Palmi's beaches are part of the Costa Viola, where the sea deepens quickly and the water can take on a dark blue-purple colour late in the day. Tonnara di Palmi is the best-known beach area, helped by the photogenic Scoglio dell'Ulivo just offshore.
The coast is more dramatic than gentle. Expect pebbles, rocks, coves, and steep roads rather than endless flat sand; bring water shoes if you are sensitive to stones.