Along the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, in the province of Vibo Valentia, lies Tropea, a destination known for its sea and beaches. Tropea rises high along the coast of Briatico and has even been crowned winner of the “villages of villages” contest. The coastline of Tropea is rich with coves and small bays, as well as partially submerged caves.
It welcomes a refined tourism that loves beautiful beaches and crystal-clear sea. However, Tropea also hides much more, starting from its historic center to its delicacies such as the famous “red onion of Tropea,” characterized by its elongated shape and sweet flavor.
1 Historic Center of Tropea
The town of Tropea is a succession of streets and alleys, and its historic center is a place you absolutely must explore. You can spend a few hours venturing into the heart of this Calabrian city, which features architecture with distinctive Arab and Norman signs but also Baroque influences. To visit the historic center of Tropea, it’s advisable to park in Piazza Vittorio Veneto and then proceed along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the street where most shops and bars are located. From here, you can follow the various alleys that open up until you reach the Cathedral, dating back to the 1100s, with a more recent portico (around the 1300s). In Duomo Square there are three interesting palaces: Palazzo D’Aquino, Palazzo Zinnato, and Palazzo Barone. In Piazza d’Ercole, along the main street, you will find the tourism office of the Calabrian town.
2 Port of Tropea
At the end of the main street, in Piazza Migliarese, you can enjoy the view of the port and sandy beaches on both sides. From here, you can see the Eolie Islands, which you can also reach by renting a boat in Tropea at the small harbor that has 600 moorings and is located at the foot of the cliff.
3 Beaches of Tropea
There is no doubt that the Calabrian Tyrrhenian town is best known for its beaches and crystal-clear sea. Along the Coast of the Gods, which includes Tropea, there are numerous coves, caves, descents, and breathtaking lookout points. The sea in Tropea shows shades of blue, green, and turquoise. This variety of colors enhances the view for anyone looking upon this place. The beaches of Tropea are all accessible by stairs and descents starting at various points in the town: Duomo, Convento, Rione Borgo, and Largo Galluppi. Among the most beautiful and well-known beaches in Tropea are:
- Spiaggia della Rotonda, outlined by the San Leonardo rock;
- Spiaggia della Linguata;
- Spiaggia del Convento, also called Marina dell’Isola;
- Spiaggia del Cannone;
- Spiaggia l’Occhiale;
- Spiaggia dell’Isola Bella;
- Spiaggia Passo Cavalieri;
- Grotta del Palombaro.
5 Beaches near Tropea
- The beaches of Parghelia (Michelino, La Grazia, etc.) 2 km from Tropea;
- The bay of Riaci, Petri du Mulino beach, and Scalèa, 2 km from Tropea;
- The beaches of Zambrone (Paradiso del Sud, seafront), 5 km from Tropea;
- Formicoli beach, 4 km from Tropea;
- Torre Marino beach, 7 km from Tropea;
- Praia i Focu beach at Capo Vaticano, 9 km from Tropea;
- Tono beach at Capo Vaticano, 9 km from Tropea;
- Grotticelle bay at Capo Vaticano, 10 km from Tropea;
- Santa Maria bay at Capo Vaticano, 10 km from Tropea.
6 Cathedral of Tropea
The Cathedral of Tropea is dedicated to Maria Santissima di Romania. It dates back to the Norman era although it has been repeatedly remodeled and restored in more recent times, especially after the devastating earthquake of 1783. The apse was rebuilt. It has three naves and several valuable works such as the Madonna del Popolo, a statue from 1555 created by Fra’ Agnolo da Montorsoli (right apse), or the Byzantine image (14th century) of the Madonna di Romania, protector of the city, framed in silver and placed on the main apse. In the left apse is the Madonna della Libertà, a votive offering from the city for not being sold to the Ruffo princes.
7 Santuario Santa Maria dell’Isola
The Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola stands on the homonymous small hill that borders the sea. It originated as a Benedictine monastery. The sanctuary has undergone many transformations over time, especially the portico that was later walled up to enlarge the nave and the upper floor to accommodate the monks. The staircase connecting the sanctuary was built around 1810. The façade was rebuilt after the 1905 earthquake. The sanctuary’s evocative location makes this place very popular.
8 Diocesan Museum of Tropea
The main collection of works exhibited at the Diocesan Museum of Tropea comes from the Cathedral and covers a chronological range from the 14th to the 19th century. Among the oldest artifacts is a 15th-century silver-gilded and enameled pastoral staff and a 16th-century icon depicting the Mother of Consolation. The museum also houses a rich art gallery consisting of a group of 18th-century works of Neapolitan culture and a considerable collection of sacred silverware intended for celebration and devotion. Of particular value is a silver, fully three-dimensional life-size sculpture of Saint Domenica (1738), the work of the Neapolitan Francesco Avellino.
9 Calabria Ancient Trades Museum
The Calabria Ancient Trades Museum features a curious collection of moving figurines that reproduce ancient crafts, accompanied by photographic documentation of various artisanal activities. Over 80 animated figurines, both men and women, as they might have been in the early 1900s, busy with fieldwork, dairy, wool, weaving, and traditional crafts (potter, shoemaker, blacksmith, farrier, and stonemason). There is also a section called Science and Technology Exhibition, where numerous items related to the most important inventions and discoveries that contributed to scientific and technical progress in the last century are on display, such as telefax, television, telegraph, refrigerator, sewing machine, and others.
10 What to Eat and Where to Stay in Tropea
Calabrian cuisine is very rich in ingredients and delicious dishes. Tropea also has the advantage of being known for its sweet onion, which is red in color and elongated in shape. The Tropea onion has very ancient origins and is now found in many Italian dishes. A Tropea onion omelet or a salad with fresh onion are just some of the many ways to enjoy it. Being a seaside town, Tropea’s cuisine draws from Calabrian coastal tradition based on fish and enriched with chili pepper.
Tropea offers a wide range of hotels and other accommodations. From resorts, B&Bs, holiday homes to guesthouses and hotels. There is plenty of choice. It’s just a matter of budget and taste.
