Spiaggia La Rocchetta

During its heyday, Briatico was a popular destination for vacationers and a shining example of the coast of the gods. However, as time has passed, it has lost its luster and is now a somewhat neglected town that primarily attracts local tourists and returning emigrants during the holiday season. The beach may not be as bustling as it once was, earning it a two-star rating.

The ivory sands of this beach are unspoiled and serene, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The water is so clear, you can see straight to the bottom, and the presence of cliffs adds an extra element of natural beauty. It's important to note that it's best to wear shoes when entering the water, but don't let that deter you from enjoying a day of relaxation. However, it's worth noting that this area is unfortunately not accessible for those with disabilities. We highly recommend spending a day here to unwind and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

On the beach, there are only two of the original five towers of the anti-Turkish defense system remaining. The Rocchetta tower, which was originally built by the Greeks, rebuilt by the Romans, and remodeled in the Middle Ages, is a high pentagonal coastal lookout tower. The Torre Sant'Irene tower was erected by the Spanish Royal Deputy government as a lookout against Barbary incursions. Prehistoric remains, including terracotta, flint, and obsidian tools, a vase with human remains inside, and a rich kit including a rock crystal pendant, amber grains, and a carnelian with engravings, were found on the beach. These remains suggest that there was a human settlement dating back to the Copper Age. Additionally, there are Roman necropolises from the imperial age and the remains of a building complex, perhaps thermal baths, also from the imperial age. Along the Murria valley, there are medieval hermit caves, some of which are called Fairy caves. The Convent of the Dominican Fathers, founded in 1498, and the small church of Santa Maria del Franco of the Norman age (11th century), both destroyed by the earthquake of 1783, have few vestiges remaining. The statue of the co-patron saint of Briatico, the Immaculate Madonna (formerly S. Maria del Ginocchio), a seventeenth-century Spanish statue of marvelous workmanship, is from the church of Santa Maria del Franco. The beautiful canvas of San Nicola, painted in the 1600s by Tommaso di Florio, a painter from Vibo, and a 15th-century crucifix are now kept in the Mother Church dedicated to the patron Saint Nicholas.

This is a small beach that is popular among the locals for fishing. Beyond the wall, there is a lovely little rocky bay that is not very crowded and can be accessed by a wooden staircase.

Top, excellent beach!