Dolce Vita Bloggers: San Nicola Arcella ~ Italian Hidden Gem

Look at any map and it’s clear that Italy is not very big compared to many other countries and yet it is overflowing with precious hidden gems. Gems that are for the most part undiscovered or admired and appreciated by the lucky few that know treasured secrets.

Calabria is a region that is still very much underrated and often forgotten when it comes to travelling to Italy. Calabria is mesmerizing, enchanting and a little wild. Its raw character and beauty make it easy to fall head over heels for it.

I’m constantly discovering new places here, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen in love with the places, views, people and the magical energy they possess.

San Nicola Arcella, was a name I’d heard of, a place I’d seen in pictures that had always captured my interest and yet hadn’t had the pleasure of experiencing.

That is until last year, a later afternoon encounter, a magical sunset and an unforgettable night and I was smitten. It was the first and won’t certainly be the last time that I visit San Nicola Arcella. It left a lasting impression on me and there is still so much more that I have yet to experience there.

San Nicola Arcella is a seaside town located on the Riviera dei Cedri in the Province of Cosenza. It sits on a steep cliff overlooking the crystal clear turquoise blue sea and the Gulf of Policastro. Below the town is a rocky coastline sprinkled with small beaches tucked between the rocks.

The historic centre of San Nicola Arcella is quaint and charming. It’s a maze of small streets with colourful houses and balconies decorated with vibrant flowers. In one of the town’s main squares, Piazza Altieri, you’ll find Qcècè Social Cafè – the perfect spot to stop in for a coffee, light meal, sweets, cocktails or drinks and aperitivo.

san nicola arcella

A visit to the town would be incomplete without taking in the spectacular view of the gulf. There is a large panoramic viewpoint located at the end of Via Corso Umberto 1. You can stand here for hours taking in the views and looking at the continuous coastline, islands and mountains in the distance.

The true hidden gem within San Nicola Arcella, is the Arco Magno. This natural arch leads you to a small hidden beach – a true hidden paradise.

arco magno san nicola arcella hidden gem

Part of what makes this natural wonder a hidden treasure, is probably because it isn’t the easiest to get to – but if you put in the work, it is absolutely worth it!

There are two ways you can get to this secluded oasis. You can choose to rent a kayak or paddle boat from a nearby beach. This is a great way to explore the waters and grottos around the arch. It’s also not very expensive, around 15 euros a person.

If you are feeling adventurous you can also get to Arco Magno on foot. It’s important to mention that if you are afraid of heights or suffer from vertigo, this may not be the best way to access the beach of Arco Magno.

If you do plan to go this route, I highly suggest you travel light and throw your flip flops in your beach bag and opt for a pair of sturdy running shoes.

You will need to park your car, some of the lidos, like Bagno Marinella, along the San Nicola Arcella beach offer parking for a small fee. But, you’ll need to get there early to get a spot. From there you head to the rocky outcrop where you will find winding stairs that will lead you up the cliff towards the natural arch. There are a lot of steps, and depending on when you go, there may be a bit of overgrowth. Don’t forget to stop every so often to admire the view from up high.

hidden gem san nicola arcella

Following the path, you will find yourself literally walking over the arch and then back down towards the secluded beach. The hike to the beach can take anywhere from 20 – 40 minutes depending on how quickly you go, how many people are also trying to access the beach and how many times you stop to catch your breath only to lose it again looking at the view!

On my visit, I didn’t actually get all the way to the beach. But, I am so eager to get back and see the secluded beach up close and personal.

The best time to visit the Arco Magno would be during the early and late summer months (June or September/October) when there are less locals and tourists and you are more likely to have this oasis to yourself.

What do you think of this Calabrian hidden gem? Have you ever been? Would you like to visit? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

And once again, Grazie mille to our wonderful Dolce Vita Blogger hosts – Kelly of Italian At Heart, Jasmine of Questa Dolce Vita and Kristie of Mamma Prada for organizing this great link up!

If you haven’t already read my past contributions to the Dolce Vita Blogger Link Up, you can find them here!

Click on the image below to check out the other Dolce Vita Bloggers who are sharing their Italian Hidden Gems.

Want to read past Dolce Vita Blogger Link-Ups? Check out the links below!

#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #6 May 2018 – Five Italian Words
#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #5 April 2018 – The Perfect Day in Italy
#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #4 March 2018 – International Women’s Day
#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #3 February 2018 – A Love Letter to Italy
#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #2 January 2018 – Favourite Italian City
#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #1 December 2017 – ‘The Italian Connection

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LuLu

Originally from Toronto but currently living in Calabria, blogging about my life and love for all things Italian!

Chris Sobolev
May 8, 2020 at 1:25 am

This is so lovely! We have a house in Santa Domenica Talao and are working with our village leaders to bring more people in to experience our area and Calabria in general. San Nicola is a stunning little jewel. Praia A Mare is also gorgeous and of course, Santa Domenica Talao is amazing. I hope to see you in the piazza someday!
1. LuLu
  May 10, 2020 at 9:21 am
  
  I’ve never been to Santa Domenica Talao but I’ve been in the area (Praia A Mare, Scalea, Cirella, etc) and all the villages I’ve visited in those areas are just lovely!! If I’m in the area, I’ll let you know! 🙂
Barbara
October 3, 2019 at 9:19 pm

I’m so happy to have found your blog and these wonderful posts about L’Arco Magno. I am a Canadian too (spent 20 years in Toronto. Ugh) ! And will be going to Calabria in March/April 2020. Sadly only 3 nights on the way from Amalfi Coast to Sicily. I know I will want more! I’m staying in Praia a Mare, Amantea, and Tropea. Any tips for what to see/do would be most welcome.
1. LuLu
  October 5, 2019 at 4:40 pm
  
  Thanks, Barbara, I’m so pleased you enjoyed my blog. It’s a shame you are only in Calabria for 3 days. You’ll definitely want to come back after getting a taste of this beautiful region! I’ll send you an email in the next week with some ideas of what to see and do in the places you mentioned. 🙂
Jasmine
June 25, 2018 at 8:25 am

Oh my goodness, that hidden beach is GORGEOUS!!!! I apologize for my late commenting, I just got back to Italy after a whirlwind Canada trip. Thank you for sharing this magnificent hidden gem, for me, ALL OF CALABRIA is a hidden gem. I haven’t been but it’s up there on the top of my list for sure! Jasmine of http://www.questadolcevita.com
1. LuLu
  June 25, 2018 at 12:16 pm
  
  Thanks for the comment! Welcome back and we hope to see you in Calabria soon! 🙂
Holly Habeck
June 21, 2018 at 2:00 pm

What gorgeous photos! I absolutely love Italy, and I so need to come back and explore soon. I just did the touristy things when I was there several years ago, so I want to find more of these hidden gems!
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 8:25 pm
  
  Thanks!! You’ll find most hidden gems in the south because it’s still mostly locals or Italians that travel there. 🙂
Diana Tidswell
June 21, 2018 at 5:58 am

Wow! This is such a lovely and stunning place to visit. I loved the food, the blue sea and almost everything.
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 12:39 pm
  
  Thank you! It’s hard not to fall in love with a natural beauty like the Arco! 🙂
Luna S
June 20, 2018 at 8:39 pm

Beautiful post, this looks like an amazing place to visit you were so lucky being able to go.
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 12:33 pm
  
  Thank you, I’m very fortunate to have my family roots here and living here has allowed me to discover so many beautiful places.
Invisible Lioness
June 20, 2018 at 8:25 pm

Wow, this looks beautiful! I actually have been in Calabria before, but more passing through. Now I regret not having taken the time to get to know it a little better. Thanks for sharing!
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 12:18 pm
  
  Did you stop anywhere in Calabria? It’s a shame because there are some really great places to visit here. Next time you find yourself in Italy, let me know and I’ll give you some suggestions!
Cassie | White Sands and Cool Breezes
June 20, 2018 at 7:53 pm

Looks so beautiful, and the foods look delicious. Putting this on my to-go-to list 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 12:35 pm
  
  I’m so glad I was able to show you someplace new. Most people don’t know anything about Calabria, so it’s nice to be able to share all the incredible places its home to!
Nathalia
June 20, 2018 at 7:34 pm

Wow, that view is just breathtaking! I completely agree with you that Calabria (and really anything south of Rome) is definitely underestimated. I’ve had a chance to visit Sicily, which was amazing, but have yet to make my way to Calabria. One day!
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 12:32 pm
  
  Sicily is a pretty common destination for tourists, Calabria not so much but I have seen it changing (slowly) since I moved here. If you ever make it to Calabria, let me know, and I’ll give you some ideas of places to see and things to do! 🙂
Marielle
June 20, 2018 at 7:31 pm

Amazing photos! I just returned from vacation yesterday and now I feel like going away again to visit that place! Italy is so beautiful <3
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 12:14 pm
  
  Where did you go on vacation? You can’t imagine how hard it is to have to go to work or do day to day things when you have beauties like this so close by!
Chelsea
June 20, 2018 at 6:22 pm

I actually just heard of Calabria the other day and want to go SO bad now. It looks so stunning!!!
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 12:09 pm
  
  That’s amazing, how did you hear about it? It can easily be included in a central or southern Italy trip…many do Sicily and Calabria or Amalfi Coast with a few days in Calabria. It’s definitely a different pace here and not crammed with tourists….yet!
Dominique Brooks
June 20, 2018 at 6:17 pm

I went on a tour of Italy 20 years ago (wow — that was a long time ago!) but we only hit highlights! This looks like it would have been fun so I have to add it to the list of places to see with my husband! Thanks for th heads up because we would have never known!
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 12:03 pm
  
  20 years is a long time ago, you need to get back here! It makes sense that a trip to Italy, especially the first time, would involve all the main hotspots but if you plan to go back and want a more laid back experience that, in my opinion, is a lot less touristy, than Calabria is the way to go. With places like San Nicola Arcella, Tropea and Pizzo, you can easily spend a week visiting some pretty amazing places and the water is so clean and beautiful – it still surprises me how under the radar it still is!
Eric Gamble
June 20, 2018 at 6:09 pm

The words Hidden Gem and Italy arent usually used together because so much of Italy is “discovered” but you got me today! I have never heard of San Nicola Arcella but what a beautiful area. I love the pics of the food but that seems on par with Italy.
But the Arco Magno!!! That looks off the hook! That is the hidden gem that is right up my alley! I would love walking around and kayaking through all of that coast line though I wonder how cold that water is…I hate the cold!
Still…it is so beautiful there!
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 12:00 pm
  
  Calabria is, for the most part, undiscovered. It’s mainly the people of the region that know of these hidden gems. As a matter of fact, I’ve noticed more tourists heading to this region because they’ve already done the usual tourist heavy areas and want something different. As for the water, it’s cool but not refreshing, especially on the super hot summer days we get here. It’s not unusual to start swimming in the sea by mid May. This year I know some people that had their first dip in April! 🙂
Renee groskreutz
June 20, 2018 at 3:42 pm

Wow. I have got to get to Italy. These pics just look incredible. Of course, you always get me with the food but that beach view too? OMG
1. LuLu
  June 20, 2018 at 4:21 pm
  
  You can’t go wrong in Italy, especially southern Italy! 🙂
Monique
June 20, 2018 at 3:32 pm

That looks amazing, especially the blue water! I hope you had the most amazing time.
1. LuLu
  June 20, 2018 at 4:20 pm
  
  The water is unreal, even when you are literally there looking at it! I really hope to get down to the secluded beach area!
Lucy and Kelly
June 14, 2018 at 1:47 pm

This place looks absolutely breathtaking!! That water is incredible!! <3
Lucy and Kelly xx
http://www.theblossomtwins.com
1. LuLu
  June 15, 2018 at 9:02 am
  
  I know, it’s amazing! I really hope I can visit the actual beach. When I went it was late afternoon and we were on our way to another place so I wasn’t dressed for the hike/beach. I definitely want to check it out (when it’s not swarming with tourists).
Rochelle Del Borrello
June 11, 2018 at 9:05 am

Shhhh! Lulu don’t got spilling the beans about Southern Italy, we should keep it to ourselves😉
Jokes aside, the South is really amazing, I’ve lived in Sicily for many years but I’ve hardly scratched the surface!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful spot!
1. LuLu
  June 15, 2018 at 9:01 am
  
  I know, right?!?! It’s so hard though, how can you keep such beautiful things secret!!
Kristie Prada
June 10, 2018 at 6:28 pm

Gosh how beautiful is this Lulu!!? What a place! I need to get south more clearly! So pleased you have shared this with us. I love the light in the photos as well. So enchanting xx
1. LuLu
  June 15, 2018 at 9:00 am
  
  Yes, you definitely need to come and explore the south. There are so many beautiful places that are so often overlooked! 🙂
KareninCalabria
June 9, 2018 at 5:50 pm

Yes, one of the most beautiful spots of Calabria! And coincidentally, I wrote a blogpost about the town and the American writer who lived and wrote in the tower there on my latest blogpost!
1. LuLu
  June 9, 2018 at 7:17 pm
  
  That’s awesome! It looks like San Nicola Arcella is not just on my mind these days! 🙂 I saw the Tower from the belvedere in San Nicola Arcella and I had heard about the American author that was living there. How could you not find inspiration in a place like that?!
Image Earth Travel
June 9, 2018 at 2:25 pm

Looks gorgeous. Another hidden gem to explore and add to my Calabria list, whilst living in this amazing region!
1. LuLu
  June 9, 2018 at 7:14 pm
  
  There are so many beautiful hidden gems in this region, and I keep discovering more that the list just keeps getting longer! 🙂
Kelly
June 9, 2018 at 1:39 pm

Wow, Lulu, this place is STUNNING!! Good thing it is hard to get to so that it can stay serene and wild. When I think of my perfect sea…I think of THAT color…it’s so insanely gorgeous, I could stare at it forever. And kayaking into that hidden beach sounds perfect! I definitely have to see Calabria someday!
1. LuLu
  June 9, 2018 at 7:13 pm
  
  Isn’t it?!?! One of the best things about it is the fact that it’s not so easily accessible. I think, depending on when I have the chance to go, I’d like to take a paddle boat. I can just imagine how incredible the sunset must be from that beach!