Roca Vecchia Tower: What to know before you go
Checked practical information on access, sea conditions, services and safety. Since July 2026 the Roca Vecchia archaeological area and Grotte della Poesia have organised management. The small coves outside remain separate coastal places, but on-site signs, barriers and local orders must always be respected.
Ruined 16th-century coastal tower
Roca Vecchia Tower, also known as Torre di Maradico, is the ruin of a 16th-century coastal tower on the islet in front of the ancient settlement. It is a historic and scenic monument, not a beach or a place to reach by swimming.
Good to know
Roca Vecchia Tower, also known as Torre di Maradico, is the ruin of a 16th-century coastal tower on the islet in front of the ancient settlement. It is a historic and scenic monument, not a beach or a place to reach by swimming.
Getting there and access
View the tower from the coast and Roca paths. The national heritage catalogue places it on an islet separated by sea: we do not recommend swimming to it or climbing the ruins.
Access
View the tower from the coast and Roca paths. The national heritage catalogue places it on an islet separated by sea: we do not recommend swimming to it or climbing the ruins.
Sea, coast and seabed
Around the islet the coast is rocky and the seabed uneven. The scenery does not remove currents, waves or difficult exits: the sensible visit is a panoramic one from the mainland.
Sea
Around the islet the coast is rocky and the seabed uneven. The scenery does not remove currents, waves or difficult exits: the sensible visit is a panoramic one from the mainland.
Families and children
Recommended for visitors interested in Roca’s history, archaeology, photography and views. It is not a standalone swimming destination and not suitable for anyone intending to physically reach the monument.
Families
Recommended for visitors interested in Roca’s history, archaeology, photography and views. It is not a standalone swimming destination and not suitable for anyone intending to physically reach the monument.
Parking and services
Parking, ticketing and services relate to the Roca Vecchia visitor system, not the tower on the islet. Since 2026 check ArcheoRoca for opening times, routes and archaeological-area conditions.
Planning
Parking, ticketing and services relate to the Roca Vecchia visitor system, not the tower on the islet. Since 2026 check ArcheoRoca for opening times, routes and archaeological-area conditions.
Accessibility
Viewpoints can be approached through the Roca visitor system, but the rocky coast and islet are not barrier-free. Ask the site management about the most suitable route.
Accessibility
Viewpoints can be approached through the Roca visitor system, but the rocky coast and islet are not barrier-free. Ask the site management about the most suitable route.
Wind and sea conditions
Do not climb the ruins or attempt a swim crossing simply because the distance looks short. Follow barriers, archaeological instructions and local orders.
Safety
Do not climb the ruins or attempt a swim crossing simply because the distance looks short. Follow barriers, archaeological instructions and local orders.
Swimming and snorkelling
Around the islet the coast is rocky and the seabed uneven. The scenery does not remove currents, waves or difficult exits: the sensible visit is a panoramic one from the mainland. Do not climb the ruins or attempt a swim crossing simply because the distance looks short. Follow barriers, archaeological instructions and local orders.
Activities
Around the islet the coast is rocky and the seabed uneven. The scenery does not remove currents, waves or difficult exits: the sensible visit is a panoramic one from the mainland. Do not climb the ruins or attempt a swim crossing simply because the distance looks short. Follow barriers, archaeological instructions and local orders.
What has changed / rules to check
Since July 2026 the Roca Vecchia archaeological area and Grotte della Poesia have organised management. The small coves outside remain separate coastal places, but on-site signs, barriers and local orders must always be respected.
Update
Since July 2026 the Roca Vecchia archaeological area and Grotte della Poesia have organised management. The small coves outside remain separate coastal places, but on-site signs, barriers and local orders must always be respected.
Who it suits
Recommended for visitors interested in Roca’s history, archaeology, photography and views. It is not a standalone swimming destination and not suitable for anyone intending to physically reach the monument.
Recommended
Recommended for visitors interested in Roca’s history, archaeology, photography and views. It is not a standalone swimming destination and not suitable for anyone intending to physically reach the monument.
Less suitable for
Less suitable for anyone seeking an actual beach: this is mainly a historic, archaeological or scenic stop.
Less suitable
Less suitable for anyone seeking an actual beach: this is mainly a historic, archaeological or scenic stop.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, water, hat and camera/binoculars; swimming gear is not needed to visit the tower.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, water, hat and camera/binoculars; swimming gear is not needed to visit the tower.
