Santa Maria Beach Ricadi

A beautiful beach on the Bay of Ercole (Hercules) bordered by promontory rocks on both ends, to the south of Capo Vaticano. The sea water is transparent turquoise, and the beach is a mix of white sand and pebbles. Underwater are smooth pebbles, sand and some larger rocks, so bring your water shoes. There are views to Stromboli, and the sunsets are gorgeous.

The spiaggia di Santa Maria is built by many resorts, but the easiest access if from the Fosso Carnevale road where there is paid parking and access to the beach. There are concessions that rent umbrellas and sun beds, provide services like showers, changing cabins, restrooms, bars and dining, but there are also stretches of free beach for those who profer to bring their towel or blanket and do it on their own.