Tropea, a mix of nobility, scoundrels and sailors, writers and saints, everything and nothing, a hodgepodge of ideas and inspirations, is a place that captures the essence of this uniquely blessed stretch of land. As such, it is the perfect start to a journey of the body and mind that will remain forever imprinted on your heart.
Below, we offer a small overview of the beaches, towns, cultural and natural sites that you can discover in Tropea and the surrounding areas:
The most beautiful beaches::
The beaches of Tropea are at the base of the cliff just below the city center. There is a large, wide sandy beach to which the public has free access, as well as the private Mare grande section, where guests can choose between numerous providers of umbrellas and lounges. North of the port is the Lido la Grazia beach, which is particularly popular with locals.
For those who prefer natural beaches without loungers, bars and other amenities, the Paradiso del Sub beach in Zambrone is an absolute must.
In Santa Domenica, you must visit the Spiaggia di Riaci beach with its rough-hewn rocks that emerge from the water, and the "Formicoli" beach, which is particularly popular with families due to its powder-soft, white sand.
The most impressive beach on the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) is surely Grotticelle at Capo Vaticano. From this beach you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Cape. When the weather is nice, a trip around the Cape by canoe or pedal boat is definitely worth it, giving you access to lonely bays that can only be reached from the water.
The cave settlement in Zungri:
The small village of Zungri is located in the mountains about 15 km from Tropea. There is a fascinating cave settlement there, where its former inhabitants lived in harmony with nature for over a thousand years until the post-war period.
The historical city center of Pizzo:
Pizzo is a pleasant fishing village not far north of Tropea, known for its “Tartufo” ice cream, said to have been invented there. In addition to the pretty old town, there is a beach promenade with many bars and restaurants.
Just outside the city you can visit the "Piedigrotta" cave church, carved entirely out of the rock, and housing many sculptures.
The Carthusian monastery of Serra San Bruno:
Serra San Bruno is a quaint mountain village, surrounded by thick forests that invite you to picnic and go for a walk. St. Bruno of Cologne founded the Carthusian monastery here in 1094, whose museum can be visited today.
The view at Monte St. Elia:
On the way towards Reggio Calabria, a trip to Monte St. Elia, when the weather and visibility is good, is worth your while. From the top you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the coast - from Sicily to Capo Vaticano.
The fishing village of Scilla:
Scilla is the most famous town on the Costa Viola. The castle of the Ruffo family towers over the city and divides the city into the Marina Grande and Chianalea. At the Marina Grande there is a long, wide beach with various bars and ice cream parlors. Chianalea is the former fishing district of the town. With its narrow streets and the many colorful boats that "park" next to the small houses, it invites you to stroll around and simply enjoy a walk.
Reggio Calabria:
Reggio Calabria is the most populous city in Calabria and famous for its bergamots, citrus fruits which are only grown in this region. The heart of the city is the 1.7 km long beach promenade with a wonderful view of Sicily. In the Museo Nazionale you can admire the "Bronzi di Riace", two Greek bronze statues, the most intact in the works, that were discovered by accident in 1972 off the coast.
The ghost town of Pentedattilo:
Pentedattilo is a ghost town on the slope of a cliff, the shape of which resembles the five fingers of one hand (giving the town its name). Time and earthquakes have changed its shape, but the name has remained. The village is of Greek origin, and has been abandoned for several decades, aside from its one famous resident who mans the town’s only shop.
Gerace:
The village of Gerace is located in the Aspromonte National Park on the Ionian coast. This well-preserved medieval city is full of rock-hewn churches and palazzi. The castle and cathedral date from the time of the Normans.
Stilo and Monte Stella
The Cattolica at Stilo is one of the most photographed buildings in Calabria. And rightly so, because the religious building built by Byzantine monks in the tenth century has been very well-preserved, rewarding its visitors with fascinating wall paintings and a fantastic view. The historic center of Stilo is also worth a walk.
The Monte Stella sanctuary is a few kilometers from Stilo. In addition to the breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea, here you’ll find the Eremo di Santa Maria della Stella, a church hidden in a grotto.
Excursion to the Aeolian Islands:
A trip to the Aeolian Islands is certainly a highlight. Between May and October, different tours are offered almost daily from Tropea (depending on the weather!). The ferry starts early in the morning and goes to the islands of Vulcano, Lipari and Stromboli. The ferry returns to Tropea around 7 p.m.
The Stromboli by night excursion starts after lunch and lasts until late in the evening, giving guests an opportunity to admire, with a little luck, the eruption of the volcano after nightfall.
Hiking:
If you like walking, there are some great hiking tours in and around Tropea. However, since there are hardly any marked trails and little information, it is best to go with an experienced hiking guide. Almost every day, the Stupor Mundi Tours team offers exclusive and educational day hikes in various languages, that make the heart of a hiker beat faster. More information at: www.stupormunditours.com
Wine tasting:
On a unique site between the sea and the mountains, the Rombolà family cultivates wine in a biodynamic way, which is harvested by hand. The result is high quality red, rosé and white wines. Upon request, the winery and the growing region can be visited and the wines tasted. More information at: https://cantinamasicei.it/
