Is Tropea in Calabria Italy Worth Visiting? (By A Frequent Visitor)

Wondering if Tropea in Calabria Italy is worth visiting?

Absolutely! Tropea, in Calabria, is a tourist destination worth visiting for several reasons. First, it is built on a rocky promontory 150 feet above the sea, so the views are beautiful.  Second, Tropea has sandy beaches with turquoise water.  And third, the historic town has been awarded the Il Borgo Più Bello d’Italia – the prettiest village in Italy.

Tropea is one of the prettiest villages in Italy.

Due to its proximity to the Lamezia Airport, Tropea is a very popular destination for visitors from Europe and the United Kingdom.  It is an ideal place for relaxation, exploration, and natural beauty.   We have been to Tropea several times. It is fun to meander around the town and look out to the sea to try to find the volcanic island of Stromboli in the far distance.

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Tropea is very popular with European visitors.

Where is Tropea in Calabria?

Tropea is in southern Italy in the region of Calabria along the Mediterranean coastline. This area is known as La Costa degli Dei – the Coast of the Gods.

It is about a 3-hour drive south from our home in San Nicola Arcella in the northern part of Calabria.

13 Interesting Things to Do in Tropea in Calabria

The history of Tropea is rich and varied, spanning centuries of influences, conquests, and cultural exchanges.  The town’s strategic coastal location made it attractive to various civilizations including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and the Normans.

During the Angevin and Aragonese rule, Tropea’s architecture flourished, resulting in the construction of churches, palaces, and other structures that still stand today.

Besides being a beach resort, we found roaming through the streets of the historic center is fun and very interesting.

1. Sanctuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola di Tropea

One of the main symbols of Tropea is a church sitting on top of a rock overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  It used to be on an island. But after a few earthquakes and rough seas, it is now connected to the mainland.

The Sanctuary of Saint Mary sits on a rock in the sea facing the old town of Tropea.

The exact timing of when the Sanctuary of Saint Mary of the Island was built is unknown.  It is estimated to be around the 6th century, and it was originally a monastery.  Throughout the centuries, it transformed into a Sanctuary.  Due to the earthquakes of 1783 and 1905, the Sanctuary was damaged and rebuilt.

Today, you can climb the steep stairway to visit the Sanctuary – admission is free.  There is a garden behind the church which costs €3 for entry.

The views of the sea and the town of Tropea are quite beautiful from here. 

Open: Monday to Sunday – 9:00 to 13:00, then 15:30 to 19:30.  In July and August, the Sanctuary is open from 22:00 to midnight.


2. Chiesa del Gesù in Old Town Tropea

The Church of Jesus is designed in the baroque style with statues and carvings on the exterior facade.

The Church of Jesus, designed in the Baroque style, has an ornate façade with carvings and statues.  It was constructed in the 17th century by the Jesuit order.  The interior has gilded details, frescoes and altars dedicated to various saints.

The interior of the Church of Jesus has frescoes and a gilded altar.

It is very peaceful inside the church and provides a respite from the heat of the day.


3. Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi

The church of Saint Francis of Assisi is built in the gothic style with a simple stained glass window.

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi dates to the 16th century.  It is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, with a simple façade adorned with a delicate rose window.


4. Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo

The Church of Archangel Saint Michael is near the start of the old town Tropea.  It has a very simple façade and bell tower. 

The church of Saint Michael the Archangel has a very simple facade and bell tower.

The interior is white, yet elegant, with paintings and a very cool sculpture of a hand holding a cross over the balcony. 

The church of Saint Michael the Archangel has a sculpture of a hand holding a crucifix over a balcony.

Worth making a stop to visit this church.


5. Corso Vittorio Emanuele

This is the vibrant heart of the town.  Corso Vittorio Emanuele is a charming pedestrian street that winds through the historic center.  It is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Restaurants, cafes, and shops line the street along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

During the evenings it has a lively atmosphere and is very busy during the summer months.  The Corso leads to a beautiful overview of the sea.  Perfect for watching the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.


6. Cattedrale di Maria Santissima di Romania

The Cathedral of Mary Most Holy of Romania is the main duomo for Tropea.  If you have limited time in Tropea, this is the one site that you should visit.

The main Cathedrale of Tropea is in honor of Saint Mary of Romania in the gothic, norman style.

The Cathedral has a very interesting history and contains fascinating artifacts.  It was originally built in the 12th century by the Normans in the Gothic style.  Through time, it took on a Baroque style and, after several earthquakes, it was rebuilt back to its original Norman Gothic style.

The interior view of the Cathedrale of Tropea.

Inside the Duomo is a Byzantine painting from the 1300’s of the Virgin Mary of Romania.  According to legend, the painting came ashore on a fishing boat.  The local bishop had dreams of the painting and took it from the boat and hung it in the duomo.  The Virgin Mary continued to appear in the bishop’s dreams warning him of earthquakes.

The byzantine painting of Mary and Jesus hangs on the Cathedrale of Tropea.

As legend has it, the Virgin Mary became the patron saint of Tropea. The people of Tropea call her Our Lady of Romania and she is their protector.  I must say that this painting is stunning, and my photo does not do it justice. Make sure you check it out when visiting the Duomo.

Jesus on the black cross hangs in the Cathedrale of Tropea.

Another significant artifact, inside the Duomo, is the black, wooden crucifix probably from France in the 1600’s.  Also, next to the main entrance to the duomo are two undetonated bombs from World War II.

An undetonated bomb from WWII hangs near the door in the Cathedrale of Tropea.

In the piazza, in front of the Duomo, are the remains of the previous building – statues and pieces of the walls.  Visiting the Cattedrale di Maria Santissima di Romania will provide you with a historical perspective of Tropea and her people.

Due to an earthquake that severely damaged the Cathedrale, the rocks and statues are on display in a courtyard.

7. Chiesa di San Giuseppe

In the historic center of Tropea, the Church of Saint Joseph is dedicated to Saint Joseph.  It was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style.

The Church of St. Joseph depicts the life of Joseph with Jesus.

Inside the church are paintings depicting the life of Joseph with Jesus.

Paintings depicting life events for Joseph and Jesus are displayed throughout the church.

Under the church is a grave with 400 bodies.  Now we found this information to be a bit disturbing especially when looking through the glass cover in the floor. According to our guide, this is where they buried the poor people from the town. Oy!

Below the floor in the Church of St. Joseph is a grave with 400 bodies of poor people.

8. Doorway Portals in Old Town Tropea

As you wander through the alleyways of the historic center, you will see the frames of the doorways, some ornate, others less so.  They represent the entrances to the homes of the wealthy, noble families in Tropea.  The styles are Baroque, Romanesque, Gothic and Neoclassical.

Throughout the alley ways in Tropea, there are ornate doorway portals leading to the homes of the wealthy.

The Palazzo Bragho portal is from 1721 in the Barocco-Rococo style.  The doors are made from steel. As we walked through the old town, we learned that the wealthy, or nobility of the times, lived on the floors above the street in palazzos. The poor lived on the street level or below in one- or two-room spaces with their families and animals.


9. Fascist Soldier Painted on the Wall

Across from the western side of the Cattedrale di Maria Santissima di Romania is a painting, on the upper part of a wall, of the head of a fascist soldier.  This was painted during the era of Mussolini.

Painting of a soldier's head from the Mussolini era.

I probably would have not noticed it without the guidance of our guide.


10. Byzantine Wall

The Byzantine influence dates to the early medieval period when the town was part of the Byzantine Empire.  Today, the remains of the original wall, that surrounded Tropea, can be found at the beginning of the historic center along the Dicesa Marina Vescovado road.

Remains of the Byzantine wall that originally surrounded Tropea in Calabria.

11. Spiaggia della Rotonda

Tropea is known for its white sand beaches with crystal clear water.  There are several beaches along the coastline. The most popular beach is Spiaggia della Rotonda.  The beach sits below the old town, to the north of the Sanctuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola.  The beach can be reached from the old town via a set of stairs – about 195 steps down to the beach.

The Spiaggia della Rotonda is a popular beach in Tropea.

The Spiaggia della Rotonda is a free beach, where you can walk on the beach with your own umbrella and chair. 

Enjoying the sea while sitting on the beach at La Spiaggia della Rotonda in Tropea.

We were there in July during a heatwave, so the beach was very busy since there was not much to do but stay in the water to cool off.


12. Porto Turistico di Tropea in Calabria

The Tropea Port is one of the best marinas in Southern Italy.

The Tropea Port is below the old town near the beaches.  It is one of the best marinas in southern Italy.   The port provides docking and mooring facilities for a variety of vessels, from small boats to larger yachts.  It also provides great views of the old town on the cliff.

View of the old town of Tropea from the port.

From the port, you can rent boats, take a boat tour along the coast, take a cruise to see Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands, or do parasailing.  Check out options here.


13. I Grotti Zungri near Tropea in Calabria

The Zungri Caves are homes carved into the soft rock of the Poro Plateau, about a 20-minute drive from Tropea.  The Caves are an open-air museum where you can explore the rooms and see the remains of the ancient hearths and niches carved into the rock walls for storage and daily life.

The Zungri Caves are on Mount Poro and depicting ancient cave life.

At the entrance of the archaeological site is the Museo della Civilita Contadina – the Museum of Rural Culture.  The free museum houses artifacts and exhibits showing peasant life over the 19th and 20th centuries.  They also have a video about the caves, in English.

The Museum of Rural Life displays life in the 19th and 20th centuries in the Tropea region.

While in the museum, you can purchase your ticket to tour the caves. The walk path to the grottos is gravel and can be steep at times.


What is Tropea in Calabria Best Known For

Besides the great beaches and amazing sunsets, Tropea is known for the Tropea red onion – la Cipolla Rossa di Tropea.  The red onions are special due to their sweetness, deep reddish-purple hue, and versatility in both raw and cooked dishes.  The unique combination of the region’s climate, sandy soil, and specific cultivation methods contributes to the mild and delicate flavors, making them distinct from regular onions.

Tropea is known for the la cipolla di rossa, the red onion.

The Tropea red onion is used in a variety of traditional dishes such as the cipolla rossa di Tropea jam, pickled onions, and various pasta and meat dishes.  They are even used in making desserts and ice cream!

La cipolla rossa di Tropea can be found throughout Calabria at local markets.

How do you get to Tropea?

Getting to Tropea involves various transportation options depending on your starting point. Here are some common ways to reach Tropea:

By Air: The nearest major airport to Tropea is Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF). From the airport, take a taxi, shuttle, or rent a car to reach Tropea, which is approximately an hour’s drive away. Several airlines offer domestic and international flights in Europe to Lamezia Terme Airport.  We recommend using DiscoverCar when looking to rent a car.

By Train: You can also travel to Tropea by train. The nearest train station is “Tropea”, which is well-connected to other cities in Italy. It’s recommended to check train schedules and availability in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.  Tropea station is less than a mile from the historic center.

By Car: If you’re traveling within Italy or from nearby regions, you can rent a car and drive to Tropea. The town is accessible via the A3 highway, and signs will guide you to the proper exit. Having a car can be convenient for exploring the surrounding areas and beaches at your own pace.  Tropea is approximately 5 hours south of Naples.

Note:  The historic center is a ZTL meaning Zona a Traffico Limitato – Limited Traffic Zone.  Driving within the historic center is prohibited.  There are designated parking areas outside of the historic center.

Where to Stay in Tropea in Calabria

Tropea offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets.  On our last visit, we stayed in a B&B near the beach called Residenza Burmaria.

The Residenza Burmaria in Tropea near the beach.

We were able to park our car nearby and the daily breakfasts and snacks were delicious.  They also provided a beach umbrella which was very handy when we went to the Spiaggia della Rotonda.  The only downside was that we had to walk up the steps into the old town (195 of them).

There are several beach properties along the Tropea coastline.  Check out the choices here from Booking.com.

If you would prefer to stay in the Historic Center, there are many B&B’s and a few hotels.  You will be in walking distance to everything in the old town.  Parking the car may be a concern.  You will need to check with the property to see where they recommend parking.  Check for properties here.

My Trip Planning Resources

These are the companies that I use when planning our trips:

Flights: WayAway
Hotel Reservations: Booking.com & Hotels.com
Vacation Rentals: VRBO
Portable Wi-Fi: Ryoko Pro
Rental Cars: DiscoverCars.com
Train Tickets: Rail Europe
Tours: Viator, Get Your Guide and GuruWalk
Travel Insurance: VisitorsCoverage
Airport Lounge Access Program: Priority Pass

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Depending on where you are staying, having minimal luggage will make things a little easier. Check out our post on traveling with carry-on luggage – you will be packing like a pro!

Where to Eat in Tropea in Calabria

In Tropea, the specialties are fresh fish and seafood, and a homemade pasta called fileja.  The dishes may include the Tropea red onion, La Cipolla Rossa, eggplant and zucchini blossoms during the summer season.  For dessert or even an afternoon snack, Tartufo is quite popular.  Tartufo is an ice cream ball with a soft center and coated on the outside with cocoa, chocolate, or nuts.  It originated in Pizzo, a town near Tropea. 

There are many restaurants and cafes in the historic center of Tropea, near the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.  We prefer places that are tucked away in alleyways and courtyards, away from the main tourist area.  Below are some of our recommendations.

  • Ristorante La Lamia
  • Ambrosia “Il Cibo degli Dei”
  • Trattoria Moderna Borgo Marina

There is a restaurant, at the Porto Turistico di Tropea, which we highly recommend; MYC Marine Yacht Club Tropea.  It has fantastic views of the old town, sitting up on the cliff, as well as the yachts and boats in the port.  The food and service is excellent.

FAQ: Is Tropea in Calabria Worth Visiting?

When Should You Visit Tropea?

June through September are the best times to visit Tropea, especially if you want to go to the beach. July and August are the busiest months, with tourists from Italy and Europe.

How Many Days Do You Need in Tropea?

Two to three days, if you want to spend time at the beach and perhaps do some boating activities.

Is Tropea Walkable?

Yes, it is walkable when in the historic center.  The steps to the beach areas are fine going down but it can be tiring to go up, especially in the heat.

Is Tropea better than Amalfi?

The choice between Tropea and Amalfi depends on what type of travel experience you’re seeking. If you’re looking for quieter beaches, a more local atmosphere, and a glimpse of southern Italian culture, Tropea would be your preference. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to the iconic Amalfi Coast scenery, a more vibrant touristy scene, and a sense of luxury, Amalfi might be the better fit. Each destination has its own unique charm and appeal, so consider your travel style and interests when making your decision.

Do I need an International Driver’s License when driving in Italy?

Yes, you do.  It is also known as an International Driving Permit (IDP), and it is mandatory in Italy.  You can obtain the permit, in the U.S., at AAA.  It is good for the year from the date-of-issue. 

Is travel insurance necessary when visiting Italy?

In today’s world, insurance should be seriously considered, whether traveling domestically or internationally. There are comprehensive plans for global travel, including options for additional medical coverage when traveling within Europe. Click here to learn more!

Final Thoughts: Is Tropea in Calabria Worth Visiting?

If you are traveling in southern Italy, Tropea is worth a visit.  With its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs, this is a wonderful place for relaxation and exploration.

The town’s historic center is a maze of charming streets and alleyways, medieval buildings, ornate doorways, and historic churches that make it fun to freely roam through the town center.

This is what we love about Italy, exploring ancient places and then relaxing at a café with a drink and a stuzzichini – small appetizer-like snacks.  With the food, beaches and charming town, Tropea is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience some of the best that the Calabria region has to offer.

If you would like assistance in planning your trip to Tropea, Italy, we would be happy to help.  Please refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or send us an email.

If you want to explore more in Southern Italy, check out our following posts:

How to Visit Amalfi by Ferry from Salerno in Southern Italy

29 Best Things To Do In Napoli (Naples, Italy 2025) By A Frequent Visitor

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Is San Nicola Arcella in Calabria Italy Worth Visiting? (By A Local)

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