Tropea Calabria. Tropea Italy. I had never heard of it until a chance encounter on a layover. I spent it chatting to an Italian with Calabrian roots. He recounted all the things to do in Tropea Italy. The conversation left me with images of fishing boats, white sandy beaches and a sea colour reminiscent of the Caribbean.
As my sister and I planned our travel itinerary, this off-the-beaten-path region of Italy beckoned. And thus, the journey to Tropea Italy was born.
“Tropea Italia. And where exactly is that?” was the question that kept surfacing about the upcoming southern Italian itinerary. “The toe of the boot,” rolled off my tongue with a little grin.
What was the allure of Tropea Italy? What were the things to do in Tropea Italy? It seemed mysterious and rugged. Unknown. Authentic. We needed to find out for ourselves. Plus, wouldn’t any town with the main square named after Hercules be worth a visit?
Here’s what we discovered in Tropea, Italia.
Slow your pace.
Saunter like a Calabrian.
It’s good for the soul (along with a few red onions)!
10 Things To Do In Tropea Italy
1. Enjoy The Unforgettable Beaches In Tropea Calabria
The sea. Its exquisite turquoise hues and clarity along with its white, sandy shores make Tropea Italy the perfect place to rejuvenate. The beaches are edged by cliffs and dotted with caves and impressive rock formations. Rent an umbrella or find your own space to enjoy the sun and take a dip in the bluest of seas. Tropea Italy has both public beaches (free) and private (paid) beaches. Be prepared to walk the stairs down to the water and then back up! Ouf! Ouf!
Guided Tours From Tropea: Day trips from Tropea include the Aeolian Islands, a full-day tour to Taormina in Sicily, or a Capo Vaticano Cruise with snorkelling. I wish I had taken the tour to see Stromboli by night.
Read More | A beach lover at heart? Here are 16 Best Beaches in France. Which is on your bucket list?
2. Things To Do In Tropea Italy: Eat Tartufo
Everyone eats gelato in Italy. Right? Add tartufo to the list of must-tries. Originating from Pizzo, Calabria, tartufo arrives frozen solid before you, a round sphere of hazelnut and vanilla ice cream dusted with cocoa powder. Dive in with a spoon and rich melted chocolate spills from the centre. Share away or perhaps splurge and enjoy solo. Visit Tropea – just for tartufo!
Accommodation In Tropea Italia:
Best Places To Stay In Tropea Italy: There are plenty of hotels in Tropea. Book early if you are going in peak season. Where we stayed had top-notch service, a wonderful buffet, and brand-new rooms! Have a look Right here.
Camping: There is camping right by the beach in Tropea. Look here for more information.
3. Get Lost In Tropea Italia
The historical centre of Tropea Italia begs to be explored. No map is required to navigate this maze of narrow pedestrian-only laneways. Get lost. You’re bound to end up peeking out at the sea or stopping for an Apérol spritz under the geraniums at a café.
Read More | Keep heading south and find Scilla: Italy without the Crowds
4. Visit The Norman Cathedral In Tropea Italy
The Norman Cathedral, built in the 12th century, is a major monument in the historic quarter of Tropea Italy. The Madonna of Romania, Tropea’s patron saint, is said to have saved the town several times over during wars and earthquakes. During WWII, two bombs landed in Tropea and neither of them exploded. They are located near the doors of the church.
5. Talk To The Calabrians Of Tropea Italy
The Air BnB host hopped in the car beside me and directed me through insanely narrow roads to a closer parking spot with commands of “Sinistra,” “Destra,” and “Andare, andare.” My eyes were as big as saucers by the time the car came to a halt. I’d met my first Calabrian and had my initial lesson in Italian driving and clearly, I was not fast enough!
One of the greatest joys of travelling is observing and, if lucky enough, meeting a local or two. Sit at a café on Corso Vittorio Emmanuele and just observe the local life in Tropea.
Or, take an early morning stroll, you never know who you will encounter. The five cats scampered around this kind gentleman until he placed the food down. I was the only other person around. I deeply regretted my lack of Italian as the words flew out of his mouth, proudly telling me the story of each stray cat.
What a thrill when a mere shopping excursion is truly a personal experience. Shoe shopping in Tropea Italy! Where else in the world, besides Italy, is it so fantastic? In Tropea, the owner disappeared to retrieve the requested size. Shortly after, he arrived out of an ancient elevator with a stack of shoe boxes.
An aged man in a wheelchair silently observed from a small corridor behind the till. The wife remained quiet until it was time to make a decision. She stepped right up and with her decades of shoe-selling experience, told my sister, in Italian, exactly which shoes fit her best. It was a family affair that had clearly been working like a charm in Tropea Italy for decades.
6. Savour Cipolle From Tropea Italy
Tropea Calabria is the only place in the world that produces red onions (cipolle) that are S-W-E-E-T! They hang at vegetable stands, lie stacked by the side of the road and salads come bursting with raw, red Tropean onions. Indeed the flavour is delicate and sweet. Don’t be surprised to see onions served in many dishes and if you search a little, you may even find onion-flavoured gelato! Only in Tropea Italy!
7. See Santa Maria dell’ Isola In Tropea Italia
No visit to Tropea is complete without spending some time at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’ Isola.
Rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea, The Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’ Isola is the iconic representation of Tropea Italy. For centuries, the island has been visited by pilgrims, monks and people seeking spirituality. Santa Maria dell’ Isola has been a popular subject for artists and writers and to this day, holds a special place in the heart of Tropeans.
The ancient structure of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’ Isola is long gone due mostly to the devastating earthquake of 1905. The most recent renovations took place in 2011.
The garden behind the church is a tranquil oasis to ponder life amongst olive and fig trees and enjoy spectacular views of the rugged coastline and beaches.
Read More | Heading to northern Italy? Verona is a perfect Italian gem. Read why you should spend some time in Verona.
8. Try All The Calabrian Specialties
A coastal town means that spaghetti with clams (a la vongole) and mussels (con le cozze) are front and centre on all menus. Swordfish (pesce spada),another local delicacy, when grilled to perfection, is sure to please the senses. Visit Tropea Italy for gastronomic pleasures!
9. Marvel At The Setting Sun In Tropea Italia
Who doesn’t love watching purples and pinks spread across the sky? Tropea Italia has gorgeous, expansive sunsets. Stand shoulder to shoulder with locals at the end of Corso Vittorio Emmanuele for great views.
10. Venture To Capo Vaticano Lighthouse (Il Faro)
Make sure you drive the seven kilometres south of Tropea Calabria to Capo Vaticano for the breathtaking views. Stay up top and enjoy the vistas and also venture down the dirt path. The path will take you all the way to the beach. Bring runners if you plan to do the hike.
Thanks to the universe for that five-hour layover spent chatting to the Calabrian. The final verdict? Visit Tropea Italia. It is a delightful, uncrowded coastal town in southern Italy.
I hope you enjoy all these things to do in Tropea Italy as much as I did.
Until next time,
More Travel Info
If you are planning to travel to Tropea, here are some great tips:
Where Is Tropea Italy?
Check out this map…
How To Get To Tropea Italy:
By Air: Lamezia Terme – this is the name of the airport that is closest to Tropea, Italy. Ryanair and Easyjet have regular flights from European cities. Check Schedules And Book My Flight
Car Rental: There are many car rental companies at the airport. Reserve in advance. The drive to Tropea is just over an hour.
By Train: Take the shuttle bus (Line 90) that runs regularly from Lamezia Terme airport to the train station. (Cost €1.30).
About 20 trains a day run from Lamezia Terme to Tropea. The length of the journey is about one hour and ten minutes. Book My Train Ticket To Tropea
Where To Eat In Tropea Calabria:
There are plenty of choices when it comes to restaurants in Tropea, Italy. But Il Convivio gets a special mention. Was it the outstanding cuisine or sitting at a table on a cobblestone street in the old quarter that won me over? Possibly it was the bergamot sorbet that was gratuitously slipped in front of us both nights we ate there. Don’t miss it!
Northern Italy:
If you are also exploring northern Italy, add Trento to the itinerary. Surrounded by the Dolomite Mountains, it is a gem waiting to be discovered. Read 15 Things to do in Trento, Italy and head on up to the north! On your way, don’t forget to stop in Verona. Is 24 hours Enough in Verona? highlights all the top places to see.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tropea Italy
Is Tropea worth visiting?
I give Tropea a top-rated score. It is definitely worth visiting. It is authentic Italy. Tropea Italy has a laid-back vibe, warm people, great food, and beautiful beaches. It makes for an unforgettable holiday.
What Else Is There To See Near Tropea?
Once you start reading about Calabria, you’ll find that there are many things to do in Calabria. Here are 5 places to visit close to Tropea Italy:
- Pizzo Calabro: This charming seaside town is known for its delicious gelato, which was invented here. Pizzo Calabro is located just 25 km from Tropea.
- Capo Vaticano: This scenic cape is located just 10 km from Tropea and is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- Scilla: This picturesque town is located about 50 km from Tropea and is known for its beautiful old town, stunning views of the sea, and its charming fishing port.
- Reggio Calabria: This historic city is located about 100 km from Tropea and is home to many important cultural attractions, including the National Archaeological Museum, which houses many ancient Greek artefacts.
- Sila National Park: This vast national park is located about 150 km from Tropea and offers stunning views of the Calabrian mountains, as well as opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Paula says
Gorgeous blog! Loving the sound of those houses hugging the cliffs – and oh the seafood. Now super keen to visit the toe of the boot. Andare andare!
Alison Browne says
I am sure you would love this authentic part of Italy!
Karen says
So iconic. Got to love Italy.
Alison Browne says
I know…. it is just FABULOUS!
Xorlali says
So beautiful
Alison Browne says
Yes, it is a gorgeous part of the world!
xyuandbeyond says
I’ve wanted to travel to Calabria for years now but I have never heard of Tropea it is definitely going on the bucket list now it just looks perfect.
Alison Browne says
It was so authentic and lovely! You’re bound to love it!
wired2theworld says
That is one of my favorite parts of Italy and your photos remind me of how very beautiful it is there. I’ve been to Consenza nearby, but not yet Tropea. Must go!
Alison Browne says
It is a really special part of Italy and I left knowing in my heart that I want to explore further.
MY RIG Adventures says
I love how your Calabrian journey all began with a chance meeting with another traveller. It looks like it did not disappoint either. Even the shoe shopping sounds like an experience!
Alison Browne says
Yes, the shoe shopping was just this wonderful moment where you felt like you had stepped back in time! And, I have to thank my Calabrian layover buddy… !
Patricia Pagenel says
Ah Italy, so close to our home but we’ve haven’t traveled there much! Tropea seems to have it all – great food, great view, great city! Seafood pasta definitely a must-eat but I have to say I never heard of the tartufo – that would be something to try for sure! The Norman Cathedral is impressive, both on the architecture, and how it survived through the ages!
Alison Browne says
To me, Tropea was “off the beaten path” Italy and it is just delightful!
Jenn and Ed Coleman says
OMG tartufo sounds so good. I would gladly hike up and down beach stairs all day to burn off enough calories for an extra serving. Tropea sounds utterly delightful and definitely not to be missed.
Alison Browne says
Exactly – the hike up the stairs was the perfect justification for pasta, tartufo and more tartufo!
arsenalnic says
This post is perfectly timed, my parent are over in Pizzo at this very moment and have been over to visit Tropea just a couple of day ago and sent us some photos!! I looks incredible, I love the combination of the beautiful old town with the amazing coastline. It’s somewhere we will be adding to our plan for when we go back to Italy.
Alison Browne says
Too funny! We didn’t get to Pizzo. Add it to your plan… you won’t regret it!
trimmtravels says
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Tropea! I haven’t heard of tartufo either and I would have been ALL about that when I was in Italy…right along with my gelato and limoncello! The beaches are beautiful there and it sounds like the people are super friendly.
Alison Browne says
I had never heard of it either until my chance meeting with a Calabrian. It’s worth the trip for the tartufo!!!
Jane@abfabtravels.com says
What a fabulous find! These out of the way places can be absolute gems and Tropea seems to be one such treasure. I love those incredibly narrow streets and yes, I’m with you: you are not really exploring a place if you don’t get lost! Sweet red onions? Worth visiting for these alone. I smiled when your Airbnb host actuailly got in the car with you to give you directions! So Italian!
Alison Browne says
The experience with the Air BnB host will make me smile for years to come!
diapersinparadise says
You had me at tartufo! That looks and sounds DELICIOUS. I really love exploring some of the lesser known parts of Italy. I haven’t made it to Calabria, but it reminds me a bit of roaming around Puglia and Basilicata. I would love to get lost in Tropea!
Alison Browne says
Tartufo was absolutely divine…
Sandy N Vyjay says
You have unveiled another best kept secret of Italy. Tropea, Italia comes across as an enchanting place. A place that still retains its endearing old world charm. And there are so many reasons one should visit. The beaches look gorgeous and so do the cobbled streets. It would be great to saunter around and have an immersive experience of the place, red and sweet onions, et all.
Alison Browne says
Yes, Tropea is absolutely enchanting and also a little bit of a secret – especially for North Americans!
mohanaandaninda says
The sweet red onions and the spicy red chilies add such a splash of colour! With its quaint cobbled alleys and stunning bougainvillea framed views, Tropea looks like an amazing place to spend a few days in the Italian summer. And I bet the food is mouthwatering too.
Alison Browne says
The food was outstanding! Of course, Italy delivers every time in that department!
Astrid Vinje says
We were just in Italy in June, but didn’t get a chance to visit Calabria. Tropea looks so beautiful! And the beaches look so gorgeous too.
Alison Browne says
Who doesn’t just love Italy! Yes- Tropea is just lovely!