Discover Tropea: Southern Italy’s Hidden Gem with Breathtaking Beaches

1. Introduction to Tropea

When you live in Italy, it’s easy to become a bit of a snob about beaches, however, the beaches in Tropea, along the Coast of the Gods, are some of the best that I’ve seen.

As soon as we turned off the highway and I caught my first glimpse of the sparkling turquoise sea, I could tell that this was a special place. The two-lane road climbed higher, twisting and turning, through little villages and past farm stands with garlands of chili peppers and purple onions dancing in the wind, until finally, we arrived at our destination: a former monastery now transformed into a five-star boutique hotel called Villa Paola.

2. Luxurious Accommodations

My husband parked under a shady pergola and rang the bell, explaining over the intercom that we had a reservation. A young woman welcomed us in, led us through the cloister, and out to the garden, where we were invited to sit and enjoy a refreshing drink made with bergamot, the citrus native to this region. Although I live in Rome and have traveled extensively throughout Italy, this was my first visit to Calabria, the toe of the boot in the country’s deep south. We had started our summer vacation with a few days in Puglia, a region I love, but Tropea turned out to be the sleeper hit of the trip.

3. Gastronomy and Dining Experiences

During dinner at De’ Minimi, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, a power outage struck the town just before we were served dessert. Suddenly, the restaurant was illuminated by candlelight, and the staff disappeared, no doubt conferring about what to do. Soon enough, a waiter brought out a cake for an 18-year-old guest at one of the other tables, and everyone sang happy birthday. Finally, the power came back on, and the restaurant manager joked, “You see, we had them cut the power just for your birthday!” Consequently, the evening was transformed from pleasant to unforgettable.

4. Local Culture and Attractions

Tropea seems to have a way of enchanting people. Known as the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian, this village casts a siren call. Marie Christine Born, the Swiss-born owner of Villa Paola, expresses her love for Tropea, emphasizing its authenticity and rich cultural history.

In Tropea, the idyllic gardens filled with fragrant Mediterranean plants inspire thoughts of Sicilian gardens, but Tropea remains relatively under-the-radar compared to its more famous counterparts.

5. Beaches of Tropea

When you visit Tropea, you cannot overlook its stunning beaches. A short drive from Villa Paola leads you to Capovaticano Resort & Thalasso Spa, an idyllic location perfect for unwinding at the beach club. Unlike crowded Italian beach clubs, here, there was ample space between umbrellas and sunbeds. The white sand seduces you as it gently slopes into the deep turquoise sea.

Interestingly, I spotted little fish swimming near my toes, a rare sight due to the absence of predators in the water. Tropea’s charm extends beyond its beauty, wrapped in myths about heroes and ancient traditions.

After enjoying a massage at the resort, we ventured into the town center for a light meal, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere filled with charming shops and delightful local products. Tropea’s narrow cobblestone lanes, adorned with colorful garlands, invite exploration. A visit to the belvedere offers stunning views of the mesmerizing coastline, capped off with a glimpse of the iconic Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola.

As our time at Villa Paola came to a close, we marveled at the enchanting memories we’d created. With a festival of flavors and sights to cherish, we left with Tropea onions in hand, promising to return for more of this magical coastal escape.