Wait… where’s Tropea?
That’s the first thing almost everyone asks when I tell them about my trip. And honestly, I kind of love that Tropea, Italy, is still a bit of a hidden gem. At least outside Italy.
Nestled on the coast of Calabria, this little town has turquoise water that rivals the Maldives and cliffside views straight out of a postcard.
If you’ve been dreaming of an Italian getaway without the crowds of Amalfi or Cinque Terre, let me show you how to spend an unforgettable week in Tropea—from lazy beach days to the best places to eat, sip wine, and watch those magical Calabrian sunsets. Let’s dive in!
Article overview
Tropea Italy
Tropea sits on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, in the toe of Italy’s “boot.” It’s perched dramatically on cliffs above turquoise seas, and let me tell you — the views are out-of-this-world gorgeous. There’s a beautiful old town, narrow streets draped in bougainvillea, and steep staircases leading down to postcard-perfect beaches.
A bit of history: Tropea was once a prized stronghold, fought over by Normans, Byzantines, and even the Spanish. The town’s symbol is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, a small monastery perched on a rocky outcrop above the sea.
But the thing that struck me the most? Tropea still feels local. Most tourists here are Italians, not big international crowds, giving it a genuine vibe. It’s lively but not overwhelming — the kind of place where you start chatting with shop owners and run into the same people every evening on the passeggiata.
Looking for the best places to stay in Tropea?
🌟 My favorite hotel: La Dolce Vita a Tropea
🌟 My favorite beachside apartment: H2O TROPEA
🌟 A beautiful house in the Old Town: Fourteen Suite Tropea
Best time to visit
Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-early October) are the ideal times to visit Tropea. It is warm enough for swimming, the town isn’t overrun, and prices are more reasonable.
I visited in early June, and I’d say that’s the sweet spot. We had 27 °C most days, though almost 80% humidity. July and August can be brutally hot and more crowded. If you’re like me and melt in high humidity, avoiding peak summer is your best bet.
How many days in Tropea
I stayed a week, and it was perfect — I mostly wanted to spend time on the beach. But honestly, you could see the highlights in 2 days if you’re tight on time.
A day for the beaches, one day wandering the old town, and maybe a day trip to the Aeolian Islands or nearby villages. But if you’re craving pure relaxation (and endless pasta), stay longer.
How to get there
Calabria’s main international airport, Lamezia Terme (SUF “Sant’Eufemia”), is located 60 minutes by car or train to Tropea. This airport is quite small and international flights are seasonal.
Reggio Calabria Airport is 2 hours away from Tropea, but it only serves domestic routes. It can be a great option if you need to get to Tropea from Milan, for example.
Rent a car
The best way to explore Calabria’s hidden beaches and hilltop villages is to rent a car. Roads can be narrow and winding, though, and parking in Tropea’s old town is scarce. But if you plan to beach-hop outside Tropea, a car is a must.
Be aware of ZTL zones, such as all of the Old Town. As a non-resident, you are not permitted to drive into these zones; you could get a huge fine.
For most of the beaches, you’ll need to pay to park close by in a private car park or along the road. Paid parking is marked with blue lines and white areas are free. The EasyPark app is commonly used across Calabria, so you can check their map if you can’t find parking.
Private driver from the airport
On our way to Tropea, we opted for a private driver since we landed late at night. He was waiting for us in the arrivals area with a sign and helped us with the luggage. Super convenient!
Click below for current pricing and availability. From all my research, this was the best priced option I could find online for two people. However, you might be able to negotiate a better rate in person.
Train
I took the train from Tropea back to Lamezia and it only took an hour. The views of southern Italy rolling by are fantastic. Tropea’s train station is small but right in town, so it’s very convenient.
I was a little scared while waiting for the train, which was delayed about 20 minutes, because of the hordes of people. But once we got on the train, we got a 4-seater to ourselves, and it was more than enough room for our suitcases.
In Lamezia, the train station is on the opposite side of the town from the airport, about 10 minutes away. But there were many taxis waiting outside and a bus costing only 1.5 – 2.5€, running every 30 minutes until late.
You can also take the train to/from Reggio Calabria (a very scenic 2-hour journey) or Villa S. Giovanni (1.5 hours)–a port town with ferries to Sicily.
Best beaches in Tropea
Okay, let’s talk beaches — because Tropea’s beaches are drop-dead gorgeous. Crystal-clear water, soft sand, and dramatic cliffs towering behind you.
As is common across the coast of Calabria, the historical centre of Tropea is perched upon a clifftop and its three beaches lie beneath it. They’re easily accessed via a set of stairs from the town or from the car parks along the Via Lungomare.
Spiaggia della Rotonda
This beach sits right below the old town and the Sanctuary and is divided by a pile of rocks that protects the road. It is the most beautiful beach in the area, so it gets busy, but the turquoise water makes it worth it. It is unreal, crystal clear with little rocks or reef.
Spiaggia della Rotonda is still mostly public and blissfully unspoiled, yet serviced by a cozy little lido offering sunbeds and umbrellas at the very far end and a beach restaurant called L’Ammurrata. You’ll also find a little kiosk closest to the rock and some parking along the road.
Grotta dell’Isola & Spiaggia di Tropea
Carved by nature over centuries into the rocks beneath the Santuario, it’s easy to miss this hidden cave and the small, secluded stretch of sand running halfway around the rock.
When I visited Spiaggia di Tropea was closed off due to work on top of the rock; however, Grotta dell’Isola in the cave is still accessible. I highly recommend you rent a boat in the harbor, or a pedal boat or paddleboard from the beach to get out there. You can also join a guided boat tour, most stop by the cave.
If you have a drone, don’t forget to bring it. I wish I did, it would be such a cool shot to paddleboard in front of the cave on the turquoise water with the town in the background!
Spiaggia a Linguata
On the left-hand side of the rocky outcrop topped by Santuario di Santa Maria, this light colored sandy beach stretches for about a kilometer and is the most developed of the Tropea beaches.
The main drawback of Spiaggia a Linguata is that most of the beach is taken up by lidos in summertime, with very few areas left to just lie down on a towel.
However, since we were staying along Via Lungomare, it was easy for us to just walk across the road. So we spent quite a bit of time at Lido Costa degli Dei, which ended up being my favorite area.
The lifeguards were very nice and the sunbeds were cheaper than those closer to the rock. I think we paid €18 for two sunbeds and a parasol. We also had Lido Charly on the left, a super cute kiosk with frozen caffé crema (if you know you know).
Spiaggia della Contura
Just to the right of Tropea’s port, Spiaggia della Contura (also known as Spiaggia Villaggio L’Olivara) may not be the most picturesque beach in town, but it’s definitely one of the most visited.
With a wide stretch of tiny white pebbles, a large free beach area, and a few lidos, it’s a solid pick if you want to get away from the center of town. It’s also the area where most boat trips begin, which is actually how I ended up here.
That said, it can get quite busy in summer, and the water tends to turn cloudy later in the day due to boat traffic, so it’s best enjoyed in the morning if you’re planning a visit.
Other fun things to do
Tropea’s not just about the beach (though…that’s reason enough!). Here’s what else I loved:
Wander the Old Town: One of my favorite things to do in Tropea was simply wandering the charming old town with no agenda. The narrow cobbled streets twist between faded pastel buildings, tiny balconies overflowing with flowers, and glimpses of the sparkling sea at the end of quiet alleyways.
I loved how life seemed to slow down here—locals chatting outside cafes, laundry swaying above the streets, and the scent of espresso and sea air everywhere. We popped in and out of quaint shops, munched on pastries and gelato while trying not the melt in the heat.
Be sure to stop by this man on Via Margherita di Savoia, he is the sweetest. Take some photos with his shop on wheels for a little tip or buy some red onions. He would love to talk to you, even if his English is limited.
And while on the topic, don’t forget to try the red onion-flavored ice cream from Gelati Tonino. It was fun to try, and it tasted good at first, but then the onion flavor started creeping in.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele: (as in many old Italian towns) is the main pedestrian street, which is also the most touristic, filled with souvenir shops selling bikinis and magnets.
It is a place to go to for a passeggiata – an evening stroll along the main avenue where people come out to walk, chat and people watch. At the end, you’ll reach Affaccio del Corso, my absolute favorite viewpoint in Tropea. The turquoise water looks just insane from up there.
Shop: Shopping in Tropea is a treat. The town is famous for its sweet Tropea red onions, and you’ll see them everywhere—from fresh at the market to beautifully braided bunches hanging in doorways.
Don’t miss the local chili peppers either, which are sold dried, in sauces, or even paired with onion in fun necklace charms and trinkets.
For something truly special, look for handmade leather sandals, which many shops will customize for your feet on the spot.
You’ll also find local olive oil, nduja (Calabria’s spicy spreadable sausage), ceramics, and artisanal soaps—all perfect gifts or travel keepsakes to take a bit of Tropea home with you. We only traveled with a carry-on, so I bought mini sizes of everything. Including the cutest little glass of red onion chutney.
Visiting Santa Maria dell’Isola: Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory that used to be an island, the church looks like something out of a dream—and the view from the top is just as breathtaking.
Originally built by Basilian monks between the 6th and 9th centuries and later managed by the Abbey of Montecassino from the 11th century, the sanctuary has endured earthquakes in 1783 and 1905.
I was worried that climbing the stairs would be unbearable in the summer heat, but it isn’t too bad since we went right as they opened. And the sea breeze from the top was so nice.
The sanctuary and garden aren’t really that interesting, even though I love history, but the views made it worth it. You can enjoy the views from the stairs and front courtyard, and enter the sanctuary, without buying a ticket.
Join a boat tour: I didn’t get around to this, but it’s high on my list for next time. Boats leave from Tropea for Stromboli, Vulcano, and Lipari — you can even do night tours to see lava flowing from Stromboli. You can also just take a leisurely tour along the coast or to Capo Vaticano.
🛥️ This popular boat tour along the “Coast of the Gods” is one of the top-rated tours in Tropea. You’ll make 4 stops-swim in the incredible natural pools of Grotticelle, explore the picturesque caves of the Bay of Riaci, admire the fascinating ancient Greco-Roman port of Formicoli and the incredible view of Tropea from the sea.
🌋 This full-day speedboat tour to the Aeolian Islands is another experience you shouldn’t miss. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archipelago is home to dramatic volcanic landscapes. You’ll stop on Vulcano, Lipari, and Stromboli, with free time to swim, relax at beachfront restaurants, or wander local shops.
Alpaca sunset beach walk: Drive or take the train to the next town over, Pizzo, for an unforgettable experience. Here you have the chance to walk with alpacas on the beach at sunset, with a backdrop of Pizzo and even Stromboli on some days. Click below for more information.
Where to stay in Tropea
When deciding where to stay in Tropea, it really comes down to what you’re after.
The historic old town is perfect if you want to be in the heart of it all—close to restaurants, shops, and those iconic cliffside views. It’s charming and walkable, but keep in mind that many buildings are older and streets can be a bit hilly.
I love La Dolce Vita a Tropea, the views and interior are absolutely gorgeous. If you prefer to stay in an apartment, you can’t go wrong with Fourteen Suite Tropea.
If you want easy beach access and a more relaxed pace, look just below the town near the marina or on Via Lungomare, where you’ll find seaside hotels and lidos right on the sand.
Since we mainly wanted to enjoy the beaches, I was incredibly happy with my choice to stay at H2O TROPEA on Via Lungomare. We got a newly built apartment with a private entrance and a roof terrace for a very affordable price. Just take a look below!
For a quieter, more local experience, you can also stay just outside of the center in the newer part of town, where boutique B&Bs and agriturismos offer peaceful surroundings and great value, still just a short drive or walk to the main sights.
Where and what to eat
I’m convinced half the joy of Tropea is in the eating. Here are a few treats you can’t miss:
- Red onions: Tropea’s claim to fame. Sweet, mild, and delicious raw or cooked. Try pasta with red onions or onion marmalade on bruschetta. As mentioned, I even tasted red onion gelato (below), which was fun yet not as tasty as I’d hoped. Sweet at first, but then the onion flavor crept in and made it a little weird.
- Nduja: A spicy, spreadable pork salami from Calabria. Amazing on pizza or bread.
- Seafood: Swordfish, fresh tuna, and calamari feature heavily on menus. I’m not big on seafood, but I definitely wish I were here.
- Filleja alla Tropeana: A hand-rolled Calabrian pasta is typically served with a colorful and fragrant sauce of zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and, of course, the sweet red onion.
- Pepperoncino: a red horn-shaped dried chili pepper, Calabria’s unofficial symbol, is also a very popular ingredient in Tropea. I bought a pasta topping with dried garlic and pepperoncini and my mouth exploded. Haha. It’s not for the faint of heart.
- Tartufo di Pizzo: I had several of these ice cream balls filled with chocolate, a specialty from the nearby town of Pizzo. If you do not have a chance to visit Pizzo, be sure to try tartufo even in Tropea. I had one with pistachio and one with strawberry, both delish, but pistachio won.
Some spots I loved:
- La dispensa by boca: Very cozy restaurant set partly in a cellar, specializing in Calabrian meat and cheese. I can highly recommend the Pantry Menu, you have to see their grazing boards! It may very well be the best restaurant in Tropea.
- Damare Tropea Street Fish Food: Delicious sandwiches, tartare and even tacos.
- Ristorant Tomate Calabrian Food: One of those places where there is something for everyone on the menu and great service. Not the highest quality food, but I really enjoyed it. Right by a lively square, great for people watching.
- Casa Spaghetti: Great takeaway restaurant serving all the traditional types of pasta. Order a few different dishes, get some wine and head down to the beach or a viewpoint for sunset. They also deliver.
- Bar Cornetteria Pasticceria: My favorite experience in Tropea was at this cute café; the service was excellent. I also got the pastries in the most beautiful takeaway packaging I’ve ever seen. It looked like a present.
- Premiata Pasticceria Tropea: Another one of my favorite places in Tropea for pastries. I got the most delicious custard-filled sugary bun.
Pro tip: Many restaurants in Tropea are open only for dinner (and remain closed even during lunchtime). The smaller eateries and takeaway places are usually open for lunch from 11:00 am to 1:00 or 3:00 pm. We had trouble finding food several times because we don’t like to eat after 7:00 pm.
Eating out in Tropea is also quite affordable compared to other parts of Italy, especially if you stick to local trattorias.
I was also very happy with the pizza we had at Sunset Beach Club Tropea. The setting right on the beach is gorgeous, though it was quite expensive.
When we stumbled upon Frida Mexican Restaurant, I was super excited. It is so cool looking. However, we decided not to try it because of the many reviews talking about very expensive cocktails and just okay food. I’m kind of a snob when it comes to Mexican food, my favorite cuisine.
Final tips for visiting Tropea
English isn’t spoken everywhere – I was actually surprised by how little English even the younger people in hospitality knew. So learn a few basic Italian phrases to help with restaurants, shops, and daily interactions.
It’s a walking town – The old town is mostly pedestrian, so be prepared to explore on foot. Though it is very small, so you won’t get too tired.
Beach access is via stairs – The beaches are below the cliff, so you’ll need to walk down (and back up!) if you choose to stay in the Old Town. I know I already mentioned this, but I just wanted to make it clear.
Cash is still handy – While cards are accepted in many places, some small cafes, parking spots, lidos and local shops may prefer cash (Euros).
Laid-back vibes – While a few beach clubs keep it going into the early hours on the weekends during the summer months, don’t expect a busy nightlife or fast-paced tourism. Tropea is all about slow living, sunsets, and simple pleasures.
READY TO BOOK YOUR TROPEA HOLIDAY?
🚘 Rent a car: I use Discover Cars
🎫 Best guided tour: Coast of Goads boat tour with snorkeling
🏨 Best apartment by the beach: H2O TROPEA
📲 Don’t forget an eSIM: I use Airalo (code: NEWTOAIRALO15)
💍 My favorite jewelry for travel: I only wear Atolea (code: SUNSHINE15)
👀 Read next >> I spent a week in a cave in Matera: One of my favorite experiences to date!
Leave a Reply