Tropea, the pearl of Tyrrhenian sea

This article about stunning Tropea will introduce this magnificent southern Italian village and resort, known as the crown jewel of Calabrian tourism. More importantly, it was named “Most beautiful village in Italy” for 2021.

Why should you visit Tropea, the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea?

It is a municipality in Vibo Valentia, in Calabria, Italy. Furthermore, it is a seaside resort with magnificent sandy beaches, located on the Gulf of Saint Euphemia (Calabria).

Firstly, you will find spectacular white sand beaches with the Caribbean blue sea. Secondly, you will admire the charming medieval old town, set on the cliffs above the sea, which makes a spectacular scene, and you will get to taste the most exquisite local cuisine possible.

Santa Maria dell’Isola in Tropea/Foto credits: GagliardiImages | Shutterstock

Cityscape of Tropea with its’ wonderful beach/Photo credits: FodorsTravel

A few short facts about Tropea

Tropea is famous for its spectacular cliff-side position and beautiful transparent sea.

Secondly, nicknamed ‘the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea,’ has also won the annual award for most beautiful Italian “borgo” (historic village) for its “ideal combination of sea, sun, art, culture, architecture, gastronomy and hospitality.”

Thirdly, it is the main center on Calabria’s Coast of the Gods (Costa dei dei) and is famous for its spectacular position on a Cliffside, which offers stunning views of the coast from many of its ancient alleys.

Once you stroll down the ancient alleys, you will find some precious architectural gems, such as the noble palaces dating back to the 12th century. They are perched on the sheer cliff, overlooking the spectacular sandy beach below.

Furthermore, the symbol of the Tropea is a large rock where the 11th-century Sanctuary of “Santa Maria dell Isola” stands. More importantly. The sanctuary’s verdant garden offers a breathtaking view of the entire coast and Aeolian islands (Stromboli, for instance).

Tip: According to our experiences, not many people there speak English, so be sure to learn a few essential words in Italian.

Delicious Tropea

Did you think we forgot about you, gourmets? If anything, Calabria is an excellent opportunity for all food lovers.

This area is namely known for its unique cuisine. The most famous is linked to the sweet red onion of Tropea, the gastronomical symbol of the region. You can also check the Elicoidali pasta recipe with Tropea onions and make some for yourself at home.

In addition, there are plenty of other local specialties, like pasta and the famous Tartufo ice cream.

Insider Tip: We advise you to go to a local restaurant and try the best food possible in the most pleasant environment. But make sure to avoid the main touristic streets, because the best restaurants are always hidden in the back.

Dried Fileja/Photo source: blog.tui-blue.com

Tropean sweet red onions/Photo credits: Casamiatours.com

Tartufo ice cream/Photo source: blog.tui-blue.com

Dried Calabrian chilies /Photo source: blog.tui-blue.com

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How to arrive in Tropea

The nearest airport from Tropea is Lamezia Terme, and there are direct flights from several UK airports and other European countries. You can travel the 60 kilometers to the center of town by rental car, taxi (expensive) or train (cheap). A rental car is worthwhile to reach the most beautiful corners of Calabria. We are going to cover all this and more in a separate article.

Note: You can find the best flight deals on Skyscanner, or you can check out our related article about Incredible summer deals in Calabria.

How to move around in Tropea

Tropea is a small village, so there should be no problem exploring it on food. However, if your accommodation is in its surroundings, there are two main possibilities since the public transport is not so developed outside the “Ferragosta” (august). So, you have to options. Take a train to visit the Tropea. This option is the cheapest. You can always buy a ticket at the train station or on Omnio, Treninline, or similar apps.

However, if you reside in neighboring hills around the village, we strongly recommend renting a car.

Insider tip: If you want to hire a rental car, you don’t need to rent it in advance since the prices over there are much lower than on the web.

How to find cheap accommodation in Tropea?

The answer to this question can be tricky. Firstly, it all depends on a month of traveling. So, if you want to avoid big crowds and high prices, avoid the month of August.

When looking for accommodation, always check your preferences and customer reviews and only then book a suitable apartment. We recommend sites Booking.com or Airbnb.com, or you can check out our related article about Incredible summer deals in Calabria.

Which tours to pick?

That’s a tough pick. We have to admit, mainly because there’s so much to see there. Here are some hints. You can visit Pizzo and try their world-famous Tartufo. They claim it is the best gelato in the world. Secondly, you can visit Calabria’s fascinating hilltop villages to get the Tuscany feeling for a lower price. Thirdly, you can also see Scilla, the charming town by the sea. If you remember something from ancient Greek history, you will know the myth about Scilla and Caribda.

The conclusion of this blog post

So, there are plenty more exciting things to discover about stunning Tropea and its beautiful surroundings. But this time we have focused only on the most famous ones.

If you have ever been to Tropea, share your impressions in the comments below. So, let the discussion begin!