Visiting the Town of Tropea in Italy: Exploring Cliffside Houses and Savoring Red Onions

The town of Tropea is one of the most stunning coastal towns in the Mediterranean, yet it remains largely undiscovered by tourists from around the world.

Introduction to the Coastal Town of Tropea, Italy

Tropea is an impressive coastal town located on the western coast of Calabria in southern Italy. It boasts iconic houses built on top of cliffs and breathtaking views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea.

Famous for its charming historic center, magnificent beaches, and the renowned Tropea red onions, this town is often described as the gem of Calabria.

Although Tropea has gained some popularity in recent years, it is still relatively unknown on the international tourist circuit. With its allure rivaling that of the famous Positano or Cinque Terre, Tropea is a must-visit destination that deserves more attention.

 

Experiencing Tropea’s Highlights

Enjoy Unforgettable Beaches in Tropea, Calabria

The exquisite turquoise hues and crystal-clear waters of Tropea’s beaches make it an ideal destination to unwind. The beaches are surrounded by rocky cliffs, dotted with caves and impressive rock formations. Rent a sunbed or find a secluded spot to bask in the sunlight and immerse yourself in the bluest waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Tropea offers both public and private beaches for all beachgoers.

Impressive rock formations, cliffs, small coves, and caves scatter along the coastline, resembling the Caribbean paradise. Bring along your own beach umbrella or rent one, soak up the sun, swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and observe tiny fish swimming around your feet. Alternatively, hire a kayak, rowboat, or rubber dinghy. Tropea Sub Diving Center operates year-round and offers scuba diving and snorkeling services.

Explore the Streets of Tropea

The historical center of Tropea sits about 70 meters above sea level, featuring narrow alleys, streets, churches, palaces, and balconies overlooking the horizon with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Wandering through Tropea’s historic center allows you to discover workshops of local artisans, particularly textiles, ironworks, and ceramics, as well as buy local delicacies directly from farmers, such as the famous Tropea red onions.

The historic center of Tropea is a delight to explore. You don’t need a map to navigate through these narrow pedestrian streets. You can wander and eventually find yourself at the sea or stop for an Aperol Spritz under the shade of a pine tree at a café.

For high-quality local food products, visit the historic Enogastronomia Lorenzo. Don’t miss the quirky bottega Arte d’Amare with cute seahorses and other souvenirs. In the evening, the town comes alive as people stroll before dinner and stop at various bars for aperitifs. Pause at Caffe del Corso to watch passers-by in one of the main squares, or enjoy a cocktail at Migliarese.

Visit Santa Maria Dell’Isola

A fairytale church perched on the ‘island’ rock in front of the town of Tropea, Santa Maria dell’Isola is an iconic image on the Coast of the Gods (Costa degli Dei) in Calabria. Situated on a rocky promontory and surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea, you can only reach this 4th-century monastery by climbing the stairway carved into the rock.

The original structure of Santa Maria dell’Isola was built many centuries ago, and the landscape surrounding it has changed. Looking at old photos, you can see the landscape as it was, on an island completely surrounded by water. In recent years, silt and sediment have filled the water, connecting the island to the mainland of Tropea, and the island now connects to a white sandy beach on both sides.

Take your time to explore the gardens and take in the breathtaking scenery at any time of the day. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Stromboli volcano on the horizon, and Santa Maria dell’Isola with the pink sky of sunset.

Visit the Norman Cathedral

Tropea’s history dates back 2000 years, but many natural disasters and wars have taken away countless landmarks from the town. One of the most beautiful structures that still stands is the Norman Cathedral, with its wide Gothic arches in the historic center. The cathedral houses a 4th-century painting of Tropea’s patron saint, Madonna of Romania, who has saved the town on many occasions, including during World War II when two bombs were dropped in the middle of the town but did not explode, and they are now on display inside the church.

Tasting All the Delicacies of Calabria in Tropea

Tropea is also renowned for its delectable cuisine. Along the coastline, you will find an abundance of fresh seafood. Try some of Tropea’s famous squid dishes or traditional Italian favorites like pizza and pasta.

A coastal town like Tropea prioritizes dishes like spaghetti with clams (a la vongole) and mussels (con le cozze), which are central to their menus. Swordfish (pesce spada) is another local delicacy, particularly when grilled to perfection.

Tropea, Calabria, is the only place in the world where red onions (cipolle) are produced! They hang in vegetable stalls, stacked one on top of the other along the streets, and salads served with Tropean red onions have a distinct flavor. The red onions grown here have a uniquely delicate and sweet taste. They are used in various dishes, being a key ingredient in some local specialties, and if you search a bit, you might even find gelato with the flavor of red onions!

 

Being cultivated in sandy soil just a few meters from the beaches, Tropea onions have a sugar content similar to other varieties, but their unique sweetness comes from the conditions and climate that create a product with lower pyruvic acid and sulfur compounds than usual. This not only makes your eyes sting less when cutting them but also allows the natural sweetness of the onion to shine through, with locals saying the best thing in Tropea tastes like an apple on your tongue.

Try Tartufo: Everyone eats gelato in Italy, but when in Tropea, add tartufo to your must-try food list. Originating from Pizzo, Calabria, tartufo is a round ball made of hazelnut ice cream and vanilla, covered in a layer of cocoa powder. Savoring it with a spoon and enjoying the rich melted chocolate oozing from this sweet globe is a delightful experience.

Experience Villa Paola

Villa Paola is a luxurious 5-star hotel converted from a 16th-century monastery dedicated to San Francesco of Paola, the patron saint of Calabria. With only 11 spacious and fully equipped rooms, the hotel perched on a hilltop offers a private and refined atmosphere even when fully booked. The fresh air and serene surroundings around the villa are scented by flower gardens of paper flowers, roses, peach blossoms, and lavender, and the breathtaking pool seemingly suspended above the town below provides an excellent view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Admire the Sunset in Tropea

Do you enjoy watching pink hues spread across the sky during your Italy travels? Tropea offers stunning, expansive sunsets, and the end of Corso Vittorio Emmanuele provides an excellent viewpoint to admire them.

On many evenings, the sky may blaze, dominated by deep orange-red hues, and the Stromboli volcano on the Tyrrhenian Sea will provide an even more impressive backdrop. With beautiful views from various vantage points, just step outside during twilight on a clear night, and you’re sure to capture a breathtaking scene of the sun setting over the Tyrrhenian.

One of the most exciting things about Tropea is its long summer season. You can visit in May or October and still enjoy blue skies, summery temperatures, and beach time!