Tropea

Tropea​

Latest page update: 30 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
One of the signature seaside towns in Calabria, Tropea is a must visit for any trip to the region. 

Located in Vibo Valentia Province, Tropea sits on the west coast of Calabria, facing out on the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is a beach town with a very local feel where you'll find most visitors are Italian. 

The majority of those visitors are attracted to Tropea by its lovely sandy beaches which lie at the foot of the town, just a short distance from a marina full of yachts. 

What People Ask About Tropea

What is Tropea best known for?
Tropea is best known for its dramatic cliffside setting overlooking turquoise water, its sandy beaches, and the Santa Maria dell’Isola monastery perched on a rock formation in front of the town. It’s also famous for its sweet red onions.
Can you swim in Tropea?
Yes, Tropea has several beaches with clear, warm water that are ideal for swimming. The main beach lies directly below the town centre and can be accessed via steps cut into the rock or from nearby paths.
Is Tropea easy to reach by train?
Yes, Tropea has its own train station with services on the local Lamezia Terme–Reggio Calabria line. Trains run several times a day, and the station is about a 10-minute walk from the town centre and beaches.
What food is typical in Tropea?
Tropea is known for its red onions, which are often served raw in salads or used in sauces. Other typical dishes include nduja (spicy spreadable sausage), seafood pasta, and desserts flavoured with bergamot and local citrus fruits.
When is the best time to visit Tropea?
The best time to visit Tropea is from May to early October. July and August are the busiest months, while June and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds. The sea is typically warm enough for swimming from late spring through autumn.
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Santa Maria dell'Isola
The most striking sight in Tropea is the beautiful Monastery of Santa Maria dell'Isola that sits on a huge rock which splits the two main beaches. ​​Pretty as the Monastery is from a distance, especially from the little viewing area in the main town, its real beauty comes when you make your way up the path to visit it.

​It's usually open from 09:00 to 13:00 and then again from 16:00 to 20:00, although these hours are seasonal and changeable to always double-check a few days in advance. The church and Monastery area are quite beautiful but the views that can be had from the garden to its rear are simply magnificent. 
Tropea's numerous charms
Tropea is also renowned for a type of onion that bears its name and you don't have to go far in Calabria to drive past a road-side vendor selling the Tropea onions or products made with the local chillies. The town itself is one of the most attractive in the region, a mixture of bright piazzas when you can sit and have a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, and dozens of shops selling local products and souvenirs. ​

​Adding to the already very strong allure of Tropea; in 2020 it became one of the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Italy's most beautiful villages). The borghi or villages range from small hill towns to fishing ports or even just historical areas of a larger town. Tropea's historic town centre was no doubt one of the main reasons for its inclusion in the prestigious list. 
Driving into Tropea
If you're planning a visit to Tropea with a car then there is good news and bad news; in fact the bad news doesn't have to be bad at all if you just pay a bit of extra attention to the town's confusing road signs. Throughout Italy there are areas called ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato); these zones are restricted to certain times of days or even certain days of the week, and if you enter one at the wrong time you may be liable for a fine.

​Tropea is a place where they're both very hot on giving out the fines and not so hot on making the signs easy to understand with new visitors regularly getting caught out. To avoid any problems, just stick to driving in the lower half of the town, down by the beach where there's a good selection of car parks. The one caveat here being the steep set of steps up to the town centre so if you have any mobility issues, it's worth taking that into consideration and parking at the top of the town; just be careful though, (and yes, I am talking from experience, sadly!). 
Exploring the local area
The good news about having a car is that you can visit some of Calabria's very best locations in a very short time from Tropea. Twelve kilometres south of the town are the beautiful beaches of Capo Vaticano, while following the main road north, away from Tropea, you'll find the pretty Briatico and slightly beyond that, the lovely Pizzo Calabro. 

Also, smouldering away across the sea from Tropea is the island of Stromboli, one of the eight Aeolian Islands that officially belong to the island region of Sicily. It's possible to organise boat tours across to Stromboli and some of the other islands once you're in Tropea, with various agencies dotted around the town offering those services. ​
Comune di Tropea
Province: Vibo Valentia

Region: Calabria

Population: 5,783 (in 2024 - source)

​Size: 3 km²

Maximum elevation: 60 metres

Highlights: Monastery of Santa Maria dell'Isola, old town, beaches

​​​Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024 - 2025

Close by: Pizzo, Scilla, Chianalea, Sila National Park, Pentedattilo
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Dove Nessuno è Straniero (Where Nobody's a Stranger)
My recommended accommodation options for Tropea:
  • Hotel Rocca Nettuno Tropea Located just a short walk from the beach, this upscale hotel offers elegant rooms with sea views, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Calabrian cuisine. Guests appreciate the stunning views, the relaxing atmosphere, and the excellent service. €€€ (high-end)
  • B&B L’Orizzonte Situated just outside the historic centre, this charming bed and breakfast features cosy rooms, a beautiful garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the peaceful setting, the friendly hosts, and the short drive to Tropea's main attractions and beaches. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Terrazzo sul Mare Set in a prime location close to the beach, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and a restaurant serving fresh seafood. Guests value the stunning location, the clean facilities, and the proximity to both the beach and Tropea’s historic sites. €€ (mid-range)
  • Residence Il Barone A collection of self-catering apartments located a short walk from the beach, featuring kitchenettes, private balconies, and air conditioning. Guests appreciate the flexibility of apartment living, the outdoor pool, and the convenient location close to Tropea's town centre and attractions. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel La Porta del Mare Located in the historic centre, this well-rated hotel offers comfortable rooms, a garden with a terrace, and a bar. Guests enjoy the central location, the relaxing atmosphere, and the good value for money, making it a great option for both couples and families. €€ (mid-range)
My recommended restaurants in Tropea:
  • De' Minimi: Situated within the beautiful Villa Paola hotel just outside Tropea, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers modern and creative cuisine using the best Calabrian ingredients, including vegetables and citrus fruits grown on the property. Price guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Alice Restaurant: Located near the seafront, Alice Restaurant is known for its excellent fish dishes, such as paccheri pasta with red prawns and licorice, salmon tartare, and tuna with Tropea’s famous red onions. Price guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante La Lamia: Nestled in a pretty, intimate courtyard, La Lamia offers a menu of local specialties, including Fileja alla Tropeana—a traditional Calabrian pasta with a rich tomato sauce tossed with eggplant, zucchini, and red onion—paired with a local Cirò white wine. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Pimm's: Situated in a magnificent location inside an old aristocratic palace, Pimm's features a romantic little balcony overlooking the sea. This family-run establishment serves fish dishes in non-trivial combinations, to be paired with mainly Calabria wines. Price guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Scacco Matto: Located in the heart of Tropea, Scacco Matto offers a friendly atmosphere with excellent seafood, including swordfish rolls with Tropea onion IGP and tuna alla Tropeana. The menu features regional wines. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)

Tropea​​​​​​​​  Gallery

Close  to  Tropea

  • Pizzo (approx. 30 km north of Tropea): A charming coastal town known for its historic centre and the Castello Murat, where Joachim Murat, King of Naples, was imprisoned. Pizzo is also famous for its Tartufo ice cream, a local delicacy, and its beautiful beaches along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
  • Capo Vaticano (approx. 10 km south of Tropea): Known for its stunning cliffs and clear waters, Capo Vaticano offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, including Spiaggia di Grotticelle. The area is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the natural beauty of the coast.
  • Nicotera (approx. 25 km south of Tropea): A small town with a rich history, Nicotera is known for its medieval architecture, including the Chiesa di San Nicola and Nicotera Castle. The town offers a peaceful atmosphere, with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and nearby olive groves.
  • Zambrone (approx. 10 km south of Tropea): A quiet village known for its Spiaggia di Zambrone, a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs. Zambrone is ideal for those seeking a relaxing beach day or a quiet escape surrounded by nature.

Tropea  Travel

  • By Air: Arrive at Lamezia Terme International Airport, the nearest major airport, approximately 55 kilometers away from Tropea. Taxis, shuttles, and rental cars are available for the scenic drive to Tropea.
  • By Train: The nearest train station is Tropea Railway Station, well-connected to major cities in Italy.
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Fly to: ​​Lamezia Terme Airport (58 km)
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Nearest train station: Tropea (1 km from town centre)​

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Where can I rent a car in Tropea?
Car rental services are available in Tropea for those looking to explore the scenic Calabrian coastline and nearby attractions.

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