Calabrian Beach Destination: Scoglio della Regina

It’s surreal to think we are more than halfway through the year. And what an unusual year it has been. What started out as a year full of promise, quickly turned into something you’d only expect to see in films.

As COVID began to spread more rapidly, Italy completely shut down. So any travel plans I had for this year needed to be postponed until further notice. Days turned to weeks turned to months. There was no telling when we’d be able to travel again. With summer on its way, I had pretty much given up any hope of spending time on a beautiful Calabrian beach this year.

Travelling to Somewhere New

But things finally opened up and we could move around again. I wrapped up any outstanding work commitments and decided it was time to take a quick day trip somewhere nearby. Using the safety measures needed to travel, I was about to get a taste of what it’s like to travel post-lockdown during a pandemic.

And what better place to visit during the hot summer month of August, than a Calabrian beach. It was time to finally breathe the salty sea air and bask in the sun and get me some much needed “Vitamin Sea.”

There are so many gorgeous beaches to choose from, where do I start? I wanted to go somewhere new, but I didn’t want to spend a large part of the day on a bus or a train.

I decided to head towards the Riviera dei Cedri and spend the day chilling on the beach admiring the intriguing Scoglio della Regina. The Riviera dei Cedri is also home to Diamante, Cirella, San Nicola Arcella, and many other seaside towns and hamlets.

How To Get There

The Scoglio della Regina is part of a small seaside town called Acquappesa. But the best place to see it is from the beaches of its neighbour to the south, Guardia Piemontese Marina.

I don’t have a car, so I usually rely on other forms of transport to get around. Unfortunately, Calabria doesn’t always have the best choice when it comes to transit schedules and availability. Thankfully, to get to Guardia Piemontese Marina, you can either choose to go by train or bus.

Looking at the schedules for both, I decided it was best to go by bus. The train departures were either too early or too late for my liking. Not to mention the bus station is closer to me than the train station.

So, I made my way to the Cosenza bus station and waited for my bus (Autoservizi Preite Bus Number 7). The cost for a one-way ticket, which you purchase from the driver, is 3,40€ (only 40 cents more than a train ticket).

It was my first time using any form of public transit since the reopening after lockdown. You must wear a mask when on the bus. I thought it would be difficult, but honestly, it wasn’t that bad. The bus wasn’t full so it was easy to find a spot that would allow me to maintain a safe distance from the other passengers.

The chaotic city slowly transforms into small quaint towns surrounded by lush countryside. And before you know it, there it is, those first glimpses of the sea in the distance. After a one-hour bus ride, I arrive in Guardia Piemontese Terme.

A friend of mine picked me up from the bus stop, but to get to the beach, all you need to do is cross the street!

Lido Termare

Off to my final destination, Lido Termare, a semi-secluded lido (private beach) located in a small cove. My friend had already booked an umbrella for the day, so all I needed to do was fill in some documents with my contact information. This is standard procedure in most public places so health services can contact you if someone who frequented the facility tests positive for the coronavirus.

Calabrian Beach - Lido Termare

The lido is very well-organized, and the staff is super friendly. It has all the essentials you need for a simple day at the beach. Snack bar, light lunch menu, shower, change room, games, and various forms of entertainment scheduled throughout the week.

The Scoglio della Regina

The view out into the sea is even more picturesque thanks to an impressive rocky pillar (scoglio) growing out of the sea not far from the coast. Today the sea surrounds it, but back in the day, it was closer to the shore and there was a narrow strip that connected it to the mainland.

Calabrian Beach - Scoglio della Regina

During ancient times, it was knowns as “Petra Majura”, but now people refer to it as Scoglio della Regina. Why the name change? Well, the new name has ties to an old legend.

The Legend of the Scoglio

As the legend goes, a young King and Queen were on a journey in search of a remedy for the Queen’s infertility. As they were sailing along the sea, a storm pushed the boat up towards the coast. The royal couple decided to take refuge in a cave in the scoglio.

They remained there for several days. The Queen explored the area nearby and found a hot spring, which she frequently used to bathe. Many believe that this hot spring leads to the Terme Luigiane in Acquappesa (home to the oldest thermal baths in Calabria). To the Queen’s surprise, she soon discovered that she was pregnant.

As the sun began to make its descent into the sea, it was time to gather my things. I really wanted to stay and watch the complete sunset, but unfortunately, it was time to catch my return bus home. Maybe next time.

I don’t think there are enough words to describe how much I needed to get away, visit somewhere new, and just relax on a Calabrian beach.

Have you ever spend time at the seaside in Calabria? What’s your favourite Calabrian beach? I’d love to know, share them in the comments below.

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Acquappesa Beach Guardia Piemontese Scolgio della Regina

LuLu

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

Rick Rodriguez
September 2, 2020 at 4:39 pm

Your photos are amazing! This is the perfect destination for a trip. I hope to visit these beautiful places someday.
1. LuLu
  September 8, 2020 at 11:07 am
  
  I’m glad you liked them! 🙂 Calabria is a wonderful region of Italy to explore!
Thuy-Linh Phan
August 28, 2020 at 7:20 pm

What an interesting background story! I’d totally want to go to that beach someday
Subhashish Roy
August 28, 2020 at 2:45 pm

Wow such a beautiful trip. It made me happy to see you were able to travel again. Italy is so beautiful and me and my wife see our Italy pictures again and feel refreshed. Also identifying places that we would visit next in Italy when we are able to travel again to one of our favorite country.
1. LuLu
  August 29, 2020 at 7:11 am
  
  Thank you so much, Roy! I hope you and your wife can travel to Italy very soon. You should consider Calabria…it’s a very different experience compared to the more touristy cities. 🙂
Erica (The Prepping Wife)
August 28, 2020 at 10:53 am

There is something calming and refreshing about water, no matter if it is the sea or a lake. It is just good for the soul, I think. My husband and I escaped a couple of weeks ago to go visit the Pacific Ocean and the views were incredible. I have a specific place I always go, and it felt good to go back. I’m so glad you were able to get out and be refreshed by the ocean as well. It is well-deserved for all of us in this crazy time.
1. LuLu
  August 29, 2020 at 7:09 am
  
  Thank you, Erica! I’m glad you were able to escape for a bit, too! 🙂
Melanie williams
August 28, 2020 at 10:21 am

I am loving all your fab piccys here and this looks like a beautiful place to visit and soak up some sun for sure x
Lyosha
August 28, 2020 at 9:21 am

looks dreamy! I am not normally a beach person but I had my fair share (and of Italian beaches too), I miss it badly now
Britt K
August 27, 2020 at 3:04 pm

Life has definitely been interesting as we navigate the rules and regulations of travel in our ‘new normal’. We have been travelling to new parks and locations within the province, camping and visiting dog-friendly beaches. While there are more steps to take than usual in order to keep ourselves and others safe, it’s worth it to finally be able to get out and explore the world again.
1. LuLu
  August 28, 2020 at 8:44 am
  
  So true, Britt! It makes us more appreciative of things, at least it does for me!
Sonia Seivwright
August 27, 2020 at 12:47 am

Look at that! Whenever I see pictures of the ocean, my heart skips a beat. Am I the only one? This beach is clean and bright.
1. LuLu
  August 28, 2020 at 8:43 am
  
  You are definitely not the only one. I can go to the same beach countless times and it still takes me breath away! 🙂
Stella
August 26, 2020 at 9:57 pm

Being that I live on the other side of the Adriatic Sea (or close to it), I have no doubt that anything on it is beautiful. Love your picture and the story of the queen. It is really important to get away, even of a day trip. A great way to (even partially) reset.
Joyce Osiango
August 26, 2020 at 4:33 pm

I love traveling to new places, the sunset looks wonderful there. Better in Greece when at the beach and you leave, the beach workers have to disinfect the area, this is by law. I hope you had fun.
1. LuLu
  August 28, 2020 at 8:42 am
  
  Thanks, Joyce! I had a great time. I just wish I could have stayed for the full sunset, but I had a bus to catch.
Ben
August 26, 2020 at 2:15 pm

That is a beautiful area. I love the beach and that huge rock formation out in the water. That’s the kind of place that makes me feel like a kid again while explore the terrain.
Stephanie S.
August 26, 2020 at 10:15 am

I’m so happy that you were able to enjoy this time, and get some much needed you time. What a beautiful beach. I’ve never been there, but it looks absolutely lovely. I really enjoyed the legend you shared of the Queen, and King. Very interesting. This year has been challenging, and so much had changed for so many. I loved seeing how you were able to enjoy this day trip, and just really enjoy your time exploring. I really enjoyed the pictures as well. Thanks so much for sharing.
1. LuLu
  August 28, 2020 at 8:41 am
  
  Thank you so much Stephanie! It’s certainly been a difficult year, which makes moments like these even more precious! 🙂
Nicole Anderson - Camping for Women
August 25, 2020 at 11:52 pm

The Calabrian Beach and surrounding area just looks like a lovely spot to escape to, while this pandemic is not yet over. It is so important for our mental health to be able to get out, and even better if it is among the beauty of nature like this. How interesting was The Legend of the Scoglio? I just love learning things like this when I travel. It just adds to the enjoyment of such a beautiful place.
1. LuLu
  August 28, 2020 at 8:39 am
  
  I completely agree with you, Nicole! I have missed travelling so much this year and even though it was only a short day trip to the beach, it was exactly what I needed.
Image Earth Travel
August 23, 2020 at 8:42 am

Looks like a great place to visit and good it’s accessible by bus relatively easy.
Hope to go there if I ever get back to Cosenza…it’s not looking likely for another few months yet. 🙁
1. LuLu
  August 28, 2020 at 8:36 am
  
  It’s super easy to get to the Guardia Piemontese marina for a day at the beach. I would really like to visit the old town which is up in the mountains, as I’ve heard interesting things about its history, but I have a feeling that’s harder (or impossible) to get to if you don’t have a car!
KareninCalabria
August 22, 2020 at 6:29 pm

I can attest to the beauty of the spot! I spent time at the Terme Luigiane, which I wrote about in my book – highly recommended. Interesting that you have to give your contact information for tracing – a very good system. Buon relax!
1. LuLu
  August 23, 2020 at 7:53 am
  
  Thanks, Karen. I haven’t been to the Terme but they seem really interesting! I also want to visit Guardia Piemontese paese as I’ve heard some interesting stuff about it.