Cala del Gesso
A breathtaking cove on Monte Argentario, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and panoramic views. Requires a scenic hike to access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lower temps, sunset views
Cala del Gesso
Best Time
Lower temps, sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking cove on Monte Argentario, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and panoramic views. Requires a scenic hike to access.
"The most beautiful beach in the world!! Crystal clear waters and breathtaking views."
👟 Wear Hiking Shoes
The 20-25 min trek down is steep. Sneakers are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities here! Bring everything you need for the day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Turquoise Waters
The main beach area
Dive into incredibly clear, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Panoramic Views
Along the hiking path and beach
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Argentario coast and the Giglio Island.
+1
Rocky Shoreline Adventure
The beach itself
A unique, rocky beach offering an unspoiled natural environment for exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trek Smart, Pack Right
Beat the Crowds & Algae
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Hiking Shoes
The 20-25 min trek down is steep. Sneakers are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities here! Bring everything you need for the day. +1
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
An umbrella or shade is crucial as the sun is intense.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Leave no trace! Take all your rubbish back with you.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Hiking Shoes
The 20-25 min trek down is steep. Sneakers are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities here! Bring everything you need for the day. +1
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
An umbrella or shade is crucial as the sun is intense.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Leave no trace! Take all your rubbish back with you.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited and can fill up fast, especially in summer.
🚤 Consider a Boat Trip
Accessing by sea offers a different, often easier, perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cala del Gesso is lauded as a stunning, almost Caribbean-like beach with incredibly clear turquoise waters and breathtaking views. Visitors praise its natural, uncontaminated environment and excellent snorkeling opportunities. However, the challenging, steep hike to reach it, the lack of facilities, and potential summer crowds are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"This is a true hidden gem located in near Porto santo Stefano. Despite the difficulties to reach the beach this is worth an experience for a unique adventure. Highly recommend for anyone who is seeking a little adventure out of Rome. This is an approximately a 2hour drive from Rome. Everyone who is going must bring their own food and necessary items as there are no facilities down at the beach. You should bring trash bags as well as there is no place to throw trash so you must bring it back up again. Wear your hiking shoes and make sure to bring your water bottle, specially on your way back! There is a parking spot that cost €10 and the name of the host is Pino. You can find that on google as well."
Thisaru Amanda
"Wonderful Beach, be aware of the 20-25 min hike. Not ideal with kids. In Summer overcrowded, very hard to find parking spots. Be there before 8 to get a place. In the low-season(before June and after mid-September) isn’t that problematic, depending on the wind water can be crystal clear or full with algae on the shore. If you have the possibility is generally best to visit all these Calas by boat."
Giorgia Villani
"It is as beautiful as it looks. 20mins walk to the beach are worth. But you have to think of the way up too. Bring your water, food and shade."
İfakat Hande Çevik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Rome, drive approximately 2 hours to Porto Santo Stefano. From there, take the panoramic road for about 6 km. Look for parking, then begin the hike down.
Yes, there's a private parking lot called 'Parcheggio il Pino' (around €10) or you can try to find street parking along the panoramic road. Arrive early to secure a spot. +1
The hike is about 20-25 minutes, mostly downhill with some steep sections and rocky terrain. The return journey uphill is more challenging.
While public transport can get you to Porto Santo Stefano, the final leg to the trailhead and the hike itself are best managed with your own transport or a taxi.
The steep and rocky hike can be challenging for very young children. Consider if your children are comfortable with longer walks and uneven terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cala del Gesso is a natural beach and does not require an entrance ticket.
As a natural beach, Cala del Gesso is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment of the scenery.
Yes, the private parking lot 'Parcheggio il Pino' charges a fee, typically around €10 for the day.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but it's important to respect the natural environment and pack out all your belongings and trash.
To avoid peak summer crowds, aim for the shoulder seasons like May or September. Visiting on a weekday morning is also advisable. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cala del Gesso features a rocky shoreline, not sandy. The water is exceptionally clear and often described as Caribbean-like.
No, there are no facilities at Cala del Gesso. You must bring all your own food, water, and any other necessities. +1
Yes, the crystal-clear waters and abundant fish make it a great spot for snorkeling.
Essential items include water, food, sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella for shade, sturdy shoes, and trash bags. +1
Many visitors recommend hiking down in the afternoon and returning at sunset to enjoy cooler temperatures and beautiful light.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the stunning turquoise water from the beach, the panoramic views from the trail, and the unique rocky formations. Drone shots offer incredible perspectives.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light. Midday provides the clearest water for vibrant shots.
Drone footage is popular and captures the beauty of the coastline and the beach exceptionally well. Ensure you follow local drone regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for capturing underwater shots while snorkeling.
Experiment with different angles from the hiking path, capture the contrast between the rocks and the clear water, and look for interesting marine life while snorkeling.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 Capture panoramic shots from the hiking trail, the unique textures of the rocky beach, and the stunning clarity of the water. Drone photography truly showcases the beauty of this cove. +1 Visit during golden hour for magical light, or midday for the most vivid water colors. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards! Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Paradise
For those seeking an alternative or a less strenuous approach, accessing Cala del Gesso by boat is also a popular option. This allows you to bypass the hike and enjoy the stunning coastline from the water.
What to Pack for Cala del Gesso
Beyond sustenance and sun protection, sturdy footwear is a must for the hike.
Understanding the Beach Conditions
This makes it a fantastic spot for swimming and snorkeling, with many visitors reporting seeing numerous fish. However, beach conditions can vary. In the low season or depending on the wind, the shore might experience seaweed accumulation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit