino near Praia a Mare.

Depending on the excursion, you may see the Grotta della Pecora, the famous natural arch at Arcomagno and sea caves around Isola di Dino.

For example, Ragno Doc advertises summer departures from the north side of Torre Talao, while other operators offer approximately three-hour excursions with swimming stops.

I’d book ahead during July and August, especially if you’re traveling with children.

Before paying, confirm the exact departure point, how long the excursion lasts, whether swimming stops are included and what safety equipment is available for younger passengers.

The coastline around Praia a Mare is particularly beautiful, and visitors who have extra time should also consider exploring the things to do in Praia a Mare on a separate outing.

You can also plan other day trips from Scalea if you’re using the town as a base for a longer Calabria vacation.

But even if you’re staying in Scalea for only a couple of days, I’d try to make room for a boat excursion.

6. Discover Torre Cimalonga and Scalea’s Historic Churches

Scalea has several worthwhile historic landmarks beyond Torre Talao and the Norman castle.

One of the most interesting is Torre Cimalonga, located in Piazza Cimalonga.

Built during the Aragonese period in the 15th century, the circular defensive tower later served as a prison. Today, it houses an Antiquarium containing archaeological discoveries from the surrounding territory.

The exhibits include pottery, amphorae and other artifacts connected to the area’s ancient settlements, including Greek Laos.

What makes the setting particularly interesting is that some display cases occupy spaces originally designed for the tower’s defensive weapons.

The Ministry of Culture publishes visitor information for the Antiquarium, although opening arrangements can change, particularly around special exhibitions and events.

You can also explore the streets around the Church of San Nicola in Plateis and the Church of Santa Maria d’Episcopio.

Another historic building worth looking for is Palazzo dei Principi Spinelli on Via Dottor G. Oliva.

I wouldn’t try to squeeze every landmark into a single rushed visit. Choose a few that interest you and enjoy the walk between them.

7. Enjoy an Evening Stroll Along the Seafront

One of the things I enjoy about Scalea is that the town doesn’t become quiet as soon as everyone leaves the beach.

Summer evenings bring a different atmosphere.

Families head out for dinner, people stroll through the streets, children look for something fun to do and cafés remain busy.

The Lungomare Ruggero di Lauria is a good place for an evening walk, particularly once the afternoon heat has faded.

You can also explore the flatter streets around the modern beachfront area, where there are shops, restaurants and places to stop for a snack.

Some of my favorite memories involve simply walking around Scalea with my family.

On one occasion, we found a small shop selling toys and assorted gifts. My daughters picked out beautiful little hand-stitched purses, which became lovely souvenirs of our visit.

I couldn’t tell you the shop’s name today, but that’s part of what I enjoy about exploring a place casually. Sometimes you discover something memorable without having planned to look for it.

If you’re traveling with children, I’d recommend leaving some time for an evening stroll rather than spending every available hour at the beach.

8. Enjoy Local Calabrian Food and Gelato

You won’t have trouble finding places to eat around Scalea’s beachfront.

There are pizzerias, restaurants, cafés and gelato shops within walking distance of many of the main beach establishments.

That’s particularly convenient when you’re visiting with children and don’t want to pack up everything just to find lunch.

For a more traditional Calabrian meal, look for regional dishes featuring fileja pasta, ‘nduja, local cheeses or fresh seafood.

Calabria is known for bold flavors, and there’s plenty to discover if you’re interested in regional Italian cuisine.

Our guide to the best food in Italy offers more inspiration for trying local specialties throughout the country.

And of course, there’s gelato.

Whether we’re spending time near the beach or exploring the town, stopping for ice cream is always an easy way to make the children happy.

It’s also one of those simple pleasures that makes traveling in Italy so enjoyable.

9. Experience Scalea’s Summer Entertainment

Scalea can be especially enjoyable for families during the summer months.

Along with the beaches and restaurants, we’ve encountered temporary amusement rides, small attractions and stalls selling treats and souvenirs.

My daughters have enjoyed the children’s rides, and the atmosphere can feel particularly lively in the evening.

During one of our visits, there was a small fairground within walking distance of the beach, with a candy stand nearby.

I wouldn’t promise that the same fair or individual attractions will be operating during your visit, since seasonal entertainment can change from year to year.

But if you’re visiting in July or August, it’s worth looking for local summer events, markets and family activities.

You might find an evening concert, a temporary amusement area or another community event taking place while you’re there.

For families, these activities can be a welcome change after spending most of the day swimming.

FAQs About Things to Do in Scalea

Final Thoughts

Scalea is one of those places where you can enjoy a memorable vacation without needing an extravagant budget or a complicated schedule.

You can spend the morning swimming, explore medieval streets in the afternoon and finish the evening with dinner, gelato and a walk along the seafront.

For first-time visitors, I’d prioritize the beach, Scalea Vecchia and a boat excursion.

A car is helpful, especially if you want to explore the surrounding coastline. Taxis can sometimes be difficult to find, so I wouldn’t rely entirely on being able to hail one whenever you need it.

That said, it’s possible to reach Scalea by public transportation.

From Mormanno, where I live, I’ve taken the bus that departs at 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and arrives in Scalea around 7:30 a.m., dropping passengers near the beach. It’s a convenient option for an early start, although I’d still recommend confirming the schedule before traveling.

Scalea also has a railway station, and parts of the town are easy to explore on foot. If you’re planning on exploring Scalea without a car, staying near the beach or railway station can make getting around more convenient.

Accommodation can also be relatively affordable compared with Italy’s more famous seaside destinations, although prices rise during the busiest summer weeks.

And if you want to experience another side of Calabria, consider heading inland to the Pollino mountains. My guide to the best things to do in Mormanno covers one of my favorite mountain towns in the region.

For me, Scalea’s appeal is simple. It offers beautiful coastal scenery, interesting history, plenty of family-friendly activities and opportunities to enjoy everyday Italian life.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a destination worth returning to.