The town is built on the terraced slope of a hill which is surmounted by medieval ruins. Torre di Scalea stands, with several houses, on Scoglio La Torre a large rock at the S end of the town; from a distance it has the appearance of an island. With local knowledge anchorage can be obtained near Scoglio La Torre however proximity to the dark, rocky ridge which extends 40 m offshore at the N end of the beach should be avoided because of the rocky seabed.