While at times sleeping in is just what the doctor ordered, I enjoy waking up early, cappuccino in hand, and setting out along Calabria’s scenic coastline high above the Tyrrhenian Sea to the beautiful seaside town of Tropea. Few places remain relatively untouched by the modern world, and lucky for us, Tropea is one of them.
Unbeknownst
to the prying eyes of tourists, Tropea is home to one of Italy’s most
spectacular white sand beaches, turquoise-blue water, and a stunning coastline
to be rivaled by Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre.
Perfectly
situated between Gioia Tauro Gulf and Sant’Eufemia Gulf, Tropea is swathed by
warm Mediterranean breezes on a 40-kilometer coastline the Ancient Greeks named
“Coast of the Gods.” What an incredible experience it is to see the dramatic
rocky cliffs rise up against the sunlit sea of blue below, and if you’re
fortunate, on a clear day you can see the volcanic Aeolian island of Stromboli.
Tropea
is steeped in history and tradition with many ancient churches, palaces and
artisanal workshops gracing its narrow streets. The most evocative of these is
the famous church of Santa Maria dell’Isola built on a bluff jutting out to a
brilliant sea. But don’t let Tropea’s laid back coastal vibe fool you, it is
bustling with charming hotels, boutiques, lounges, cafés and restaurants that
serve fresh local cuisine — some of the best on the coast.
Like
a fine wine, Tropea continues to get better with age and provides the perfect
ingredients for an unforgettable Italian vacation at a more affordable cost
than other well-known cliffside towns. Is it any wonder I keep coming back? So
what are you waiting for? Andiamo a Tropea!
FUN FACTS
• Locals believe Tropea was founded by Hercules who named it Tropeas (Trophy)
for the prize he had discovered.
• Tropea is also famous for its “Cipolla Rossa,” a red onion with a mild
and sweet flavour and aroma. It is Italy’s most famous onion. Local
delicatessens use it to prepare red onion marmalade and local cafes serve up a
delicious red onion ice cream. It may sound odd, but it’s a must try when
visiting!
SURROUNDINGS
Tropea is located on a gorgeous coastline flanked by lots of beautiful
sea towns and beaches like Capo Vaticano, Nicoterra, Pizzo Calabro and Ricadi.
I highly recommend a visit to Pizzo Calabro, the birth place of the famous
Tartufo ice cream and home to the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta; a seventeenth
century church carved in a cave of soft rock facing out to sea that shipwrecked
sailors created in gratitude for having been saved from a storm. It is a site
you won’t forget.
WHERE TO STAY
If tranquility and romance are at the top of your wish list then look no
further than the lovely Villa Paola. This fourteenth century monastery turned
boutique hotel offers spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and with just six
rooms and a private pool, Villa Paola feels more like staying at a friend’s luxurious
home rather than a hotel. In addition, Villa Paola offers transfers from the
airport. www.villapaolatropea.it
For good value and private beachfront access Le Roccette Mare can’t be
beat! The property provides all the amenities one would expect from a larger
resort: restaurant, snack bar, sun umbrellas, deck-chairs, beds, pedal-boats,
canoes, beach volleyball and table tennis. It’s the perfect place for a family
getaway. www.roccettemare.it
WHERE TO EAT
The entire region is known for its bounty of quaint local restaurants
that serve up fresh local fare, and by fresh I mean the fisherman’s catch of
the day. One worth mentioning is El Sol Ristorante E Pizzeria with a large
outdoor patio, wood burning oven, open aired kitchen, and partial ocean views.
Another I enjoy is Ristorante Tropea Vecchia, which serves up fresh local
seafood. The décor is laid back and relaxed and the food is great.
GETTING TO TROPEA
Tropea is easily accessible by
plane, train, or automobile. The closest airport is Lamezia Terme with direct
flights from Toronto and Montreal during high season and connecting flights
through Rome all year long. If instead you opt to drive and enjoy the views, you
can make your way towards Tropea on the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway.