Scilla in three parts
Scilla has a simple layout. On a headland between two shores stands Castello Ruffo. To one side lies Marina Grande, the town beach. To the other lies Chianalea, the old fishing quarter, where houses stand on the rock and narrow lanes lead down to the sea.
You can see all three in one outing. The only fixed schedule is the castle's, so plan around it and fit the walks in between.
Scilla at a glance
The three places side by side.
| Place | What it is | Cost and hours |
|---|---|---|
| Castello Ruffo | A castle on the headland between Marina Grande and Chianalea | €3, Tuesday to Sunday, closed Monday |
| Chianalea | Fishing quarter with houses on the rock and narrow lanes to the sea | Free to walk through |
| Marina Grande | The town beach, named in the castle's description | Check the signs on site |
Chianalea is a place to walk slowly. The castle gives you the view back over both shores.
Tours around Scilla and Reggio
Guided walks, castle visits and day trips around Scilla and the Strait of Messina, with live prices and availability.
Castello Ruffo
The castle stands on the headland between Marina Grande and Chianalea above the Strait of Messina. You enter from Piazza Matrice, where a ramp leads to the reception.
A single ticket costs €3 in 2026. Children up to and including 6 years enter free. People with a proven disability and their companion also enter free. No separate online fee or extra age tier is listed by the municipality.
The castle opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 13:40 and from 15:00 to 20:00. It is closed on Monday. Do not count on the courtyard being open during the midday break. Check the current timetable before you go, since hours can change by season.
Chianalea
The municipality describes Chianalea as a fishing quarter with houses built on the rocks and narrow lanes running to the sea. Walking through is free.
The lanes are narrow and made for walking. If you need level routes, ask locally before you go down.
Chianalea works well at the midday break of the castle. You can walk the lanes and stop for lunch between 13:40 and 15:00.
Marina Grande, the town beach
Marina Grande lies on one side of the castle headland, opposite Chianalea. The municipality names it in its description of the castle, so it is the beach to look for when you arrive.
Check the signs on site for swimming rules, lifeguard hours and any charges. If you plan to swim, read what a Blue Flag does and does not tell you on the Calabria beaches page, and follow local notices over anything printed in a guide.
A half-day plan
Built around the castle hours for 2026. The castle is the only place with fixed hours.
Morning: the castle
Enter from Piazza Matrice any time from 9:00 on Tuesday to Sunday. Allow time for the rooms and the view, and be out before 13:40.
Midday: Chianalea
Walk down to the fishing quarter, find a place for lunch and stay out of the castle's break.
Afternoon: beach or castle
If you did not go up in the morning, go from 15:00. If you did, use the afternoon for Marina Grande. Ask at your accommodation about lifeguard hours and sun-lounger prices.
Evening: the castle until 20:00
The castle is open until 20:00 on Tuesday to Sunday, which gives you the late light over the strait.
On a Monday
The castle is closed on Monday. Chianalea and Marina Grande do not depend on the castle's hours, so use Monday for the quarter and the beach and visit the castle on another day.
Getting to Scilla and what to combine
Check the current timetable and fares for trains and buses before you go. For the airport transfer, read the Lamezia Terme airport page. For a base that works for several day trips, the where to stay page compares Scilla with Tropea, Pizzo and Reggio.
Reggio Calabria is on the same strait and has the museum with the Riace Bronzes, so a day split between the two works well. See the Reggio Calabria page. For other beaches along the coast, see the Calabria beaches page.
More from this guide
Nearby places and practical pages.
Scilla: frequently asked questions
How much does Castello Ruffo cost?
A single ticket costs €3 in 2026. Children up to and including 6 years enter free, as do people with a proven disability and their companion.
When is Castello Ruffo open?
Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 13:40 and from 15:00 to 20:00. It is closed on Monday. Check the current timetable before you go.
Is Chianalea free to visit?
Yes, you can walk through the fishing quarter without a ticket. The lanes are narrow and run down to the sea.
Can I visit the castle with a disability or with young children?
Children up to and including 6 years and people with a proven disability, together with a companion, enter free. A ramp leads from Piazza Matrice to the reception. If you need step-free routes inside, ask at the reception before you go up.
Where is the beach?
Marina Grande lies beside the headland with the castle, on the side opposite Chianalea. Check the signs there for swimming rules and lifeguard hours.
How long should I plan for Scilla?
Half a day covers the castle, the lanes of Chianalea and a lunch stop. Add time if you want to spend part of the afternoon at the beach.