Tropea Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tropea
Riaci Beach
Tropea
Tropea
Santa Maria dell\'Isola Monastery

A picturesque medieval town spills down rocky cliffs to spectacular bays and beaches at this seaside resort in southern Italy’s Calabria region.

Tropea is an attractive coastal town where a historic centre sits perched on a hilltop and alluring beaches stretch along the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods). The town sits in the Vibo Valentia province of Calabria, an unspoiled and lesser-traveled region of southern Italy. Spend days in Tropea relaxing on pristine sand and swimming in the perfect-blue Tyrrhenian Sea. Explore a labyrinth of atmospheric lanes lined with pastel-colored mansions.

Tropea’s beaches lie either side of a dramatic promontory called Isola di Tropea. You’ll find private clubs with rentable sunbeds and umbrellas in addition to public areas, where you can set down your towel. The transparent water entices visitors to enjoy an invigorating swim on hot days. Take a moment to gaze up at the town centre, which clings precariously to the framing cliffs.

When the tide is out, paddle out around Isola di Tropea to glimpse inside natural caves. Climb to the top of the promontory and visit Santa Maria dell’Isola, a castle-like 7th-century monastery.

Walk up the steep staircase to the historic centre, characterized by a maze of cobblestone streets and pretty squares. While wandering, admire elegant courtyards and spot the remnants of ancient ramparts. See a collection of religious art at the Diocesan Museum of Tropea and visit the richly decorated Norman Cathedral. Piazza Ercole buzzes with the activity of cafés, ice cream parlors and trattorias.

Be sure to join the passeggiata (evening stroll) on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Here, centuries-old mansions double-up as bars, restaurants and fashion outlets. The street finishes at a lookout platform, which affords views of the coastline and the volcanic Stromboli Island. Boat trips depart for the island from Tropea Port.

Tropea benefits from a Mediterranean climate of warm summers and mild winters. June to August is the hottest and busiest period. May and September present milder temperatures.

Reach Tropea by flying to Lamezia Terme and then take a train or rent a car from there. Other captivating towns of the Calabria region, including Pizzo, Reggio Calabria and Scilla, are just a short train ride away.

Where to stay in Tropea

Tropea

Tropea Old Town

If you're spending some time in Tropea Old Town, Rotonda Beach and Diocesan Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Tropea Old Town

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Tropea

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 82%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Not all of the shops or restaurants were open around New Year or early January, but there were lots of Christmas lights and stalls and there was a great feel to the place.

4/5 - Good

C

We did a Snorkelling excursion with Sea Sports (highly recommend!). We also joined a pasta making cooking class with Calabria Con Gusto (made two different types of pasta, one with tropean red onion and one with n'duja). Very enjoyable!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Tropea is an amazing place with lots of unique restaurants and shops just off the main track, it is definitely worth exploring these alley ways to find them.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A very nice place for a couple of days stop over

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lots of steps to beach

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Went in off season @ start of April but warm enough to sunbathe with ice creams! Basically had beautiful beaches with amazing seas to ourselves with weather like an English summer! Really friendly locals who can't do enough for you. Brilliant place!

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