Few stretches of coastline can match the beauty of Tropea and surrounding Costa degli Dei. Towering cliffs rise directly from translucent waters, interspersed with sandy beaches that seem transported directly from the tropics. The clifftop old town of Tropea is a charming warren of tiny lanes and squares perfectly positioned to admire the area’s spectacular sunsets. Boat tours and minicruises (with stops to snorkel and scuba dive) and parasailing along the coast are by far the most popular things to do here, followed by culinary experiences like cooking classes and wine tours.
Summer is the most popular season to visit Tropea, a coastal town in Calabria known for its beaches. Travelers looking to avoid the summer crowds may prefer to plan a trip in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. Another big draw to the area is Tropea’s annual events, including the Red Onion Festival in August and the Tropea Blues Festival in September.
Many visitors to Tropea arrive by train and then either walk or utilize taxis to get around town and the surrounding area. Tropea is small and easy to navigate on foot, but be prepared to climb stairs. To reach Tropea’s three beaches (Spiaggia della Rotonda, Spiaggia di Tropea, and Spiaggia a Linguata), visitors must descend dozens of stairs—and then climb those stairs on the return trip to town.
The town of Tropea is famous for its red onions, so don’t miss the chance to try some during a visit. Local chefs integrate red onions in a variety of ways, adding them to salads and grilled vegetable plates as well as pasta and pizza.
