Tropea – The Heart of the Coast of the Gods

Located at the heart of the Coast of the Gods, Tropea is the sparkling jewel along Calabria's Tyrrhenian Coast. When we visited for the first time, we didn't really know what to expect.

Calabria was relatively unknown to us at the time. Being one of the least-visited regions in Italy, there wasn't a lot of info available online, especially from a visitor's point of view. 

Santuario di Santa Maria, Tropea

Well, since visiting Calabria, and the Coast of the Gods - Tropea area in particular, we can without a doubt say that the region is now right up there with our favorite spots in Italy.

There are a number of reasons to visit, ranging from the less overdeveloped and quieter coastal towns compared to areas like the Amalfi Coast and the Italian Riviera, to far better value accommodation options and a more local, down-to-earth experience.

Tropea's irresistible tuquoise waters

And when the conversation moves to beaches, well, prepare to be blown away, because if you think you've seen the best beaches Italy's mainland has to offer, you've got another thing coming!

The beaches dotted along the "Costa degli Dei" are out of this world. Think secluded coves without a sunbed in sight.

While Tropea might not exactly be secluded, it does have its fair share of gorgeous beaches, as you'll see in the photos below.

Tropea Map With the Best Things to See and Do

I created this illustrated map of Tropea with the beautiful backdrop of the Santuario di Santa Maria to give you a rough idea of the main attractions in Tropea and the distances between them. As you can see, the town is rather small, making it possible to explore every corner on foot. Image of Santuario di Santa Maria ©Roxiller via Canva.com

Tropea Is Still Relatively Quiet and Undiscovered.
But for How Long?

Tropea has that lovely small-town charm that feels harder and harder to find along Italy’s coastline. Fewer crowds, better prices, and views that rival the Amalfi Coast — it’s no wonder word is starting to spread.

A view of the Santuario di Santa Maria on a quiet spring evening in Tropea

Since we last visited in 2022, it's definitely grown in popularity. But if you’re lucky enough to be heading there soon, you'll be pleased to know that it's still a world away from the crowds associated with the Amalfi Coast during the summer months.

Besides fewer crowds, another big advantage of visiting the Coast of the Gods is, like mentioned above, that you can stay in places with views like this, for a fraction of the price of a similar Amalfi Coast property.

So Where Should You Stay in Tropea?

These are our three favorite spots, including a stylish boutique B&B, an affordably luxury 4-star hotel in a quieter part of town, and a cozy B&B with great value.

Palazzo Mottola

Stunning restored boutique B&B right in Tropea's historic center, perched cliffside with sweeping sea views.

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Hotel Rocca Della Sena

Affordable luxury 4-star hotel in a laid-back location close to old town. Exquisite views of the coast and Stromboli Island.

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B&B Island Vista Mare

Excellent value, charming B&B in Tropea's old town with views of the Santuario di Santa Maria promontory.

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Images above courtesy of the respective accommodation options

Santa Maria dell'Isola by Mimma Ruffa

5 Reasons to Visit Tropea

How long have you got? I could go on for hours about why you should visit but I guess you don't have all day so these are the main reasons.

1) Wandering Lanes

Tropea from above

Wandering down cobbled lanes, just to see where they lead, is something I love doing; sometimes you'll stumble upon a tiny trattoria of four or five tables tucked away in little more than a hole in an ancient wall.

Sometimes you'll meet a clutter of cats discussing the best fishing spots or the town's mice. 

Best of all is when you come upon a piazza filled with life; the aroma of pasta baking in ovens perfumes the air and you catch a glimpse of the sea sparkling bright in the distance. 

Piazza Ercole is the main piazza and just off the Piazza is Ristorante Troppea Vecchia - one of the best spots in town to try the local dishes - especially the seafood and red onions. More on the onions later....

2) Aeolian Islands

Lipari, one of the Aeolian islands.

Tropea is a great place to take a boat trip out to the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The combination of volcanic islands, languidly exhaling smoke rings into skies of brilliant blue, above seas of sparkling turquoise, is something you'll not easily forget. You can organize trips in Tropea.

3) The Beach

The beach in Tropea is simply jaw-dropping, a lovely, huge expanse of golden sand.

In front of you is a gently lapping sea of baby blue, while directly behind cliffs rise from the sand at perpendicular angles... and then turn into houses.

Kind of hard to explain but the photo shows what I mean.

I can't think of any other beach in Italy with this setting.

For more exquisite beaches nearby without any crowds, consider visiting Capo Vaticano just south of Tropea. It's easily reachable by train and makes for an excellent day trip.

4) A Monastery From a Fairy Tale

The Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Isola is an ancient monastery dating back to the 4th century that has been beautifully restored.  

It seems like something from a fairy tale; an enchanted lane leads one on a winding route up the island's cliff-sides rising from the depths of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The fragrance of the island's wild Mediterranean herbs fills the air, mixed with the scent of the sea - a heady experience.

At night it is all lit up with golden lights and a more romantic spot you'll struggle to find.

Even the most jaded of souls will find their spirits soar at the sight and it will stay in your memory for a long long while afterwards, forever really. A treasure to carry with you and unwrap when far far away. Time spent upon this enchanted gem, within the enchanted gem that is Tropea, is time well spent.

5) Red Onion Gelato

Tropea is famous throughout Italy as having the best red onions on earth. Ask any Italian where the best red onions come from and the answer will always be... Tropea.

They love them so much that they make a LOT of dishes using red onions: spaghetti, soups, salads and... gelato!

Yes, you read that right  - gelato.

It isn't nearly as bad as it sounds - pop into Tonino's in Corso Vittoria Emmanuele (the main road where everyone does their passeggiata) and give it a try.  

If you like it have their black squid ink gelato next time :-) Tell me what it's like - I didn't have the courage to try it.

Where to Stay

Superb value, and right in the heart of the old town, is B&B Island Vista Mare.

For an affordable luxury option try the lovely Hotel Rocca Della Sena, which is but a flight of private steps away from the beach and boasts stunning sea views. Try to get one of the rooms with a view. They sell out fast though so book early.

When to Visit

During May, June or September you'll get great prices in hotels and restaurants and there are far fewer tourists too. Most of the tourists here are Italian but they tend to arrive in August, while Dutch and German tourists prefer July. And the English speaking tourists? Well there are hardly any yet!

Getting Here

If you are flying then the nearest airport is Lamezia Terme. From the airport you can rent a car, or get the local bus to Lamezia station and catch the train to Tropea.

Already in Italy? Then you can either drive or come by train. Should you plan on exploring the inland areas of Calabria you'll need a car but if you are happy sticking to the coast you can do that well enough with boats, buses and trains.

Where Is Tropea?

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