Southern Italian coastal town offers dreamy Mediterranean escape, featuring stunning beaches
Tropea, nestled in the heart of Calabria, Italy, is a charming and less crowded beach town that offers a tranquil and picturesque getaway. Known as a picture-perfect hilltop village with similarities to the resort town of Taormina in Sicily, Tropea lies on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the west coast of Calabria.
The town is officially one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, having won the Borgo dei Borghi award in 2021. Tropea is a hidden gem, with fewer tourists compared to more famous Italian beach destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Sicily.
One of the top attractions in Tropea is the crystal-clear Tropea Beach, known for its mix of sandy and rocky terrains. The main beach is a dazzling curve of soft white sand, and the water is warm, calm, and crystal-clear. Visitors can rent pedal boats or enjoy snorkeling at nearby beaches like Riaci.
Another must-visit is the Santuario Di Santa Maria Dell'Isola Di Tropea, a medieval sanctuary perched on an island in the sea and a symbol of the town. The church sits on top of a rocky promontory that was once an island, offering breathtaking views and historical significance.
Tropea Beach is not the only attraction in town. Creazioni Artistiche Il Faro features an animated miniature representation of Tropea, showcasing ancient crafts. Admission is free, making it an excellent stop for those on a budget. Capo Vaticano, while not directly in Tropea, is accessible by boat tours from Tropea and offers breathtaking beaches and a lighthouse.
Boat tours also allow visitors to explore the coastline, including snorkeling opportunities at local beaches like Formicoli and Praia I Focu. For those who prefer to stay on land, Tropea's Corso Vittorio Emmanuele is a bustling street filled with independent boutiques, chic coffee shops, and fantastic restaurants.
Accommodations in Tropea range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Visitors typically choose accommodations in the historic center for proximity to attractions or near the beach for easy access to Tropea Beach. Villa Paola, a reconstructed 16th-century monastery, is the gem of Tropea's accommodation, offering terraced gardens, stunning views, and an on-site restaurant.
Tropea is also known for its local delicacies, such as sweet red onions and spicy Calabrian nduja sausage. Incipit, a popular restaurant with locals, housed in an ancient wine cellar with a wonderful external patio, is a great place to try these local specialties.
Overall, Tropea provides a tranquil and picturesque getaway with a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions, making it an excellent alternative to more crowded coastal destinations in Italy. The town comes alive during summer with various bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood and local specialties.
The nearest airport to Tropea is Lamezia Terme, an international airport with routes across Europe and a nonstop route from Toronto, Canada. Tropea is approximately 55 miles from Cantanzaro, and 35 miles from Lamezia Terme.
For those planning a visit to Tropea, the Affacio del Corso is a public balcony with sublime sunset views at the end of Corso Vittorio Emmanuele, making it the perfect spot to end a day of exploring this charming town.
- To learn more about Tropea, a tranquil Italian beach town, one can refer to travel guides that cover lifestyle, outdoor-living, and adventure travel.
- While exploring Tropea's charming streets, visitors may stumble upon Capo Vaticano, an accessible beach area perfect for electric vehicles due to boat tours and its proximity to Tropea Beach.
- For budget-conscious travelers, the attractions in Tropea are plentiful, such as Creazioni Artistiche Il Faro, a free miniature representation of the town showcasing ancient crafts.
- After a day of exploration, one can unwind at local restaurants like Incipit, famous for its Calabrian nduja sausage, sweet red onions, and charming winery setting.
- To reach Tropea, you can consider booking flights to Lamezia Terme airport, an international hub with connections across Europe and beyond, including a nonstop route from Toronto, Canada.
