The stunning Tropea is a cheaper alternative to the Amalfi Coast

A city that towers high above the water, with a maze of streets and alleys, endless viewpoints over the Tyrrhenian Sea, and routes through nature that even the least enthusiastic hiker will be delighted by. This is how you could describe a random town on the Amalfi Coast, but also Tropea. And the great advantage of Tropea is that the town is not yet completely overrun by tourists.

The coastal town of Calabria
Tropea is not stuck against the mountains like the towns on the Amalfi Coast, but is built on top of a sixty-meter-high rock. The city majestically towers above the light sandy beaches, which contrast with the bright blue sea. The large stone arches at the beach and the small peninsula with a monastery in the water complete the recognizable postcard image of Tropea.

Flying to Tropea
Just as beautiful, and a lot less popular. Tropea is located in the still relatively undiscovered Calabria, which is not a wealthy region and therefore has seen much less marketing. It is also a bit harder to reach; you fly to Lamezia Terme and then transfer to a bus or train. However, it doesn't take you much time; in just over four hours, you will be there. Driving is also an option, expect around 24 hours. It is one of the highlights of the region, and perhaps the most famous coastal town in Calabria.

Things to do on vacation in Tropea

Historic center
The city has a historic center with winding streets, cozy squares, and many panoramic terraces. The cream-colored buildings are Baroque, with Arab influences, Roman, and Norman. Tropea has been in the hands of many different peoples, and the nobility has also left its mark with many palazzi. But they are by no means all chic; they go hand in hand with dilapidated architecture. In Tropea, you won't find large retail chains, but local goods, with the advantage of being inexpensive. Calabria doesn't have many lively cities, but here it buzzes in the evenings, and the bars only close in the early hours. Don't forget to eat some fish somewhere, as you are by the sea, and a tourist trap is not easy to find, so you are good everywhere.

Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola
The monastery on the small island off the coast. If you don't know Tropea, you will recognize this image. It is built on a high rock, surrounded by sea and beaches, rising majestically above it. A staircase has been carved into the cliff, and a natural bridge of sand connects the island to the mainland. You can enter the church for free; only the tropical garden and the rooftop terrace cost money. A mere couple of euros, and the view you get in return is priceless.

Viewpoints around Tropea
A city high above the sea promises beautiful views. In Tropea, you will find many terraces and viewpoints. For the most beautiful vacation pictures, you should go to the terraces Affaccio dei Sospiri and Piazza del Cannone. From behind the balustrades, you can see the island of God on clear days: Stromboli, with its always spewing volcano. Belvedere Rico Ripa treats you to a surprise between two buildings, and from Largo Duomo, you look out over the harbor of Tropea.

Islands and caves
Stromboli is part of the Aeolian Islands, which lie off the coast of Calabria and Sicily. The island seems close, but that is optical illusion. From Tropea, you can take a boat directly, but the crossing takes about two hours. Additionally, Capo Vaticano nearby is also worth a visit, where you can take a boat. On the way to this beautiful bay, you will also visit several caves.

Tropea onion and Calabrian peppers
Another recognizable image: Piaggio's with bunches of pink onions and peppers hanging from them. The old-fashioned carts can really be seen in the city's streets, and the two ingredients are what Tropea and the region are known for. The Tropea onion is naturally sweet, which makes it different from the rest. Ice cream is even made from it. Just like from ‘nduja, the spicy spreadable sausage from Calabria made with the Calabrian peppers you see everywhere. Dare to taste those two ice cream flavors? Ice cream parlor Tonino is world-famous in Calabria, where the old owner has been making experimental flavors for years.

Beaches around Tropea
The city beach of Tropea is top-notch, but also crowded in the summer, as the whole city obviously flees there, and it is not that big. Fortunately, you are in Tropea on the Costa degli Dei, the Coast of the Gods. There are caves along the entire coast, and you swim in azure blue water. You can even reach several caves by swimming, such as the cave under the Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola. You can also enter it at low tide by going around the corner through the sand.

Hiking routes
The coast with its cliffs is well-suited for walks, and the hinterland is one large nature reserve. A beautiful route and the most famous is the Cammino di Ulisse. If you're lucky, you might witness a special natural wonder, the Tramonti di Ulisse. From April to May and August to September, the sun kisses the island of Stromboli at sunset. The bay of Capo Vaticano is a bit far to reach on foot, but with a twenty-minute drive or bus ride, you can get there too. At Parco Belvedere, you have an amazing view of the bay from the steep, cactus-covered cliffs.