Top 10 Caves around Briatico
Best caves around Briatico are found in a region characterized by its coastal landscapes and historical sites. Briatico is a seaside resort known for its beaches and historic watchtowers. The area features a mix of natural sea caves and ancient rock-cut settlements. These locations offer insights into the region's geological formations and cultural heritage.
Best caves around Briatico
- The most popular caves is Chiesetta di Piedigrotta of Pizzo, a religious building and cave entirely carved into the tuff rock. It features sculptural groups and frescoes, with a history tied to local legends and artists.
- Another must-see spot is Zungri Cave Settlement, a unique rock formation and historical site. This ancient settlement comprises around 100 caves, which served as habitations or granaries, offering a glimpse into past cultures.
- Visitors also love Palombaro Grotto, a cave located under a monastery. This grotto offers views and is accessible from the sea side.
- Briatico is known for its natural sea caves, historical cave settlements, and rock-cut religious sites. Visitors can explore a variety of caves, from those carved by nature to those shaped by human history.
- The caves around Briatico are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 75 upvotes and 89 photos shared by users.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Zungri Cave Settlement
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The ancient, carved in the rock settlement is located about 20 km from Tropea and looks out on a deep valley and further on the "Gods" out, one of the most beautiful landscapes of Calabria.
The village probably dates from the 6th or 7th century, when the monks of the Basilian Order fled the persecution from the east and settled here on Monte Poro. The settlement comprises a total of one hundred caves, which served either as a habitation or as a granary. The oldest develops on four levels; a wall shows a fish-like incised drawing.
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Chiesetta di Piedigrotta of Pizzo
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Around 1880, a local artist, Angelo Barone, who had a small stationery shop in the center of the village, decided to dedicate his life to this place; Every day he reached the place on foot and with a pickaxe he enlarged the cave, created two more side ones and filled the rooms with statues representing the life of Jesus and the saints. Angelo died on May 19, 1917, his son Alfonso took over and devoted 40 years of his life to the Church. By his hand it took on its final appearance. He created other groups of statues, capitals with angels, bas-reliefs with sacred scenes, frescoes on the vault of the central nave and on that of the main altar. At his death, there were no sequels.
Unfortunately, the church was vandalized in the early 1960s. A boy (or maybe two) got in and was decapitated with a stick, breaking the limbs of several statues! Fortunately, at the end of the same decade, a nephew of Angelo and Alfonso Barone named Giorgio, from Canada where he had moved to, decided to return to Pizzo and become a renowned sculptor. He was only supposed to stay in his birthplace for two weeks, but after visiting the church and reducing it to a pile of rubble, he decided to try to restore it. He stayed in Pizzo for several months, working non-stop to revive the masterpiece created by his uncles. The restoration was completed in '68 and received official recognition in '69 with a public thanksgiving in the Pizzo Town Hall by Councilor Mannacio and Mayor Amodio.
Text / Source: Società Cooperativa Kairos
chiesadipiedigrotta.it
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Descent to the Zungri Caves
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Start of the beautiful circular hike around Zungri - here the descent, then left along the path and after a short time sharp left again, then very easy (Rother hiking guide Tour 39). (Hopefully the dog at the start is on the chain)
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Palombaro Grotto
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Riaci Bay
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Tips from the Community
Located a little outside of Pizzo. A well-maintained staircase leads down to the grotto.
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Great sea cave. Wonderful place for sunbathing along the rocks with crystal clear water.
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A unique little church built directly on the beach. Legend has it that it was built by Neapolitan coral traders who survived a shipwreck. Inside, various sculptures, statues, and decorations carved directly into the rock face are featured. There's an entrance fee (and there's also a nearby parking lot if you arrive by car).
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Located under the very famous Marina of the island of Tropea, a spectacular and immense cave with a very white beach can be reached from the sea
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Famous for its crystal-clear waters, golden white sand, and a striking rock rising from the water, creating a unique landscape. The bay is ideal for snorkeling thanks to its seabed rich in marine life and numerous caves.
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The Bay of Riaci is located in the heart of the Costa degli Dei. To the north you can glimpse Tropea, while the southern part becomes less crowded after passing the rocks. In the center the mythical rock, with the caves. Attention, the best time to enjoy it is absolutely before and after August.
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It's no longer possible as described in the Rother hiking guide, 2nd edition! I then went back and took a small detour through the village to get back on the tour. The further you get from the village, the paths get worse and are only used to get to the olive trees. Everything would become impenetrable if the farmers didn't "clear" them again. I was lucky because it looked as if this had only been done recently. The ground was very dusty and you sink a few centimeters into dust. Once you've overcome this difficult section, it gets better. The path is now tarred and I didn't encounter any further obstacles after that. I didn't meet any other hikers on the entire tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular caves and cave-related sites to visit around Briatico?
Among the most appreciated sites are the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta of Pizzo, a unique religious building carved into tuff rock, and the Zungri Cave Settlement, an ancient rock-cut village with around 100 caves. Visitors also enjoy the Palombaro Grotto, located under a monastery and accessible from the sea.
Are there natural sea caves to explore near Briatico?
Yes, the region around Briatico, particularly along the 'Costa degli Dei' near Tropea and Capo Vaticano, features several notable natural sea caves. These include the striking Grotta dello Scheletro (also known as Grotta Azzurra) and the beautiful Caves of Riaci, both known for their clear waters and unique light effects. These are typically visited via boat excursions.
What historical insights can I gain from visiting the caves in this region?
The area offers a rich blend of natural and historical sites. The Zungri Cave Settlement provides a glimpse into past cultures with its ancient habitations and granaries carved into rock. Additionally, the Scoglio della Galea near Briatico is an ancient Roman vivarium (fish farm) carved into the rock, offering a unique archaeological perspective.
Are there family-friendly cave experiences around Briatico?
The Zungri Cave Settlement is categorized as family-friendly, offering an engaging historical exploration. Sea cave boat tours, which visit sites like the Grotta dello Scheletro and Caves of Riaci, can also be a fun and memorable experience for families, often including opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
What are the accessibility options for exploring the sea caves?
The prominent natural sea caves like Grotta dello Scheletro and the Caves of Riaci are primarily accessible by sea via boat tours. These tours often depart from nearby towns such as Tropea. While some caves might be reachable on foot from certain bays during calm seas, boat excursions are the most common and recommended way to explore them.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the caves around Briatico?
You can expect to see diverse natural formations, from the unique light refraction creating 'cadaverous' whiteness in the Grotta dello Scheletro to the varied colored tuff rocks and crystal-clear waters of the Caves of Riaci. The region's coastal landscape also features rich marine flora and fauna, making it ideal for snorkeling.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the caves and cave settlements in the Briatico area?
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Zungri Cave Settlement is often described as a 'magical place' to immerse oneself in another culture. The sea caves are loved for their spectacular visual effects, clear waters, and opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
Are there any challenging cave explorations or trails near Briatico?
Some areas, like the Descent to the Zungri Caves, are noted as challenging. While the Palombaro Grotto is accessible from the sea, its category also indicates a challenging aspect. Always check current conditions and accessibility before attempting more difficult routes.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to the caves around Briatico?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including road cycling and mountain biking. For example, there are challenging road cycling routes that pass by the Zungri Cave Settlement, and MTB trails that also incorporate the settlement and offer views of the Costa degli Dei.
Can I find any unique religious or cultural sites among the caves?
Yes, the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta of Pizzo is a remarkable religious building entirely carved into the tuff rock. It features sculptural groups and frescoes, with a history rooted in local legends and the dedication of local artists who shaped its unique interior.
What is the best way to experience the Scoglio della Galea?
The Scoglio della Galea, an ancient Roman vivarium carved into rock near Briatico, is best experienced via boat tours. These tours often pass by or stop near the site, allowing visitors to snorkel and explore the historical canals while appreciating the blend of natural beauty and ancient Roman ingenuity.
Are there any specific tips for visiting the Zungri Cave Settlement?
The Zungri Cave Settlement is a unique rock formation with about a hundred caves. It's advisable to check the current status of paths, as some sections, like the Descent to the Zungri Caves, have been noted to be blocked or overgrown at times. The site offers a deep dive into historical dwellings reminiscent of places like Matera.
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