Tropea is one of those destinations that is so exceptionally picturesque that it can often seem utterly unreal. The turquoise blue of the waters, the pale sands, the lush green hillsides and white cliffs, the rainbow of sun umbrellas and towels along the strand, the market stalls overflowing with vibrant fresh produce, and the gorgeous pink sunsets all make this town look like a stunning painting rendered in the brightest and loveliest hues. In addition to being fronted by one of the prettiest stretches of beaches in all of Italy, adorned with one of the most scenic monasteries in Italy (which is really saying something), and overlooked by one of the most charming towns in Italy, this often lesser-known gem for international tourists is a true must if you find a villa in Calabria. An ideal spot to spend a day sunning yourself on the beach, splashing around and cooling off in those bluer than blue waters, wandering about the pretty tangle of streets throughout the town, taking endless pictures, and finding some cute little place to grab food, it is a perfect place for a day-trip while in the area. Come and see its exceptional looks with your own eyes and discover the endless charms and delights that it has on offer...
The Beaches
Stretching over 4km (or 2.5 miles) long, the three picture-perfect beaches of Tropea really are reason enough to pay a visit to the town. There are both free/public and paid/private areas to choose from along the stretch depending on your preferences and needs but visitors will quickly discover that it is one of the cleanest and nicest stretches of beach that you could hope to spend time on in Italy. It is easy to sea why Tropea is known as the, “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian.” With an interesting coastline made up of grottoes, coves, cliffs, and intriguing rock formations, there is plenty to wander about and admire or explore or to simply enjoy as a gorgeous backdrop on land and along the soft white sand. When you are in those impossibly blue waters, meanwhile, you can enjoy a range of wonderful activities in the crystalline Tyrrhenian Sea including snorkelling and scuba-diving with the TropeaSub Diving Center or just buying your own snorkel and going for an adventure by yourself, renting canoes or paddle boats, and splashing around with your kids, or going for lengthier and more challenging swims. Many people enjoy swimming out and around the stunning Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola di Tropea monastery, which is perched on a promontory that juts right out into the water, in particular. Do keep in mind, however, that the beaches fronting Tropea are hugely popular and become incredibly busy during the summer months. If you want to find a spot during August especially, then you’ll need to ensure you arrive pretty early to beat the crowds! Those who want to venture further out into the Tyrrhenian or find some more beach options with a bit more space can head to the port, from which you can take boat trips to an area called Capo Vaticano that is one of the absolute best places to snorkel. This is also how you can access some of the more isolated and quiet beaches in the area that can only be reached by boat and lack the same kind of crowds as a result. If you’re really interested in spending a proper day out on a boat, you can also head to the Aeolian Islands and see the impressive and active Stromboli volcano.
The Town Itself
Tropea makes a great first impression with its astonishing looks but some are put off by how touristy certain parts of the town are. However, all you have to do is venture off the main streets and you’ll quickly and readily be able to explore the more authentic and incredibly charming parts of Tropea. A complete maze of little cobblestone streets that are free of traffic, Tropea is full of wonderful delights just waiting for you to stumble upon them. Discover little family-run restaurants serving up delicious local dishes that are hidden down side streets and alleys as well as an array of bakeries, cafés, gelaterie, pizzarias, and other places to refuel as you explore. Keep an eye out and spot the incredible vantage spots offering full views or tantalising and lovely glimpses over the coast that can appear between buildings and without warning. Take in the gorgeous old 17th and 18th century palazzi, and random impressive architectural gems, and even charming old buildings that are delightful even as they are decaying before your eyes. Have your camera at the ready to capture everything from cats strolling past to colourful blooms trailing over balconies to stalls of vibrant fresh produce in front of little shops that all contribute to transforming regular roads into postcard-worthy scenes. There are also, of course, specific attractions such as the various churches, the Diocesan Museum, known spots like the Belvedere Piazza del Cannone that bustle with excitable crowds who come to take in the famously magical sunset views, and much more besides. Tropea really is one of those places that is so impressively handsome that you really don’t need to have a specific plan or destination in mind in order to enjoy yourself if you have found a vacation rental in Calabria and are exploring the city for the day.
The Santa Maria dell’Isola Monastery
Mentioned before as a shining glory of the town, this stunning monastery perched on a rocky promontory that juts out from the perfect beachfront into the turquoise waters of Tropea is the most iconic building in town, a major feature of the town’s distinctive skyline, a main character of many images of the town, and a must-see architectural gem. Dating back to the 6th century, this Benedictine monastery has actually been rebuilt on several occasions as it was subject to serious damage caused by major earthquakes in both 1783 and 1905. The modern iteration is no less stunning, however; executed in striped polychrome stone facing, with little spires and stone spikes crowning the roof, and a portico of arches that makes the most of those truly remarkable views from the building. With lush greenery and trees all around and the glittering seas and endless horizon as a backdrop, it looks like something from the pages of a storybook about a seaside kingdom. If you are planning a trip to Tropea’s most famous building, however, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, dress comfortably, wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring some water, as the trek up to this picturesque gem is charming but not insignificant. There are some 300 steps curving around and up to the building that were carved into the rock back in 1810 and it is pretty steep. For those with heart conditions or who are less mobile or for those bringing little ones with them, it is good to keep this in mind before setting out. Once you do make it to the top, though, you’ll discover a gorgeous gem that is free to visit and boasts some of the best views in the area out to the gorgeous Aeolian Islands. Certainly one of the must-see views for anyone who has found a villa in Calabria.
The Food
As Tropea is one of the biggest and most important towns in Calabria, it is also a great place to eat and is where you can find most of the best local and regional specialities all in one place. As noted, it is easy to stumble upon all sorts of wonderful little eateries as you explore the tangle of streets of Tropea and find yourself in need of an energy boost but what should you order when you do? Here are some of the best and tastiest dishes to try if you are visiting Tropea while on vacation in Calabria. For those with a sweet tooth, the tartufo is a definite must! This is an incredibly indulgent ice-cream treat that comes from the nearby town of Pizzo and is named for the tartufo black truffle it resembles, being made up of layers of ice-cream and melted chocolate wrapped around a hazelnut core – a really special treat! ‘Nduja, meanwhile, is a regional product with increasing popularity abroad in recent years that is made from pork and lots of chiles formed into a paste that is usually spread over bread or served on top of pizzas. Then there are the vegetables for which the area is famous; the chiles and beloved red onions of Tropea. Both are known for their exceptional quality and can be enjoyed in various dishes but can also be readily stocked up on in local shops and markets to use in preparing your own fresh and delicious meals back in your vacation rental in Calabria. Red onion is, in fact, such an important local product and so integral to life in Tropea that you can even get a red onion gelato at Gelati Tonino on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Reports don’t particularly rate it as especially enjoyable but those who love being adventurous or challenges or trying weird and wonderful foods while travelling might want to check it out!
So, if you’re looking to vacation in Calabria and you are planning your days, be sure to set aside some time to come and visit the picturesque Tropea and her perfect beaches, architectural gems, incredible scenery, charming streets, and delicious treats!
