NatureUpper Tyrrhenian Cosentino · Riviera dei Cedri
Arcomagno
The rock arch about 20 metres high hiding a small beach and a cave: the emblem of San Nicola Arcella, a Blue Flag beach.
The Arcomagno is a rocky spur about 20 metres high that opens like a doorway onto the sea: beyond it, a small beach and the mouth of a cave. Arriving here feels like standing before a monument carved jointly by stone and water.
For centuries the place was called Grotta Saracena, because it offered passage and shelter to the Saracens who raided the coast. Today’s name has a lighter story: in the 1950s a tourist, struck by the arch, wrote “Arco Magno” on a postcard of the beach; the postcard travelled so widely that the name became official. A little further on, in the same district, open the Arco di Enea, a smaller arch tied to the legend of the Trojan hero’s landing, and the caletta del Monaco with the islet of Scorzone. The Arcomagno–Grande Canale Marinella beach has received the Blue Flag for eight consecutive years, up to 2026.
Frequently asked questions
- The name was born in the 1950s from a postcard on which a tourist wrote “Arco Magno”; before that the place was called Grotta Saracena.
- Yes: the Arcomagno–Grande Canale Marinella beach has held it for eight consecutive years, up to 2026.
Why is it called Arcomagno?
Does the Arcomagno have the Blue Flag?
More places in San Nicola Arcella
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Old town Casaletto and belvedere of San Nicola Arcella
The upper village of San Nicola Arcella, with the alleys of the Casaletto, the murals and the belvedere overlooking three regions.
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Culture Crawford Tower
The 15th-century tower on the headland of San Nicola Arcella, home of writer Francis Marion Crawford and setting of a vampire tale.
Itineraries through here
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4 daysGrand tourGrand Tour of the Riviera dei Cedri
Four days from north to south along the Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino coast: islands, Norman towns, murals and sanctuaries.
11 stops8 townsMay–OctoberSee the stops -
2 daysSea & beachesSea & beaches
Two days among rock arches, islands and lidos of the Cosentino Tyrrhenian coast.
4 stops4 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops -
3 daysSea & beachesThree days by the sea
Three days along the Tyrrhenian coast: islands, rock arches and beaches from north to south.
6 stops5 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops - 4 daysSea & beaches
Four days on the Tyrrhenian coast
Four days devoted to the sea, from San Nicola Arcella to Cetraro: arches, islands, beaches and marina.
8 stops6 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops