Tropea is a cliff-top town on Calabria's Tyrrhenian coast, perched above a white sand beach with a dramatic rock island (the Isola Bella) topped by a medieval church. It's the most photogenic town in mainland southern Italy and the closest thing Calabria has to a conventional resort destination. The old town has Norman-era churches, a largely intact historic centre, and restaurants serving Calabria's fiery, flavourful cooking. Tropea has become increasingly popular, and August crowds can be heavy, but it retains a genuine southern Italian atmosphere that more developed resorts have lost. The surrounding Coast of the Gods (Costa degli Dei) offers more beaches and the fishing village of Pizzo nearby.
Why Stay in Tropea
- Beach and cliff: The main beach curves below the cliff, reached by steep steps from the old town. The sand is white, the water is clear, and the view upward to the buildings balanced on the cliff edge is remarkable. The Isola Bella rock — with Santa Maria dell'Isola church on top — is the defining image.
- Old town: A compact grid of streets on the cliff top with Norman churches, baroque palazzi, and shops selling the local red onion (cipolla rossa di Tropea, which really is very good). The food scene is growing. restaurants serve 'nduja, swordfish, and red onion in various preparations.
- Coast of the Gods: The stretch of coast from Pizzo to Capo Vaticano has sandy beaches, rocky coves, and sea stacks. It's less developed than equivalent stretches further north. Capo Vaticano (15 minutes) has some of the best swimming.
- Value: Calabria is Italy's least expensive major region. Restaurant meals, accommodation, and local products cost significantly less than northern Italy or the Amalfi Coast.