If you're looking for the The perfect day trip from the Colour Fest, the itinerary Pizzo Calabro, Tropea e Capo Vaticano That’s the answer. Three of the most iconic locations in Coast of the Gods, the section of The Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria which many consider to be the most beautiful in Italy, all within a few kilometres of Lamezia Terme. The Colour Fest 14 the’11, 12 and 13 August 2026 on Falcone and Borsellino promenade, the Riviera of Sunsets: a day off — perhaps the 14 August, … after the final night of concerts — it’s the perfect opportunity to explore this little corner of paradise before heading home.

In this guide you will find a full itinerary, recommended times, must-see beaches, what to eat and all the practical information you need to get around. The layout is simple and logical: we start with Lace in the morning, you go down to Tropea for lunch and a tour of the village, and closes at Capo Vaticano for an afternoon on the beach and the sunset over the Aeolian Islands. All in one day, all by 60 minutes by car from the heart of the festival.

Pizzo Calabro: the village of frozen truffles

First stop: Pizzo Calabro, at about 30 minutes from Lamezia Terme. It is a village perched above the sea, in the province of Vibo Valentia, with narrow alleyways and picturesque little squares overlooking the Tyrrhenian and a view that, on clear days, stretches as far as Aeolian Islands. The heart of the village is the Republic Square, dominated by Murat Castle: the fortress takes its name from Joachim Murat, the former King of Naples, who was captured and shot right here in 1815. Today it houses a museum featuring memorabilia, documents and historical reconstructions that is well worth a visit.

But people come to Pizzo mainly for one thing: the truffle of Pizzo. It is a spherical ice cream with a centre of melted chocolate and a surface covered with unsweetened cocoa. Invented here and copied all over the world, it has achieved 2006 the award PGI: the first ice cream in Europe to boast this certification. Sitting in one of the historic ice cream parlours on the square, ordering a tartufo and gazing out at the sea is one of those moments you’ll cherish forever. If you have time, do pop down to the The little church of Piedigrotta, carved out of tuff just a stone’s throw from the beach: a small, folk-art masterpiece of sacred sculptures, begun around 1880 by the artist Angelo Barone and continued for decades by his heirs.

Tropea: Calabria’s picture-postcard destination

From Pizzo to Tropea there are others 30 minutes roughly along the coast. Nicknamed the The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea is probably the most photographed village in Calabria, and you’ll understand why as soon as you reach the viewpoint: the Shrine of Santa Maria dell'Isola, a Benedictine monastery perched on a rock jutting out into the sea, opposite the Rotunda Beach. It is the city’s landmark and one of the most recognisable sights in Italy.

The historic centre, built on a tuff terrace at an altitude of over 60 metres Overlooking the sea, it is a maze of narrow streets, stately buildings, grand staircases and four breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the coast. Among the shops, you’ll find the products that have made this region famous: the incredibly sweet Tropea Red Onion PGI — used in salads, jams and even ice cream — and the ‘Spilinga ‘nduja, the spicy spreadable cured meat that is the hallmark of Calabrian cuisine. As for swimming, the beaches are right at the foot of the village: the aforementioned Rotunda Beach and the Cannone Beach, both with that pale sand and turquoise water that seem out of place in the Mediterranean.

Capo Vaticano: idyllic beaches and sunsets over the Aeolian Islands

The final and most spectacular stage: Capo Vaticano, in the municipality of Ricadi, about ten minutes from Tropea. It is the most scenic stretch of the entire Coast of the Gods, consisting of granite headlands overlooking the sea, hidden coves accessible only by boat and viewpoints from which, on clear days, one can see the Strait of Messina, the Sicily and Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands suspended on the horizon. It is here that the sunset becomes the highlight of the day.

The beaches you really shouldn’t miss are, above all, Caves — regularly ranked among the most beautiful in Italy — with its white sandy coves, rocky outcrops and emerald waters. Boat trips also depart from Grotticelle, allowing visitors to explore caves and inlets that would otherwise be inaccessible. Capo Vaticano frequently features in the rankings of the the world's most beautiful beaches: and as soon as you set foot there, you immediately understand why.

The itinerary at a glance: what to see and where

• Pizzo Calabro (morning): Murat Castle, The little church of Piedigrotta and breakfast with the Pizzo truffle (PGI).
• Tropea (lunch + tour): Saint Mary of the Island, historic centre, Red Onion e ‘nduja, bathroom at Rotunda Beach.
• Capo Vaticano (afternoon + sunset): beach at Caves, panoramic viewpoints and sunset over the Aeolian Islands.
• Distances: all stages are within 60 minutes by car from Lamezia Terme and from the headquarters of the Colour Fest 14.
• What to bring: swimwear, water, comfortable shoes for the village’s narrow streets, and something for the cool evening air on the headland.

When and how to get around

To enjoy it at your own pace, start from Lamezia around 9:00. First stop Lace for breakfast and truffles, then Tropea around midday for lunch in one of the restaurants in the town centre and a tour of the village during the hottest part of the day, and finally Capo Vaticano in the afternoon to the beach and wait for the sunset. Return to Lamezia in the evening. It’s a full day, but perfectly manageable: the journeys between each stop are short.

The ideal vehicle is the’cars (also at rental, which can easily be found at the’Lamezia Terme Airport): the train connects Lamezia to Lace e Tropea, but it doesn't quite reach Capo Vaticano, which remains inconvenient without its own transport. In peak season, especially in Mid-August, … the historic centre of Tropea gets very busy: it’s best to arrive early, park just outside the pedestrian zone and explore on foot. If you’d like to combine this trip with other ideas for your stay, take a look at our guide to what to do in Calabria and the one dedicated to’summer in Calabria.

Festivals by the sea: Color Fest 14 and the Riviera dei Tramonti

This trip makes sense precisely because the Colour Fest It all began here, on the Riviera of Sunsets: a festival by the sea nestled within the same landscape as these towns. The 14th edition leads to Lamezia Terme three days of independent and avant-garde music featuring international acts such as Apparat, Django Django, Sébastien Tellier, C'mon Tigre e The Zen Circus, spread across four stages, including the Sunsets Stage right on the waterfront. You can find all the artists and times in the Full line-up for Color Fest 2026.

The concert in the morning by Cosmo on Pinewood Stage, nights under the stars and a coastline so close at hand: the Colour Fest 14 It’s not just a concert programme; it’s a way of experiencing the’Calabrian summer. If you're looking for more ideas, we've put together a list of the best ones seaside festivals in Calabria and an overview of the Southern Italy Festival 2026.

Frequently asked questions about the trip to Tropea, Capo Vaticano and Pizzo

How far is Tropea from Lamezia Terme and the Color Fest?

Tropea is about 55 km from Lamezia Terme, which can be reached in just under an hour by car. Pizzo Calabro it’s even closer, about 30 minutes, whereas Capo Vaticano It’s about ten minutes past Tropea. All the stops can be easily reached in a day from the Colour Fest 14.

Can you do the route without a car?

In a way, yes. The train regional colleague Lamezia a Lace e Tropea, so these two villages can be reached even without your own transport. Capo Vaticano, on the other hand, is difficult to reach by public transport: to include it, you need a’cars, including rental from the’Lamezia Terme Airport.

What is the most beautiful beach in Capo Vaticano?

The most famous is Caves, consistently ranked among Italy’s most beautiful beaches, with white sand, granite rocks and emerald-green water. The whole area of Capo Vaticano is dotted with coves and viewpoints scenic spots from which to admire the Aeolian Islands at sunset.

What should you eat during the day along the route?

A Lace a must is the PGI truffle, the town’s signature ice cream. A Tropea try the dishes made with Tropea Red Onion PGI and the ‘Spilinga ‘nduja, served with fresh fish. These are all locally sourced delicacies that reflect the identity of the The Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria.

When is Color Fest 14 taking place?

The Colour Fest 14 the’11, 12 and 13 August 2026 a Lamezia Terme, on the Falcone and Borsellino promenade of Riviera of Sunsets. A day as free as the 14 August It’s perfect for this trip before heading home.

Book your place at Color Fest 14

Tropea, Capo Vaticano and Pizzo provide the backdrop; the Colour Fest 14 is the heart of your summer on the Riviera of Sunsets. I tickets start from 35 euro for a single day, but the three-day subscriptions are in exhaustion: if you want to make the most of the event, you’d better get moving now. As for accommodation, the Camping Ulisse (70 euro) è sold out for the 12 and 13 August, but there are still places available at Lido La Baia (60 euro): you’d better book a bed before these run out too.

👉 Secure your place at Color Fest 2026 now - three-day passes and single-day tickets on Ticketmaster, with information on campsite e accommodation. The only two Italian dates of some of our guests are here, on the Riviera of Sunsets.

Color Fest XIV - 11 / 12 / 13 August 2026 - Lamezia Terme - Riviera dei Tramonti - Calabria. Summer on a Solitary Beach.

Tickets and Info: https://colorfest.it/biglietti-info/