Holiday in Tropea

What makes Tropea special as a destination?

Tropea sits atop a 50-meter-high cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and is considered the pearl of Calabria. The small town on the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) enchants with its medieval town center, breathtaking sandy beaches, and a turquoise sea reminiscent of the Caribbean. From the viewpoint of the Affaccio, there is a postcard-perfect view of the white church Santa Maria dell’Isola, which sits on a rocky outcrop and is accessible by a staircase. The beaches below the old town are among the most beautiful in Southern Italy: fine white sand, crystal-clear water, and the dramatic backdrop of the cliffs make every beach day an experience. Boat tours depart from the harbor along the coast, passing caves and hidden coves, all the way to the Capo Vaticano peninsula, where granite cliffs shimmer in bright orange and gold tones. Tropea is famous for its red onions (Cipolla Rossa di Tropea), which have a sweet and mild taste and are ubiquitous in local cuisine — as onion jam, on bruschetta, or in Nduja (spicy spreadable salami). The narrow streets of the old town, with its noble palaces, boutiques, and gelaterias, invite an evening passeggiata. On clear days, the view extends over the sea to the Aeolian Islands and the smoking Stromboli. Tropea is accessible by train or car from Lamezia Terme (30 minutes) and is ideal as a base for exploring Calabria.