Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Discover San Nicola Arcella | Southern Italy’s Hidden Coastline Paradise
23
items San Nicola Arcella is a breathtaking cliffside town in Calabria, Italy, with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, charming piazzas, and secret beaches like the famous Arco Magno. Since I am a local, these are my personal recommendations for what to ... Whether you're planning your first trip or dreaming of a return, here’s everything you need to explore San Nicola.
Sections
4
🏞️ Explore San Nicola
🍝 Where to Eat in San Nicola
🏨 Where to Stay in San Nicola
🧳 Tech & Travel Gadgets
🏞️ Explore San Nicola
Wander the winding streets of our old town, discover panoramic viewpoints, and don’t miss the Arco Magno beach - one of the most magical spots in all of Calabria. These are my top picks for things to do in and around San Nicola Arcella.
From the San Nicola beach, follow the staircase and rocky path to the secluded Arco Magno. The challenging walk is well worth it!
Arco Magno (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Watch tower from the 16th century that became the home of Francis Marion Crawford, an American writer. A gorgeous example of the outposts along the Calabrian coastline.
Torre Crawford (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Perfect way to view the Calabria and Basilicata coastlines!
Galatea Minicrociere (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
San Nicola is known for the beaches! Visitors come from all around during the summer months to enjoy the blue waters and stunning scenery.
Spiaggia di San Nicola Arcella (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
My article will provide you with all the details needed to have an enjoyable time in our lovely village, San Nicola Arcella!
Is San Nicola Arcella in Calabria Italy Worth Visiting? (By A Local) - Practical Travel Concepts
🍝 Where to Eat in San Nicola
From family-run trattorias to cafes with sunset views, San Nicola Arcella offers unforgettable dining with authentic Calabrian flavors. Here are my favorite places to have a meal or sip an espresso.
The best place to start your day with a cornetto filled with chocolate and an espresso (cafe) or cappuccino!
Caffè Le Mele di Christian Mele
A change from the typical “paese” food. A sleek and modern restaurant with creative dishes focusing on meats. But they do accommodate vegetarians!
I Carnali
This is our “go to” restaurant when we arrive in San Nicola! Good homemade (by Mama) food with reasonable prices. You cannot go wrong here.
Hotel Ristorante Pizzeria San Giorgio
You will have a spectacular view of the Calabrian coastline when dining at the Terrace!
Ristorante Pizzeria La Terrazza del Principe
This is where we go for an aperitivo to get our night started in San Nicola. Great drink menu, fun atmosphere, tasty bar food, and helpful staff!
CRAWFORD PUB BIRRERIA, San Nicola Arcella - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
Elegant, fine dining in a historic palace, with incredible views of the sea. A must visit when in Northern Calabria!
Restaurant - Palazzo Principi Lanza
In the heart of San Nicola, they have a lovely terrace for outdoor dining during the warmer months. Good, traditional, Calabrese food!
IL CASALE, San Nicola Arcella - Corso Biagio Lo Monaco 11 - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
In the historic center of San Nicola, a casual restaurant with very good pizza and breathtaking views of the sunset on the sea!
FÀ TU, San Nicola Arcella - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
🏨 Where to Stay in San Nicola
Whether you prefer a cozy B&B, a hotel with sea views, or a vacation rental tucked in the historic center, San Nicola has welcoming options for every kind of traveler. These are my recommended places to stay.
If you want to be treated like royalty, stay at the Palace - it is gorgeous! It was good enough for Russell Crowe and his family!
PALAZZO PRINCIPI LANZA, San Nicola Arcella (updated prices 2025)
This hotel is in the center of San Nicola with incredible views of the sea and coastline.
Hotel Villa Principe San Nicola Arcella
Great location with an excellent breakfast and a perfect of the sea!
Villa Crawford, San Nicola Arcella (updated prices 2025)
Great location - can easily walk into town. Has a pool, parking and breakfast.
Ohana Holiday, San Nicola Arcella (updated prices 2025)
Lovely B&B with a walk path and stairs down to the beach. Gorgeous location!
B&B Villa La Petra, San Nicola Arcella (updated prices 2025)
🧳 Tech & Travel Gadgets
Traveling to small Italian towns means being prepared - especially for walking, language differences, and staying connected. These travel tools and gadgets will help you enjoy San Nicola comfortably and stress-free.
This portable mobile Wi-Fi is our essential companion. Ready to use with a 500MB SIM pre-installed, it works in 112 countries, fits easily in your pocket or purse, and requires no contract. With a battery life of at least 8 hours and the ability to c...
Limited Time Promo: 70% Off Ryoko! | Ryoko Pro
My favorite walking shoes when traveling. Great for cobblestone streets!
Newbury St - Casually - Skechers
Digital SIM card for your phone! Just download and be ready to go when you land at the airport.
Buy eSIMs for international travel - Airalo
I keep the app on my phone. Comes in handy when I need it!
Google Translate
Must have when traveling in Europe to plug in all of your gadgets!
6 Pack European Plug Adapter, US to Europe Plug Adapter, European Adapter Type C Plug Adapter, Travel Adapter Europe, European Outlet Wall Plug Adapter Power Converter