Tropea, Calabria
The hidden italian gem of the Mediterranean: history, nature and cuisine
Nestled between the Mediterranean waves and the cliffs of Calabria in southern Italy is an ancient village named Tropea, which was crowned "Italy's Most Beautiful Village" in 2021. Though not widely known abroad and not among the iconic destinations like Capri or Venice, its beauty is breathtaking. Tropea is a historic village perched on a tufa rock, overlooking crystal-clear waters. If you're craving beauty and history, this is the perfect place to get lost and rejuvenate.
The Pearl of Calabria
Tropea is located in Calabria, the tip of the Italian "boot." Calabria is a beautiful region, yet very under-touristed. Typically, the most visited tourist sites from abroad are, excluding art cities, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Capri, Lake Como, and various Sicilian locations like Taormina. Calabria is often overlooked and remains a favorite destination for Italians seeking good beaches at low prices, precisely because it isn't part of the mass tourism circuit. Yet, it boasts rich history and breathtaking landscapes. This is one of many, and among the most famous.
Among the region’s destinations, Tropea is highly popular in Italy due to its crystal-clear sea, relaxed pace of life, good food, and very affordable prices. Many Italians choose it as their summer destination, and I personally avoid going in peak season, which is August here, to enjoy it more.
The coast where Tropea is located is called the "Costa degli Dei" (Coast of the Gods), named for its crystalline waters, fine white sandy beaches, sheer cliffs, and hidden bays, all creating a landscape that seems sculpted by deities. The name suggests that this place is so enchanting it deserves to host the gods of Olympus. According to some myths, the Greek colonies in the area were once home to the gods who chose it for its scenic beauty.
Above the Village, and Below the Sea
The village of Tropea is perched on a rock and overlooks the sea, flanked by two sandy bays. To reach it, you need to drive from behind (but can only access it up to a certain point), or take a very scenic staircase, which is certainly a bit tiring but leads you to the heart of the village in a few minutes. Around this rock, in the lower part near the beaches, you'll mostly find vacation homes and campgrounds, while the vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and shops are all situated above. If you're adventurous enough to tackle the stairs, I'd recommend staying in the village to immerse yourself in its history and enjoy the enchanting Mediterranean view.
The campgrounds and vacation homes are basic, so don’t expect the almost fake perfection of Capri or the "touristic" polish of Portofino. Here, you encounter wild Calabria, showing itself as it is: charming, untamed, simple, and authentic.
In addition to exploring the village, I recommend visiting the Church of Santa Maria dell'Isola di Tropea. This sanctuary sits on a small island overlooking the sea next to Tropea's cliffs and is one of the most fascinating places to visit. It’s reached via a 190-step staircase, but the view of the village and beaches from above is even more stunning.
The Food
Here, wherever you go, the food is excellent. As a tourist spot primarily for Italians, you can imagine how absent the extremely touristy places are, and the quality is always top-notch. Additionally, the "Cipolla Rossa di Tropea" (Tropea Red Onion) is cultivated here. It's a registered trademark because the onion grown in this area has a unique flavor not found elsewhere. It is distinguished by its sweet taste with a slight spicy aftertaste. Many dishes are prepared with this onion or accompanied by sauces and side dishes featuring it. I adore it and have it sent to Milan because I can’t live without it!
Then there are all the typical Calabrian products: chili peppers (the ‘nduja), cured meats, cheeses, and of course, fish. Personally, I believe Calabria is one of the regions with the best food, alongside Sicily. Try it and see for yourself.
How to Get There
You can reach Tropea by train; regional trains are a bit slow but offer beautiful sea views. If you have plenty of time, it’s a good option. However, public transport is scarce there, so I personally recommend arriving by car. This way, you can also move around and visit nearby places.
This summer, after a long time, I managed to return for two days to recharge, both visually with these stunning views and gastronomically. Calabria is partly my region, and I will certainly continue to share it to move away from beautiful but somewhat "manufactured" and superficially enhanced over-tourism spots and rediscover the authenticity of true Italy. The food, the nature, the beauty.
Thank you for your article. Your photos are wonderful did you take them?
Oh this looks like a wonderful place. My family generations ago is from Calabria and I hope to spend some time there at some point. Didn't make it on my last trip to Italy although I saw many other wonderful places. I love how each region has its own food.