Tropea is a good choice if you would like to experience the southernmost part of the italian boot. The coastal spot is perfect to explore the Mediterranean atmosphere, as well as unbounded seaside fun. Hereafter you we would like to give you a little overview of what you can do and see in Tropea and surroundings during your stay:
The most beautiful beaches::
The beaches of Tropea are underneath the city center. There is a large, wide sandy beach to which the public has free access and the part of the “Mare grande” where guests can choose between numerous providers of umbrellas and loungers. At the north of the port is the "Lido la Grazia" beach, which is particularly popular with the 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 have to visit the "Spiaggia di Riaci" beach with its rustic rock that protrudes 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 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 worthwhile, to the 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 an interesting cave settlement to visit, in which the 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, known for its Tartufo ice cream, which is said to have been invented here. 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" church carved out of the rocks and with many sculptures inside.
The Carthusian monastery in Serra San Bruno:
Serra San Bruno is a nice 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 is worthwhile in fine weather and good visibility. From up there 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 enjoy your time.
Reggio Calabria:
Reggio Calabria is the most populous city in Calabria and famous for its bergamots, 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 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 rock, the shape of which resembles the five fingers of one hand. Time and some earthquakes changed this shape, but the name has remained. The village of Greek origin has been abandoned for several decades.
Gerace:
The village of Gerace is located in the Aspromonte National Park. The 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 in Stilo is certainly 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 to this day and rewards 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 is the Eremo di Santa Maria della Stella church hidden in a grotto.
Excursion to the Aeolian Islands:
The trip to the Aeolian Islands is certainly one of the highlights. Between May and October, different tours are offered almost daily (depending on the weather!). The mini cruise starts early in the morning and goes to the islands of Vulcano, Lipari and Stromboli. The ship will return to Tropea around 7 p.m.
The Stromboli by night excursion starts after lunch and lasts until late in the evening in order to be able to admire the eruption of the volcano with a little luck at nightfall.
Hiking:
If you like walking, you can go on interesting hiking tours in and around Tropea. However, since there are hardly any marked trails and little information, it is better to go into the hands of 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 on this: 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/
