As a lifelong resident of Italy, I’ve always been drawn to the country’s coastal beauty. Growing up, I was constantly looking to experience iconic maritime cities, from Amalfi to Taormina.
I spent most of my holidays as a child in Tropea, Calabria, a quiet but beautiful coastal town in Southern Italy where my family lives.
Set in the heart of the “Coast of Gods” along the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea is the epitome of peace and unspoiled charm. It has a rich cultural heritage, idyllic beaches, and a strong sense of tradition.
Here’s why I love visiting Tropea.
I can’t get enough of the peaceful beaches.
Tropea is known for its wide sandy beaches, my favorite of which is Spiaggia della Rotonda. This gorgeous spot is less than a mile from Tropea’s main viewpoint, Belvedere Piazza del Cannone.
I love watching the sun reflect off the turquoise, crystal-clear waters. The beach is also incredibly clean and quiet, with a few people typically enjoying a walk and local fishermen casting their lines.
There are plenty of budget-friendly spots for one-of-a-kind culinary experiences.
Tropea is home to tons of pubs and family-run restaurants.
I always stop at Gelateria Mimmo for refreshing and velvety gelato. Visiting this shop allows me to get a taste of every region of Italy.
My go-to restaurant is Hostaria Italiana da Nino, a culinary gem that makes exquisite margherita pizzas with buffalo mozzarella.
I also love Koes, which celebrates Tropea and its flavors with fresh fish recipes. This kiosk provides quality squid, shrimp, and sandwiches with crudités.
I love shopping at small businesses in the area.
When visiting Tropea, I love buying souvenirs from small and family-owned stops.
Many vendors sell homegrown food and homemade souvenirs, and it’s easy to see how proud the locals are of their work.
For example, I found a small but unique street stall run by an older merchant who grows Tropea onions. These are famous for their oval shape, antioxidant properties, and deep-purple tone. I bought a bundle of them to make frittatas.
Tropea is more than just a beach destination.
Although Tropea is known for its beautiful beaches, the town has more to offer all year long.
For example, I immersed myself in Tropea’s maritime heritage by stopping at Museo Diocesano, which is known for its unique art exhibitions and paintings linked to Catholicism and the local diocese.
Visiting Museo Civico del Mare was another unforgettable experience. Here, I learned a lot about the sea and admired interesting paleontological finds.
I also took part in a beautiful mass at the Duomo of Tropea, also known as the Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania. This church was originally built in the 12th century and is now the main gathering place for Catholics in Tropea.
The mass was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I watched as people sang while dancing hand in hand.
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