Spiaggia di Catona Reggio Calabria
A local gem on the Strait of Messina, offering stunning sea views, clear waters, and a relaxed Calabrian beach vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter beach, more space
Spiaggia di Catona Reggio Calabria
Best Time
Quieter beach, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A local gem on the Strait of Messina, offering stunning sea views, clear waters, and a relaxed Calabrian beach vibe.
"Spectacular sea, strategic location for traveling to Sicily, Reggio Calabria, Scilla, Bagnara."
Pack for cleanliness
Some areas can have litter; consider bringing your own bag for trash. :wastebasket:
Embrace the happy hour
Join locals for evening drinks from 6:30 PM. :cocktail:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Strait of Messina View
Lungomare di Catona
Panoramic views across the Strait to Sicily and Mount Etna. A truly breathtaking sight.
Catona's Welcoming Beach
Main beach area
Enjoy clear waters and a relaxing atmosphere, especially in the well-organized paid sections.
Local Happy Hour
Beachfront bars
Experience the local evening ritual with drinks and good company as the sun sets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Strategic Location, Simple Pleasures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for cleanliness
Some areas can have litter; consider bringing your own bag for trash. :wastebasket:
Embrace the happy hour
Join locals for evening drinks from 6:30 PM. :cocktail:
Strategic location
Great base for exploring Sicily and nearby towns. :oncoming_bus:
Enjoy the clear sea
The water quality is a major draw for visitors. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for cleanliness
Some areas can have litter; consider bringing your own bag for trash. :wastebasket:
Embrace the happy hour
Join locals for evening drinks from 6:30 PM. :cocktail:
Strategic location
Great base for exploring Sicily and nearby towns. :oncoming_bus:
Enjoy the clear sea
The water quality is a major draw for visitors. :ocean:
Book paid beach spots
For guaranteed cleanliness and comfort, opt for sunbeds. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Spiaggia di Catona offers a beautiful seaside experience with spectacular views of the Strait of Messina and Sicily. Visitors praise the clear waters and the local happy hour tradition. However, some reviews highlight concerns about cleanliness in public areas, suggesting paid beach sections offer a more pristine experience.
""Total disappointment in Catona"
"We stayed in Catona for two weeks and unfortunately our experience was very negative. The beaches are beautiful, but the problem is cleanliness: there's trash everywhere. The town streets are full of garbage and there's no efficient cleaning service. Furthermore, the town doesn't offer much in terms of services and activities, so you can get bored easily. Unfortunately, we wouldn't recommend this place for a vacation.
On a positive note: spectacular sea, strategic location for traveling to Sicily, Reggio Calabria, Scilla, Bagnara"
Michele Semonella
"Well-organized beach with umbrellas and sunbeds. The spaces between them are comfortable. The bar is well stocked and every evening from 18:30 the Happy Hour is organized."
Elisabetta Amadio
"Quiet and relaxing city beach with clear water... Frequented by locals, free showers available"
Napoli Na
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spiaggia di Catona is located just north of Reggio Calabria. You can reach it by car via the SS18 or by local bus services. It's also a convenient point for ferry travel to Sicily.
Yes, local buses connect Catona to Reggio Calabria, making it accessible without a car. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Absolutely! Catona's strategic location on the Strait of Messina makes it a prime spot for ferry crossings to Sicily. The views of the Sicilian coast are stunning.
With a car, you can easily visit nearby Reggio Calabria, Scilla, and Bagnara. Public transport options are also available for day trips.
Parking can be found in the vicinity of the beach, though it may be limited during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Spiaggia di Catona offers both free beach areas and well-organized lidos with paid sunbeds and umbrellas. Visitors mention free showers are available on the free beach.
The beach itself is accessible at all times. However, services like bars and paid beach facilities will have their own operating hours, typically from morning until evening.
For the free beach areas, no booking is required. If you prefer a sunbed and umbrella at a lido, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during July and August.
There are no entrance fees for the public beach areas. You only pay if you choose to rent sunbeds and umbrellas from a private lido.
Prices for sunbeds and umbrellas vary by lido. It's best to inquire directly with the beach establishments for current rates.
📸 📸 Photography
The lungomare offers stunning views of the Strait of Messina and Sicily.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful light for photography. Midday offers clear views of the water and distant Sicilian coast.
The unique microclimate allows for tropical fruit cultivation, particularly at the Bilardi anoneto, offering a different kind of visual interest.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the Sicilian coast or Mount Etna. A waterproof camera is ideal for beach shots.
Yes, capturing the relaxed atmosphere, local bars, and people enjoying the beach adds character to your photos. Always be respectful when photographing individuals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Catona itself is more residential, the beachfront bars offer drinks and snacks. For a wider selection of restaurants, Reggio Calabria is a short drive away.
Expect typical Calabrian cuisine with fresh seafood. The beachfront bars often serve aperitivo, including happy hour specials.
Yes, there are cafes and bars along the lungomare. TikTok videos mention a 'Green kiosk of the ice cream parlor' on Reggio Calabria's seafront, which might be near Catona.
Options might be limited in smaller establishments. It's best to inquire directly or look for restaurants in Reggio Calabria that offer more diverse menus.
Seafood is a highlight. Also, look for local produce, as the region is known for its unique microclimate supporting tropical fruits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While Catona itself might be quiet, its proximity to Reggio Calabria means you're not far from more extensive services and attractions if needed. The evening happy hour can also be a pleasant, low-key family activity, offering snacks and drinks in a scenic setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
While some visitors note cleanliness issues on the free beach, the spectacular sea and strategic location for exploring Sicily and nearby towns make it a worthwhile destination. Consider staying slightly outside the immediate beachfront for more budget-friendly accommodation options.
couples
Enjoy a leisurely day on the beach, perhaps opting for a lido for added comfort.In the evening, the local happy hour provides a perfect opportunity for a relaxed date. Sip on drinks, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch the lights twinkle across the water towards Sicily. The tranquil atmosphere makes it ideal for couples seeking a peaceful escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Strait of Messina
The dynamic currents and the proximity to active volcanism create a unique maritime environment. Travelers often describe the view as spectacular and a key reason for visiting.This strategic position also makes Catona an excellent departure point for exploring Sicily. The ferry terminals are easily accessible, allowing for convenient day trips or onward travel. The visual connection between Calabria and Sicily is a constant reminder of the region's rich history and cultural exchange.
Beyond the grand vistas, the Strait influences the local microclimate. This unique weather pattern supports the cultivation of exotic fruits, a surprising agricultural aspect of the area that can be explored through local tours and tastings.
Beach Experience: Free vs. Paid
For those seeking more comfort and guaranteed tidiness, several well-organized lidos offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. These paid sections are generally well-maintained, providing a more comfortable and relaxed environment. The spaces between sunbeds are noted as being comfortable.
Regardless of your choice, the sea at Catona is consistently praised for its clarity and beauty. The experience is enhanced by the local tradition of evening happy hours, where beach bars come alive from 6:30 PM onwards, offering a pleasant way to unwind after a day in the sun.
Beyond the Beach: Local Flavors and Culture
The region's unique microclimate, influenced by the Strait of Messina, supports unusual agricultural endeavors. Catona is known for its cultivation of tropical fruits, with places like the Bilardi anoneto offering tours and tastings.
This offers a different perspective on the area, showcasing its agricultural diversity beyond the coastline.For a broader culinary experience, the nearby city of Reggio Calabria provides a wider array of restaurants and local eateries. However, enjoying a simple drink and snack at a beachfront bar in Catona, with the sea breeze and stunning views, is an experience in itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit