Tonicello Beach - Image 1
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Tonicello Beach

4.2
·493 reviews·Capo Vaticano, Italy

Casual apartments with private beach access, dining, and a petting zoo, offering good value on the stunning Calabrian coast.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Amazing sunsets await

CrowdMedium
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Tonicello Beach - Image 1

Tonicello Beach

Best Time

Summer evenings

Amazing sunsets await

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Casual apartments with private beach access, dining, and a petting zoo, offering good value on the stunning Calabrian coast.

4.2
(493 reviews)

"Great location and nice apartments, a good value for the price with amazing sunsets."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Free Shuttle Service

Utilize the free shuttle to the station, but be aware it can be a bit unreliable due to staff workload. :bus:

🧺 Laundry Service

Take advantage of the efficient laundry service; items are washed, folded, and returned within 24 hours. :washing_machine:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Private Beach Access

Private Beach Access

Resort grounds

Enjoy direct access to a clean, soft-sand beach with dining options and shuttle service. Perfect for relaxation.

Instagram
Owner's Boat Trip

Owner's Boat Trip

Coastal tour

Explore sea caves, grottos, and stunning coastline views on this highly recommended excursion.

TikTok
Spa and Wellness

Spa and Wellness

Resort spa

Indulge in exquisite spa services and treatments for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Boat Trip Early

The owner's boat trip is a highlight, offering stunning coastal views and access to hidden coves. Book in advance, especially during peak season, as spots fill up quickly. TikTok

Embrace the Italian Pace

While some reviews mention service delays, embracing a relaxed Italian pace can enhance your stay. Staff can be busy, so patience is key, especially if you don't speak Italian. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Amazing sunsets await
Crowd
Medium
When
Late night pool
Why
Enjoy a dip after dark
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

⬇️⬇️info e sopresa⬇️⬇️ 🤯Cosa non perdere nella meravigliosa Costa degli Dei in Calabria🔱 🏖️Spiagge: 🚤Tour in barca organizzato dal Tonicello resort dove vedrai grotta dello scheletro, Tropea dal mare, Praia Focu, Baia di Riaci, Formicoli e Grotticelle. 🌊Spiaggia paradiso del Sub a Zambrone, Spiaggia Michelino, Grotta delle Sirene. 🏘️Borghi e natura: 🌊Tropea, con la sua terrazza panoramica. 🌶️Spil...
@littletravelsbiglove
14.3K likes • 308.3K views

🚗 Free Shuttle Service

Utilize the free shuttle to the station, but be aware it can be a bit unreliable due to staff workload. Reddit :bus:

🧺 Laundry Service

Take advantage of the efficient laundry service; items are washed, folded, and returned within 24 hours. Reddit :washing_machine:

Qui da Tonicello Resort & Spa potrai goderti un soggiorno in un ambiente moderno e raffinato, con una vista panoramica sulla natura circostante. #resort #hotel #travel #vacation #beach #holiday #luxury #nature #summer #relax #calabria #tropea #hotels #tourism #photography #instagood #luxuryhotel #travelphotography #paradise #instatravel #resorts #trip #photooftheday #hospitality #luxurylifestyle
tonicelloresort
41 likes • 1.9K views

🚤 Book Boat Trip

The owner's boat trip is a must-do! Book in advance as it's very popular. TikTokReddit :boat:

🍽️ Restaurant Dining

Enjoy great breakfast and dining options, though the bar closes relatively early. Reddit :forkandknife:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Free Shuttle Service

Utilize the free shuttle to the station, but be aware it can be a bit unreliable due to staff workload. Reddit :bus:

🧺 Laundry Service

Take advantage of the efficient laundry service; items are washed, folded, and returned within 24 hours. Reddit :washing_machine:

🚤 Book Boat Trip

The owner's boat trip is a must-do! Book in advance as it's very popular. TikTokReddit :boat:

🍽️ Restaurant Dining

Enjoy great breakfast and dining options, though the bar closes relatively early. Reddit :forkandknife:

🗣️ Language Tips

While some staff speak English, knowing basic Italian phrases can greatly improve communication. Reddit :speech_balloon:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(493 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tonicello Beach offers a great location with spacious apartments and direct beach access, often at a good value. Guests praise the spa services and the owner's boat trip. However, some visitors have encountered significant issues with service, communication, and management attitude, which can detract from the overall experience.

"This resort has a really great location and nice apartments. It's a good value for the price.
The apartments have a bit of an 80s-built-but-renovated touch that could be improved with some decorations but they are anyhow spacious and comfortable. The fridge in the room is way too small... But hey, they want you to eat in the restaurant!
The balcony night view could be improved with some nicer outdoor lighting: the present one is far too strong and ruins the atmosphere.
The pool is open late at night, don't miss it!
They have a free shuttle service for the station, though a little unreliable, as the staff is far too busy/overworked.
Great breakfast, and open until late if compared to other hotels.
....On the other hand the bar is not open late at night (22h45 was already too late for the bartender).
The owner of the resort offers a very nice boat trip (extra cost)."

Sandro Bonacini

"I would stay at this hotel again. Clean rooms, pool along with beach access. The staff is lovely. The spa services as well as the spa staff were exquisite! The spa was actually the highlight of the visit. The beach was clean and had a spot to dine for lunch along with a golf cart to bring you back and forth. We took advantage of the laundry service. It was washed, neatly folded and brought back to our room within 24hrs. Overall, I would recommend if you’re looking for a place to stay with easy access to Tropea. Along with amazing sunsets."

Chanelle Parnizari

"I do not recommend this hotel – a disappointing experience with the service

Our experience at this hotel left much to be desired. Upon arriving late at night (around 1:00 AM), we found the reception and hotel closed, despite the information stating that 24-hour check-in was available. After waiting 40 minutes, a lady, who turned out to be the hotel manager, finally showed up. This situation was especially challenging as we were traveling with small children.

Furthermore, despite providing correct information in the booking regarding the number of guests and the type of beds (e.g., two separate beds instead of one double bed), the rooms were not prepared. It took another hour before everything was sorted out – and during this time, the staff showed no sense of urgency.

Communication with the staff was extremely difficult – most of them didn’t speak English, making any arrangements nearly impossible without knowledge of Italian.

Breakfast, which was included in our stay, turned out to be another disappointment. After 9:00 AM, there was hardly any food left – no bread, tomatoes, or cheese – and restocking took up to 10 minutes. Coffee machines frequently broke down, and the staff appeared unconcerned until someone explicitly asked them to fix the issue.

Situations involving the manager/owner were particularly frustrating. For example, we asked her to arrange lunch packages from the kitchen since we couldn’t have breakfast the next day. She agreed and asked us to pick them up at 10:00 PM in the restaurant. However, when we arrived at the restaurant at the agreed time, the staff had no knowledge of this arrangement. Upon asking the manager about it, she casually admitted that she didn’t inform the kitchen and, with a dismissive tone, said the only thing she could offer us was coffee – claiming we asked “too late.” What’s worse, she had earlier assured us that the lunch packages would be ready, which turned out to be untrue.

During check-out, she offered us the option to use the pool and fresh towels free of charge after vacating our rooms. Unfortunately, after picking up the towels, we witnessed a distressing scene – the manager publicly reprimanded the staff member (who was left in tears) who gave us the towels, and then snatched the towels from our hands, insisting we had to pay for them.

The hotel itself, its location, and its standard were decent – the rooms and surroundings were nice, and the proximity to the beach was undoubtedly an advantage. However, there is practically nothing in the vicinity – the nearest shop or restaurant is 1.5 km away.

Despite the good infrastructure, the service and attitude toward guests were so poor that the entire experience became very unpleasant. The lack of competence, empathy, and professionalism from the management makes it impossible for me to recommend this hotel to anyone."

Maja Myśliwiec

What People Like

Great location and value
Exquisite spa services
Private beach access

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Communication issues
Management attitude

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tonicello Beach is accessible by car or via the free shuttle service provided by the resort to the nearest train station. The nearest major airport is Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF), from which you can take a train or rent a car. Reddit

Yes, parking is generally available for guests at the resort. It's advisable to confirm parking arrangements with the resort directly when booking. Instagram

From Tropea, you can take a taxi or a local bus service. The resort also offers a shuttle service to the train station, which can be a convenient option. Reddit

The resort offers a shuttle service to the train station, which connects to nearby towns. Check local bus schedules for routes that might pass close to the resort. Reddit

The resort provides a shuttle service to the nearest train station, indicating it's a manageable distance. Confirm the exact location and shuttle times with the resort. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tonicello Beach is part of the Tonicello Resort & Spa, offering private beach access to guests. Day passes or entry fees for non-guests are not typically advertised, suggesting it's primarily for resort patrons. Instagram

As a private beach associated with a resort, access is generally available during daylight hours for guests. The resort's amenities, like the pool, are open late. Reddit

Yes, Tonicello Resort & Spa offers modern and refined accommodation with panoramic views. Booking directly through their website or a reputable travel agency is recommended. Instagram

While specific package details vary, the resort often offers deals that include accommodation and access to amenities. Keep an eye on their official website for promotions. Instagram

Check-in is usually available throughout the day, but some guests have reported issues with late-night check-ins. It's best to confirm 24-hour check-in availability and inform the resort of late arrivals. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Activities include relaxing on the beach, swimming, enjoying the resort's pool (open late), and taking the owner's popular boat trip along the coast. TikTokReddit

The beach has soft sand and is enjoyable for children. The resort also features a petting zoo, making it a family-friendly destination. Reddit

The resort offers great breakfast and has a restaurant for lunch and dinner. The bar is open until around 10:45 PM. Reddit

Yes, the spa services and staff are highly praised, offering an exquisite and relaxing experience. Reddit

Wi-Fi is typically available at the resort. It's advisable to check with the reception upon arrival for network details and any potential charges. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots from your balcony with panoramic views, the soft-sand beach, and during the breathtaking sunsets. The boat trip also offers incredible coastal photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. Evenings are particularly magical with amazing sunsets. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local laws and resort policies before flying a drone for aerial photography. Instagram

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive coastal views. Instagram

While you can photograph the general ambiance, it's respectful to avoid photographing other guests in the spa without their explicit consent. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tonicello Beach is a good option for families, offering a private beach with soft sand that's enjoyable for children. The resort also features a petting zoo, adding an extra element of fun for younger visitors. Reddit The availability of on-site dining at the beach and the late-night pool access provide convenience and entertainment options for the whole family. Reddit

While the resort has many family-friendly aspects, it's worth noting that some guests have experienced communication challenges if they don't speak Italian. Planning ahead and perhaps learning a few basic Italian phrases could enhance the experience. The shuttle service, while helpful, can sometimes be unreliable, so factor in potential waiting times. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Tonicello Beach is often described as offering good value for the price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a resort experience with beach access. The apartments are noted as being spacious and comfortable, providing a good base for exploring the region. Reddit

While the resort itself offers dining, exploring nearby towns for more budget-friendly meal options might be considered, though the nearest shops and restaurants are about 1.5 km away. Taking advantage of the included breakfast and the resort's amenities like the pool can help manage costs. Reddit

couples

For couples seeking a relaxing getaway, Tonicello Beach offers a blend of beautiful scenery and resort comforts. The private beach access and the exquisite spa services provide ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation together. Reddit Enjoying the amazing sunsets from your balcony or the beach can create romantic moments. Reddit

Consider booking the owner's boat trip for a memorable shared experience exploring the stunning coastline. While some reviews mention service inconsistencies, focusing on the positive aspects like the spa and the natural beauty can lead to a very enjoyable stay for couples. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Coastline by Boat

One of the most highly recommended activities at Tonicello Beach is the boat trip offered by the resort owner. This excursion provides a unique perspective of the stunning Calabrian coastline, allowing you to discover hidden gems inaccessible by land. You'll have the chance to see the Grotta dello Scheletro (Skeleton Grotto), view Tropea from the sea, and visit picturesque spots like Praia Focu, Baia di Riaci, Formicoli, and the famous Grotticelle beaches. TikTok

Travelers rave about the beauty and the opportunity to explore sea caves and grottos. It's an experience that truly showcases the natural splendor of the region. Given its popularity, booking this trip in advance is crucial, especially during the busy summer months, to avoid disappointment. TikTokReddit

Resort Amenities and Services

Tonicello Resort & Spa offers a range of amenities designed for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy private beach access with a clean, soft-sand shoreline. A convenient shuttle service operates to transport guests to and from the beach, and there are dining options available right on the beachfront for lunch. Reddit

The resort also boasts a pool that is open late, providing a lovely option for evening relaxation. For those seeking pampering, the spa services are described as exquisite, with staff receiving high praise. Additionally, a laundry service is available, offering quick turnaround for washed and folded clothes within 24 hours. Reddit

While the resort aims for convenience, some guests have noted that the bar closes relatively early (around 10:45 PM), and the shuttle service can be a bit unreliable due to staff being overworked. Communication can also be a challenge if you don't speak Italian, as not all staff members are fluent in English. Reddit

Understanding the Guest Experience

Guest experiences at Tonicello Beach can be varied, with some highlighting the great location, value, and amenities, while others point to significant service issues. Positive reviews often mention the nice apartments, clean rooms, pool access, and the lovely staff. The spa services are frequently cited as a highlight. Reddit

However, some guests have reported disappointing experiences, particularly concerning service and communication. Issues have included late-night check-in problems, rooms not being prepared correctly, and difficulties communicating with staff who don't speak English. Breakfast service has also been criticized for slow restocking and malfunctioning coffee machines. Reddit

The management's attitude has been a point of contention in some reviews, with instances of public reprimands of staff and perceived dismissiveness towards guest concerns. Despite the good infrastructure and location, these service-related issues have significantly impacted some visitors' overall satisfaction. Reddit