Few places in the world are as evocative as this phantasmagorical interweaving of colored buildings, leafy groves and imperial cliffs that makes up the small coastal town of Tropea. Italy is indeed a country full of surprises.
More than just an unusual destination, this jewel of Calabria, in the south of the Italian peninsula, invites you into a dream. The visitor here is immediately grabbed by a feeling of escapism, with feet sinking into the fine sand on the beach, the Tyrrhenian sea in front, and this incredible cliff behind. Tropea is a truly unique place that could only be found in Italy and which, despite its renown across national borders, has managed to stay authentic, like its center with its very Sicilian feel. Lovers of gourmet experiences are sure to be seduced when they taste the very typical 'Nduja di Spilinga which is eaten on a slice of bread. Following these characteristically Italian feasts, there will be nothing better for the digestion than an invigorating walk to the impressive monastery of Santa Maria dell'Isola, perched on a limestone peak. The view offered to you by this building, dating from the 7th century B.C., over Tropea will ensure you quickly forget all the steps you climbed to get there. This view is sure to make you want to go back and enjoy the turquoise waters of Tropea's beach; especially as there are so many water activity clubs where you can try your hand at kitesurfing or windsurfing. And if it's the Calabrian countryside that attracts you, why not rent a bike for an excursion along the many paths that make up the hinterland. Purists will be keen to head for Capo Vaticano where they can stroll along its scenic path and discover a wild cove. The real dolce vita!
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Offering spectacular views over the Tyrrhenian Sea from its rocky hilltop setting, the Old Town of Tropea is home to a medley of cobbled streets, ancient villas and romantic piazzas. Join the locals at the town’s heart, the Piazza Ercole, and enjoy unparalleled views from the Largo Migliarese.
Offering spectacular views over the Tyrrhenian Sea from its rocky hilltop setting, the Old Town of Tropea is home to a medley of cobbled streets, ancient villas and romantic piazzas. Join the locals at the town’s heart, the Piazza Ercole, and enjoy unparalleled views from the Largo Migliarese.
Renting a boat is arguably the best way to discover the hidden coves along Tropea’s “Coast of the Gods”, where you can rent your own vessel or simply enjoy a scenic organised tour. Visit Tropea Marina or the tour agencies on Tropea’s Piazza Ercole for more information.
Renting a boat is arguably the best way to discover the hidden coves along Tropea’s “Coast of the Gods”, where you can rent your own vessel or simply enjoy a scenic organised tour. Visit Tropea Marina or the tour agencies on Tropea’s Piazza Ercole for more information.
Perched on a rocky promontory less than an hour’s drive along the coastline from Tropea, the seaside town of Pizzo is home to an imposing 15th century castle, a famous chapel carved in stone and the beautiful beaches of St. Irene and the Scoglio della Galera. Don’t miss Pizzo’s famous creation, the tartufo gelato or chocolate hazelnut ice cream.
Perched on a rocky promontory less than an hour’s drive along the coastline from Tropea, the seaside town of Pizzo is home to an imposing 15th century castle, a famous chapel carved in stone and the beautiful beaches of St. Irene and the Scoglio della Galera. Don’t miss Pizzo’s famous creation, the tartufo gelato or chocolate hazelnut ice cream.
Along the rugged granite coastline of the Capo Vaticano, idyllic stretches of white sand give way to calm azure waters. A haven for swimmers, the three beaches of Grotticelle are considered some of the finest in Italy, while the breathtaking sunsets are well worth experiencing.
Along the rugged granite coastline of the Capo Vaticano, idyllic stretches of white sand give way to calm azure waters. A haven for swimmers, the three beaches of Grotticelle are considered some of the finest in Italy, while the breathtaking sunsets are well worth experiencing.
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the medieval Santa Maria dell’Isola Sanctuary dates back to the 4th century. Rebuilt in the 18th century, the Sanctuary can now be visited via a winding stone staircase, while the beach at the sanctuary’s base is renowned as one of Italy’s finest.
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the medieval Santa Maria dell’Isola Sanctuary dates back to the 4th century. Rebuilt in the 18th century, the Sanctuary can now be visited via a winding stone staircase, while the beach at the sanctuary’s base is renowned as one of Italy’s finest.
Within easy reach of Tropea’s Old Town, several beaches promise clear turquoise waters and dramatic coastal backdrops. Our pick include the following beaches: Marina dell’Isola, Spiaggia del Cannone, Spiaggia della Rotonda, Spiaggia a’ linguata, or Spiaggia del Convento.
Within easy reach of Tropea’s Old Town, several beaches promise clear turquoise waters and dramatic coastal backdrops. Our pick include the following beaches: Marina dell’Isola, Spiaggia del Cannone, Spiaggia della Rotonda, Spiaggia a’ linguata, or Spiaggia del Convento.
Built in distinctive yellow lava rock by the Normans during the 12th century, Tropea Cathedral is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary of Romania. Above the altar, a 13th-century Byzantine icon of Mary was created by an apprentice of the famous Renaissance artist, Giotto di Bondone, while further highlights include a 15th-century black wooden crucifix and two unexploded World War II bombs.
Built in distinctive yellow lava rock by the Normans during the 12th century, Tropea Cathedral is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary of Romania. Above the altar, a 13th-century Byzantine icon of Mary was created by an apprentice of the famous Renaissance artist, Giotto di Bondone, while further highlights include a 15th-century black wooden crucifix and two unexploded World War II bombs.
Castello Ruffo di Scilla (Tropea Castle) boasts a dramatic location perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Strait of Messina. In the 5th century BC, Anassila, ruler of Reggio Calabria, relied on the castle as a means to defend the town from pirates. Since then, Castello Ruffo di Scilla has survived sieges, earthquakes, renovations and changes of ownership, and it remains crucial today, hosting a lighthouse that belongs to the Navy.
Castello Ruffo di Scilla (Tropea Castle) boasts a dramatic location perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Strait of Messina. In the 5th century BC, Anassila, ruler of Reggio Calabria, relied on the castle as a means to defend the town from pirates. Since then, Castello Ruffo di Scilla has survived sieges, earthquakes, renovations and changes of ownership, and it remains crucial today, hosting a lighthouse that belongs to the Navy.
Having opened its doors in 2004 within the Old Bishop's Palace, the Diocesan Museum of Tropea showcases a collection of sacred art dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Ornate sculptures crafted in marble, silver, bronze and wood are displayed alongside paintings by Southern Italian artists, including local 18th-century artist Giuseppe Grimaldi’s famous piece, Martyrdom of Santa Domenica.
Having opened its doors in 2004 within the Old Bishop's Palace, the Diocesan Museum of Tropea showcases a collection of sacred art dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Ornate sculptures crafted in marble, silver, bronze and wood are displayed alongside paintings by Southern Italian artists, including local 18th-century artist Giuseppe Grimaldi’s famous piece, Martyrdom of Santa Domenica.
The home of regional Italian flavours since 1905, Enogastronomia Lorenzo is a rustic foodie haven filled with local cheeses, honeys, vinegars, prosciutto and Tropea’s famous red onions. Make sure to try its house-specialty capocollo, Pecorino cheese and other local treats, along with one of Lorenzo’s famous sandwiches to take away.
The home of regional Italian flavours since 1905, Enogastronomia Lorenzo is a rustic foodie haven filled with local cheeses, honeys, vinegars, prosciutto and Tropea’s famous red onions. Make sure to try its house-specialty capocollo, Pecorino cheese and other local treats, along with one of Lorenzo’s famous sandwiches to take away.
Discover an extensive range of local handicrafts at Il Paese delle Meraviglie, where you can explore a gallery-like space featuring an array of textiles, pottery, jewelry, mosaics, clay pots and blown glass.
Discover an extensive range of local handicrafts at Il Paese delle Meraviglie, where you can explore a gallery-like space featuring an array of textiles, pottery, jewelry, mosaics, clay pots and blown glass.
The largest shopping mall in Calabria, the Due Mari Shopping Center is home to over 100 stores set across two levels. With popular brands ranging from Adidas, Guess, Timberland and Desigual to Accessorize, Calzedonia and Gas, the mall also boasts a multiplex cinema, bowling alley, casino and pool hall.
The largest shopping mall in Calabria, the Due Mari Shopping Center is home to over 100 stores set across two levels. With popular brands ranging from Adidas, Guess, Timberland and Desigual to Accessorize, Calzedonia and Gas, the mall also boasts a multiplex cinema, bowling alley, casino and pool hall.
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