Tropea in Italy took us by storm. The cliffs are high and the village sits at the top overlooking the deep blue sea and white beaches. This medieval town is filled with cosy alleys and outdoor cafes where you can enjoy food and wine. A holiday in Calabria feels just right right now!
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Tropea in Italy
Tropea is a town in the Calabria region of south-west Italy, the 'tip of Italy's toe'. It's where Italians go when they're on holiday, and if you come here, you'll understand why. Everything about this place leaves you wanting more.
Tropea in Italy - most Italian tourists
There are a lot of tourists here in Tropea, that's obvious, but we only hear Italian. It doesn't matter if we're walking on the beach or in town, we hear Italian everywhere.
Things to see and do in Tropea
Tropea is an attraction in itself and the first thing you want to see is the steep cliffs surrounding the town. Absolutely stunning! It is also an attraction to discover the winding and narrow alleys of the city. Also check out the church of Santa Maria dell'Isola, which has a steep cliff facing the sea.
Tropea is a great place for sunbathing and swimming. There are plenty of lovely cliffs to swim from. There are also a number of popular beaches. Prepare yourself for coarse sand, and stunning turquoise waters.
It's incredibly hot now in August, so you can't do much. We did some shopping (including a pair of thin summer trousers), and sat down on an outdoor terrace to enjoy a cold beer. You can also watch the sunset from Piazza Canone.
Scaffolding - socialising without a common language
There is a campsite and a large caravan park, both centrally located. We still end up in a free car park together with a whole bunch of other motorhomes. Towards the evening, it gets really full and we talk for a long time with our super nice motorhome neighbours from Palermo - a family of ten where only the 22-year-old daughter knows some English. But by now we know what every Italian wants to ask, so it's easier to understand.
"Bambini?" The huge Catholic families like must ask if we have children. I point to Peter and explain that his sons are "adulti" and "in Svezia". Then they ask "Più?" (more?) and point to me. No, no more children! Culture clash? Of course! But we have a great time with the generous Italians who offer themselves, even though we hardly have a common language.
Excursions from Tropea
If you're holidaying in Tropea in southern Italy, you might be thinking about excursions. An interesting excursion is to visit Sicily! Other interesting destinations include Puglia and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Oranto.
Have you been to Tropea? How was your experience?
Facts about Tropea
- Country: Italy
- Region: Calabria
- Provins: Vibo Valentia
- Residents: More than 6300 (2017)
Getting around
Perhaps the best way to get around Tropea is by walking. The city centre is central and most things are within walking distance. It is of course also possible to rent a car.
History of Tropea
- Legends and ancient history: According to an ancient legend, the city was founded by Hercules. Tombs from the ancient Magna Graecia have been found here.
- Painting of the Virgin Mary: A painting of the Virgin Mary from 1330 hangs in the Cattedrale du Maria Santissimia di Romana, a 12th century church. The painting is from the Byzantine era. There are many stories surrounding the painting. Among others, a bishop of the city, Ambrogio Cordova, dreamt many times that he had to keep the painting safe in Tropea.
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Anette says:
A little Italy ? multo bene grazie, yes you get far with a little waving and sign language there! Hope you survive Taranto and the bay to Lecce, was quite or rather hysterical with people there last weekend! From where do you take the ferry to Greece? Do not be afraid when you get to Bari only if it is from there you will go, the burnt out ferry from last winter is there?....
10 August 2015 - 21:52
Role o Carina says:
Wow, how crowded it was on that beach!
But that's the way it should be in bathing weather 🙂.
Have fun and enjoy.....:-)
10 August 2015 - 22:00
Ditte says:
It sounds very nice and funny that Tropea feels good. We certainly liked the town and the surroundings when we were there.
And not so many foreign tourists...
10 August 2015 - 22:21
BP says:
Tropea looks sooooo delicious! Almost utopian actually. So I mean high up you live, in the middle you drive and at the bottom you are at the beach. Oh I almost bet that even the locals take the car down if they want to swim; -)
Well, Italy is a Catholic country and there you have to... well, you know what I mean. And birth control pills are forbidden, so... Talk about a clash of cultures.
Just like in Spain, I'm surprised that the "young people" don't speak English. It's always been like that and it's a shame. On the other hand, I think it's good that no paxing Germans, loud Englishmen and drunken Finns have found their way there.
But I have to say one thing - honest as I am. Standing with so many motorhomes close together feels like being in a sardine can. Oh Italians (like Spaniards) start "waking up" at 22:00 at the earliest. I would go crazy there.
10 August 2015 - 22:32
Maggan and Ingemar says:
We missed that village because of the rain 🙁 .
But it is nice and fun to "talk" to the population, as everyone tries to understand and explain themselves.
We experienced only friendly people on our trip.
Will it be Greece now? Oh how jealous I am now, I also want to go down again. We liked Greece and its wonderful beaches, drinking water everywhere.
Keep in mind that the roads in these countries are very poor, so drive carefully.
10 August 2015 - 23:02
admin says:
Anette, oh were you here last weekend!? Almost like we could have met! 😉 I think we take the ferry from Brindisi, but we haven't booked a ticket yet.
Rolle and Carina, it's August now so there are a lot of people in many places...
Ditte, we thought it was beautiful! Liked how the city was up on the mountains, nice!
BP, Italian youngsters are better at English than the adults, but not all youngsters speak English either. In general, it is quite varied, some speak good English, but many don't know a single word... I agree that it was a bit crowded and yes, they wake up in the evening. But there are pros and cons. For security reasons (burglary at night, etc.) it is also a bit nice to be surrounded by other motorhomes.
Maggan and Ingemar, Tropea is nice but you can't see everything. We also miss places all the time. Yes, the idea is Greece, but we have looked at a ferry that goes high up, ie near the border with Albania. Which ferry, i.e. between which towns, did you take?
11 August 2015 - 6:17
Lennart says:
Italy is high on our list!
We get even more excited when we follow you!
Live well!
11 August 2015 - 7:32
Elisabeth says:
Looks so lovely that we are getting hungry for Italy, but it is still in the hottest part of the country for us. Have fun!
11 August 2015 - 14:22
Inga M says:
Understand if this city impressed you! It looks like the houses have grown out of the steep mountains!
16 August 2015 - 9:09