Tropea - rest on the beaches in Calabria, Italy

Tropea – rest on the beaches in Calabria, Italy. How to get to Tropea, what to do there, the beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Calabria, the famous toe of Italy’s boot, is home to the renowned “Coast of the Gods.” Nestled within it is the charming town of Tropea. Here, sheer cliffs meet the sea, and on clear days, you can spot the smoking volcano, Stromboli, in the distance.

Tropea itself is a delightful blend of streets lined with palazzos that abruptly open up to cliffside vistas, revealing stunning views of the azure sea and a crescent-shaped sandy beach.

Why did I choose to visit here? I sought a place where the sea remained warm in October, far from the tourist crowds. That’s when I came across images of Tropea’s enchanting cliffs and beach.

It soon became evident that this place was an undiscovered gem, mainly frequented by informed Italian travelers. It offered serenity, delicious cuisine, and affordability by Italian standards. After comparing it to Amalfi and Sorrento, I decided to make Tropea my vacation destination.

There was no longer any doubt; that I had to journey to Tropea to experience this captivating city and its mesmerizing blue sea firsthand.

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Where is Tropea and how is it best to get there?

This charming historic town is situated on the west coast of the lesser-known southern region. Tropea is perched atop a 150-meter cliff, offering mesmerizing vistas of the azure Tyrrhenian Sea and the inviting sandy beaches below. A single glimpse is all it takes to ignite a desire for a getaway to Calabria.

Tropea is just an hour’s drive from the nearest airport, Lamezia Terme. It is also easily reachable by both car and train. I’ll provide more details about various transportation options and the travel time required to reach this near-paradise town.

By plane to Calabria

Lamezia Terme Airport (Aeroporto di Lamezia Terme “Sant’Eufemia” ) is a small regional airport, with flights from Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and ITA airways. Most of them are seasonal flights from major Italian cities such as Milan, Pisa, Bologna, and European countries.

Conveniently, Ryanair flies to Lamezia from Poland (Krakow), Germany (Frankfurt Hahn, Memmingen, Nuremberg), and Austria (Vienna). You can also look for cheap flights with a stopover in major Italian air hubs such as Milan, Pisa, Bologna, and Venice.

There is a second airport in Calabria – Reggio Calabria Airport (REG), located two hours south of Tropea. You can also get there by train or rent a car at the airport. Currently, this airport has only regional flights of ITA Airways from Rome and Milan.

Еhere is a 24/7 bus №90 that runs between the airport and the Lamezia Terme Centrale city railway station every 20 minutes. Travel time – 5 minutes (really close, but it’s inconvenient to walk there because there are no sidewalks along the road). A ticket at a kiosk costs 1.5 euros, and a ticket from a driver costs 2.5 euros. The kiosks do not work at night.

By train to Tropea from other Italian cities

Tropea train station is located a little on a hill above the city, about a 15-minute walk from the historic center. Every day, high-speed trains traveling to Calabria from different parts of Italy stop here:
from Naples (4 hours), Rome (6 hours) and Salerno (3.5 hours). You can even get here by train from Sicily.

Getting to Tropea from Airport Lamezia Therme

If you have a plan to travel all over Calabria and not only` stop in Tropea, you can rent a car. I was looking for the most favorable options on DiscoverCars. Here you can choose exactly the car you need and compare prices from different rental companies.

Tip for car-travellers: If you have a rental car, please note that most of the historic center of Tropea is off-limits to nonresident cars due to the Zona Trafico Limitato (ZTL) designation.
The ZTL rule is very common in historic cities in Italy, as a large number of fines for uninformed tourists is a source of great revenue for municipalities!

We met him during our trip to Palermo, Sicily. If you stay at a hotel in the center of the old town, you won’ t be able to park your car right outside the door. So, look for a hotel outside the historic old town, or a paid (or free) parking lot away from it.

To Tropea by train

My daughter was traveling to Lamezia by plane, and at the time I was traveling to Tropea by train from Rome (after walking from Lucca to Rome).

If you are going on vacation exclusively to Tropea and the beaches neighboring the city, you can use public transport.

Next, you need to buy a train ticket from Lamezia Terme to Tropea. Prices for different classes of trains vary – from 4.5 euros for a ticket on a regional train to 21 euros for a through express train. The travel time on these trains is the same, so pay attention to which one you are on time. We bought tickets for Trenitalia trains on the website of this railway company.

Don’t forget that before you get on a regional train, you need to wait on the website and get a bar code, which will be checked by the conductor in the car. Without a check – a fine. Similarly, if you buy a paper ticket at a ticket office or vending machine, you need to validate it in a special validator located either in the station or on the platform.

Trains don’t run at night, and our flight arrived around 9 p.m. There were no more regional trains, so we had to wait until the morning. So we spent the night near the station-there are many small, nice hotels where passengers stay for one night. We also had a return flight at 8 a.m., and trains start running at 6 a.m. We were not in time again. That’s why I spent the night in a hotel near the train station twice.

I recommend an inexpensive but clean hotel after renovation Piccolo Hotel Lamezia – For 50 euros we spent the night here and got a good breakfast before the trip.

Best time to visit Tropea

Summers in Calabria are hot, sometimes even very hot. So much so that forests on the slopes of the mountains are burning – I’ve seen such impressive burned trees, not very nice. Despite this, all the beaches of Calabria are covered with colorful umbrellas and brown bodies. Because the sea is warm (+25°C) and all the restaurants are open.

As Tropea is a summer vacation destination for Italian families, friends and couples, it is always very crowded in July and August. In addition to those staying in the city, there are also many day-trippers visiting the beaches. As well as people who come from the neighboring Capo Vaticano resorts and hotels to have a delicious dinner and drink. Restaurants may not be available – in summer, reservations are required.

And in the height of the summer season in Tropea, the price of two sun loungers + an umbrella can cost as much as 60 euros(!!!), and sometimes you even need to book a place on a paid beach in advance.

The best time for the rest

Fall – September and October – is the perfect time to vacation in Calabria. I was in Tropea in mid-October – it was the perfect velvet season for a seaside vacation. The water was +22 °C, the air temperature was +25-26 °C. We could lie on the beach all day without fear of burning our skin. The heat in the air is in the water. That’s great!

Resting at sea, when there are fewer people and the infrastructure is still working, is like the whole resort working just for you (and a couple of your neighbors on the beach).

If you want to avoid the crowds, you can also plan a visit in late May and early June. It will also be beautiful and not crowded. But remember that the water temperature may be cooler than in October.

Visits out of season (before May, after October) will have a completely different atmosphere and aesthetic. Most restaurants are closed, the beaches are no longer relevant, but if you like to travel in the low season – try to plan a road trip, stopping by mountain villages, adding to the trip by ferry to Sicily and the Lipar volcanic honeycombs.

Things to do in Tropea – ideas for your vacation

Calabria, the knotted toe of an Italian shoe, is not well-liked by foreign visitors. So much the better for Italians who flood for the pristine cities, Amalfi coastal roads, and brooding landscapes of Sicily, which can be seen across the strait between the mainland and the island. But beaches, cuisine and the blue sea are the main features of this region, in my opinion.

During the peak of summer, the temperature can reach up to +40°, so it is better to adapt to the Italian way of life: start the day earlier, honor the siesta – rest in the afternoon away from the sun, make the most of the shade, and eat much later in the evening – after 20:00.

And in the fall, during the velvet season, there are no problems with seats in restaurants. Maybe only in the morning, when the air is still cool, there is more competition for chairs under the sun. Because coffee tastes much better with the sun in the fall!

Visit the church Santa-Maria-dell’Isola di Tropea

The church on the cliff, or the sanctuary of Santa-Maria-del-Isola of the 11th century, became a symbol of Tropea, dividing the beaches into two parts. It can be seen from most vantage points in the old town, and in the evening it is illuminated with yellow lights.

It was once a rocky island (isola) surrounded by water on all sides. Over time, the island merged with the mainland, and several earthquakes destroyed the old church. The new one, which can be seen on the cliff today, was built only 100 years ago. But it is still an important religious place for the people of Calabria, who like to organize weddings there.

The Church of Santa Maria del Isola is beautiful from any observation deck. But I advise you to go up the stairs carved into the rock to visit a small observation deck and the church, a quiet garden near it. And most importantly, to see the steep beach view at the foot of the cliff to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views along the Coast of the Gods.

Opening hours and price: Open seven days a week from 9:00 to 13:00, then from 15:30 to 19:30. Entrance to the garden costs 3 euros per person and can be purchased at a small ticket office halfway up the stairs, or in front of the church entrance. Dress code: you cannot enter the church in bathing suits and shorts.

Walking along the streets of Tropea

Due to its unique location and its breathtaking viewpoints and streets with a soft pastel palette, Tropea was included in the list of the most beautiful small borgo towns in Italy – Il borgo più bello d’Italia. And it’s really beautiful here! I was lucky enough to visit many borgo in Italy during the hiking route Via francigena and there is something to compare Tropea with – it is really beautiful here.

Corso Vittorio Emmanuelle is the main street of the old Tropea. During the day it is quiet and empty, but in the evening it is filled with people. There are many restaurants, bars, and cafes, but I recommend choosing something in the quieter streets and hidden squares for dinner. At the end of the street you will see a crowd of people – they are all standing on the observation deck Affaccio del Corso . It offers a great view of the Della Rotonda beach.

The Belvedere Piazza del Cannone is the most popular observation deck for watching the sun set into the sea. There are also benches and several places to have a drink at sunset.

Cattedrale di Maria Santissima di Romania – the cathedral was built by the Normans in the 12th century, it is less luxurious inside than you might expect. But from the outside it is a relatively hidden church with a mixture of different eras of reconstruction and restoration. Named after the patron saint of Tropea, Our Lady Santissima di Romania, she is believed to have appeared in a bishop’s dream in 1638 to warn him of an earthquake, and he organized the subsequent evacuation, which saved the lives of many Tropean residents.

Rest on the beaches of Tropea

The beaches of Tropea are worth spending the whole day on. And the scenery surrounding them is incredibly beautiful rocks, grottoes and palm trees that rise magnificently here and there.

The historic center is on a cliff overlooking the beach, so to reach the beaches from there, take the stairs to the left of the Belvedere Piazza del Cannone, cross Via Lungomare, and then choose the beaches on the left or right.

The beaches of Tropea have a blue flag for clear blue water and good sand. They are also safe for bathing children. The entrance to the water is gentle, sandy or with small pebbles. But after 2-3 meters, it gets deep, so you have to watch out for kids who can’t swim yet.

Dress code in tourist cities in Italy: it is not customary to walk around the city in a swimsuit or shorts without a T-shirt or shirt.

Della Rotonda Beach (Spiaggia Della Rotonda)

This is the best beach in Tropea. It features a pastel peach background and pink buildings of the old town towering over it. It is very beautiful – the picture of this beach made me come to Tropea. The only drawback is that this rock blocks the morning sun (at least it did in October), so it makes sense to come to it after 10 am.

This beach is free to visit, but for those who need sun loungers, Lido San Leonardo is on the right side (if you stand with your back to the Tropea). This is a private beach club that requires a fee to enter. But it’s a good place for those who don’t want to relax on their own towel.

On the left is the largest section of free beach, where you can lay your towel and set up your own umbrellas. Also on the left, at the foot of the church, is the Spiaggia Mare Piccolo triangle. This free beach has freshwater showers, but like other beaches, there are no free toilets or changing rooms.

Because this beach has the easiest access, it is popular with locals and visitors alike. That’s why there are quite a few people here. However, it often falls into the shade much earlier than other parts of Tropea beaches, due to its sheltered location near the cliff. That’s why it’s a good place to relax early in the morning or in the afternoon. There is also a small beach kiosk with snacks and drinks.

Languata Beach (Spiaggia a Languata)

On the left side of a rocky outcrop crowned by the Church of Santa Maria, this white sandy beach stretches for about a kilometer and is the most developed of the beaches of Tropea. At the entrance from the main parking lot you will find several lido and beach restaurants. But then the beach narrows considerably due to the rocks and entrances in front of the Marina Del Convento camper station. After a break in the form of several large stones, the beach continues to the rocks of La roccia Daiana.

The main disadvantage of Spiaggia A Linguata is the amount of space occupied by paid beaches (lido) in summer. There is very little free space left for people who just want to lay down a towel for the day. But in October, there are no such problems – there are few deck chairs, and very few vacationers. And the sea and air are very warm.

Tips for motorists: there is paid parking near these beaches, but the number of spaces is limited and prices are relatively expensive for Calabria (2 euros per hour), but you need to take places early in the morning. A more affordable option is parking at the far end of Spiaggia A Linguata for 10 euros per day. Because of this, a more affordable and less stressful option may be to park in one of the large parking lots or on the streets in the historic center of Tropea, and then walk to the beaches and back.

Beaches a little further away from Tropea

There are a couple of other beaches that can be reached quickly on foot – Spiaggia di Vardano and Spiaggia della Contura, which start a long strip of sand from the piers of the Tropea Marina. These are less busy beaches, although in summer they are also popular with vacationers. Just like other beaches, there are beach clubs with entrance fees, umbrellas and sun loungers in high season.

If you book your accommodation not in the Old Town of Tropea, but in hotels located in the modern northern part of the city, it will be convenient for you to get here. There is also a large paid parking lot for cars.

Grottoes near Tropea

The Coast of the Gods boasts a notable feature with its abundance of grottoes, some accessible from the beach and others exclusively reachable by water. During our stay in Tropea, we had the opportunity to explore two of these captivating grottoes.

Grotta del Palombaro and Spiaggia di Tropea: Crafted by the hand of nature into the rocky expanse below the Church of Santa Maria, this concealed grotto offers a small, secluded patch of sand, known primarily to those in the know. Previously, a natural arch in the rocks provided access to this beach, but it succumbed to the relentless waves, sealing off the passage. Nonetheless, we effortlessly made our way to it from the water side. This site serves as a starting point for a tranquil swim to the even more sequestered Grotta del Palombaro.

Grotta di San Leonardo is located on the right side of the Spiaggia della Rotonda beach. There are stone stairs to it – it is very easy to get inside the grotto. But many people come to it by sea, which is easier to do from the small beach Spiaggia del Cannone, located near the marina’s Tropea lido. By the way, the Spiaggia del Cannone beach is wild and very nice. The only problem is the shadow from the rocks, which stays there all morning.

What to see near Tropea

If you are planning a week-long vacation in Tropea, I recommend exploring nearby towns and natural attractions. This will add variety to your holiday experience and provide an opportunity to visit other places beyond the resort city where you’ve chosen to unwind by the beach.

Scilla

We decided to take a train journey to the picturesque fishing town of Scilla. This Calabrian town boasts a rich history, deriving its name from the ancient Greek mythological character, the nymph Scylla, who was transformed into the monstrous Scylla by the malevolent sorceress Circe. Notable historical figures, such as Spartacus, camped here, and Emperor Octavian’s fleet sought refuge in this coastal enclave. The town’s skyline is dominated by the imposing Norman castle of Castello Ruffo, perched on the “Rock of Scilla.”

From the observation deck, visitors can relish panoramic views of Scilla, Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands. You can reach the summit either on foot or opt for the convenience of an elevator, available for a nominal fee of 1 euro, built within the rock.

The fishing district of Chianalea is traditionally called “Little Venice”. It doesn’t look like Venice, but it has very nice narrow lanes and restaurants with terraces over the water. Houses here are built on the water, and in numerous restaurants you can try freshly caught swordfish (I recommend it – it’s delicious!).

We found a nice little restaurant in Schilla that serves seafood – Medousa Novel Food (Via largo San Nicola 11). A very simple restaurant, but incredibly delicious swordfish and octopus. I recommend it!

There is a wonderful pebble beach in the Marina Grande neighborhood. We took our swimsuits with us and spent two hours swimming, sunbathing and watching huge ships pass through the strait between mainland Italy and Sicily.

A train ticket to Shilla costs 4.5 euros one way, with a travel time of 1 hour.

Capo Vaticano

The beaches around Cape Capo Vaticano, sheltered by tall green cliffs, are a series of sandy coves and inlets heading toward the volcanic island of Stromboli, which smokes into the sky above the sea. They are poorly marked, so to find them, head west from the train station in Ricada (two stops from Tropea ) and follow the signs to the campsites on the beach.

All the beaches of Capo Waticano are beautiful with gorgeous blue water. However, some of them will be too difficult to access for children or people with mobility problems. In addition, some of them do not have any amenities outside of the sand and sea, meaning you have to bring everything with you for the day: towels, food, and plenty of drinking water in the summer.

A train ticket to Ricada costs 2 euros and the journey time is 15 minutes.

An alternative is to sail to Capo Vaticano on a rented boat or by joining a small group boat tour. At least that’s what many tourists do who don’t want to climb down to the beaches.

Aeolian Islands

A boat tour of the Aeolian islands to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a very popular activity in Tropea. Stromboli, with its extremely active volcano, is the star of the show. But the island travel experience also includes time for shopping, dining and beaches in other islands – Lipari and Vulcano.

This full-day tour of the Islands from Tropea has great reviews and involves a 7 am departure. However, someone may prefer an excursion to the Stromboli volcano volcano to see it erupt at night.

What to eat in Calabria and Tropea

The culinary heart of this region is undeniably the red onion, known as Cipolla Rossa di Tropea. It’s cultivated here and finds its way into nearly all dishes, even ice cream and beer infused with onions! You must sample salads, pizzas, and pastas featuring this unique onion. It’s also used to make jam, although I haven’t had the opportunity to taste it.

Cipolla Rossa di Tropea is highly esteemed throughout Italy and is affectionately referred to as the “red gold of Calabria.” It stands out for its exceptional sweetness, significantly milder and less pungent than what you might expect from an onion. In fact, locals often enjoy it just like an apple!

This remarkable sweetness is a result of the unique conditions and climate in which Tropea’s pink onions are cultivated. They are grown in sandy soil just a few meters from the beach, and these factors lead to lower levels of pyruvic acid and reduced sulfur compounds, resulting in a sweeter and less watery product.

Here is a list of Calabrian dishes that you can see on the menu and try at Tropea:

Cheeses: caciocavallo made from sheep or cow’s milk and the spicy pecorino di Monte Poro made strictly from sheep’s milk are considered Calabrian heritage.
I came across a fascinating tidbit suggesting that traditional truffle tartufo ice cream with molten chocolate at its core can only be savored in the seaside town of Pizzo Calabro. However, I also found this delightful treat available at nearly every café in Tropea. It’s a sweet and delectable choice.
The most popular local wine is Ciro, named after a commune in Calabria. But I also liked Italian beer.
Capocollo is a smoked roll of neck, as well as salted ham pancetta, pork sausages salsicce. All this can be tasted in a nice restaurant (also a shop of Calabrian specialties) in the center of Tropea Livasì Food & Store (Via Umberto I, 2).
Another local culinary specialty is the nduja di Spilinga, a soft sausage with Calabrian pepper. Well, it’s a dish for those with a good stomach – I had a hard time eating it because it was very spicy. You can spread it on bread, add a little to pasta and fried dishes.
Licurdia – onion soup with grated pecorino cheese and hot peppers and thickened with bread. This is a good dish in the fall, when you need to warm up very quickly.
Rappardelle mare in monti – pasta with shrimp and porcini mushrooms. It’s also autumnal food, because it’s too hot for mushrooms here in summer.
Pesce stocco alla calabrese – dried cod in the Calabrian style, this is the main appetizer of the region.
Fried anchovies(alici),sardines fried in breadcrumbs(sarde a scapece) and octopus on a pillow of stracciatella cheese are also worth trying.

Where to stay in Tropea, Calabria

The primary reason for most visitors to the Coast of the Gods is to unwind on the beach, and I’m no exception. I was among those who dreamed of an autumn seaside vacation and sought a beautiful and warm sea in October.

However, it’s worth noting that there are limited lodging options near the beaches. While there are plenty of campsites available, that wasn’t our plan for my daughter and me; we preferred not to stay in a camper or a tent. Therefore, we embarked on a search for accommodation within the town.

Most travelers follow a similar pattern, seeking comfort and convenience. There are two main ways to find lodging: either opt for a hotel in the historic center or select a hotel or apartment in the “new” part of Tropea. The latter option is particularly appealing to those traveling by car, as the new city offers easier access and departure for vehicles, more budget-friendly accommodation rates, and a quieter and more serene vacation ambiance.

Historical center Tropea

BlueMind – is one of the most beautiful hotels in the historic center, mainly due to its location, views from the windows and balconies overlooking the Della Rotonda beach. The rooms are large, modern with a neutral palette, and also have a large rooftop terrace with sea views.

Villa Adua – If you prefer to stay in a historic building, you should take a look at this B&B, which offers lovely suites with interesting decor. An excellent breakfast is included in the price, and the beach and city center are almost close by.

Domus Gieffe – excellent rooms in the center of Old Trapea, but with a new modern renovation. There is a private balcony with views of the ancient square and the azure sea. There are many restaurants nearby, but they are located on neighboring streets and will not disturb you at night.

Hotels and apartments outside the Old Town

We lived outside of Old Tropea because we found a nice apartment for a very nice price 10 minutes walk from the center. You don’t need a car to get to the center of Tropea – the town is small, and a pleasant walk overlooking the sea is only good for your health.

As I wrote above, there are many more parking spaces outside the Old Town for those who rent a car. For example, there are many guesthouses and apartments with their own parking lot, so you don’t have to pay extra for it.

Litto Appartamenti – very nice apartments with a lovely garden and a private terrace. The owner, Manuela, was our angel who helped us with everything: she met us at the train station and brought us to the apartment, did my laundry for free after the Camino. The apartment had everything you need to relax, even such small things as ground coffee to brew yourself a cup in the morning and drink it on the terrace. Or olive oil to make breakfast or a salad.

Appartamento Donna Imma – nice apartment with all amenities 5 minutes walk from the center of Tropea. The apartment has two full bedrooms – you can relax either with your family or with other friends.

Townhouse Tropea – This popular B&B located on the outskirts of the old town is actually very modern, with beautiful, large and spacious rooms, attentive staff, excellent breakfast and a great rooftop terrace/bar with sea views.

Don Carlo Tropea – is a hotel right on the edge of the historic center, offering modern rooms with great reviews and not too high a price. Keep in mind that this hotel is very popular, so if you’re traveling during high season, you’ll need to book in advance.

Useful articles and links:

Car rental – cheap car rental options in Ukraine DiscoverCars
Find train tickets in Europe conveniently on Trainline
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com

Tropea – complete guide about the rest on the best beaches of Calabria, Italy