Tropea is the most famous Italian town on the Ionian Sea. It lies between the fishing port of Capo Vaticano, which was once an important port and briefly became an alternative capital of Italy, and the sandy beaches at Leo Beach.
The charming old town has been preserved and stands as a reminder of its history.
Tropea is a town and municipality in the province of Vibo Valentia, Calabria, southern Italy. It is one of the most important tourist resorts on the Ionian coast. The town is located on a small peninsula, divided into two boroughs: Punta Tropea and Marina di Tropea.
About Tropea in a few words
Tropea has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the grotto of La Foce, which has been discovered in 1911 and declared a natural monument in 1982.
The ancient Greek colony of Acri (Greek: Ακρή) was founded in this area by Dionysius I of Syracuse around 400 BC. It was inhabited by local Bruttii and Lucani until 211 BC when it was destroyed by Hannibal during his invasion of Italy during the Second Punic War.
The city was rebuilt under Roman rule and given the name “Tropezia Julia” and became an important harbour for Rome’s eastern provinces.Tropea was sacked by Alaric in 405 AD but recovered its importance under Byzantine rule from 580 AD onwards.
Why Visit Tropea in Italy?
If you are looking for a relaxing holiday in a beautiful location, then Tropea is the ideal place. This small town is located on the Ionian coast and is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.
The waters of the Mediterranean Sea lap on sandy beaches and there are many other activities to do in Tropea. Like I just mentioned it’s situated on the Ionian coast and nestled near beaches, olive groves, and vineyards.
The Mediterranean Sea laps at its shores, making this a magnificent destination for families and couples alike. Read below more about what to do in Tropea.
Go swimming at one of the beaches
There are many beaches in Tropea.
If you want to spend some days at the beach in Tropea and don’t want to stay at home, there are many hotels around the city where you can stay. They have good facilities like, restaurant, bar and more.
If you want to spend a nice time in the beach of Tropea, you can go to:
Lido l’Oasi
This beautiful beach is located 3.4 kilometers west of the historic centre. Also known as Lido l’Oasi, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area! Ideal for those looking for relaxation and calm.
Le Roccette-Mare
It is called Spiaggia Della Rotonda and is definitely one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Tropea. It’s just a short walk from the historic center of the city, so there’s no need to rent a car or move yourself, it’s easily accessible on foot.
Michelino Beach, Paqueglia
It is located in the town of Parghelia, just 3.1 km from Tropea. The beach is hidden between the cliffs and can only be reached on foot by a 210-step staircase starting from Belvedere Michelino, from where you can enjoy fantastic views!
Contura Beach
The beach is very close to the historic center. This beach is easily accessible on foot, so don’t waste too much time looking for a parking space. In fact, it’s a very crowded beach during some summer months, especially in August. Only 850 meters from the port of Tropea.
Visit some of the monuments and historical sites in Tropea
On top of the rock is the Santa Maria Dell’ISola, which is much smaller than you expected from the outside. The church was built in the eleventh century.
Later, the complex fell prey several times to earthquakes and landslides, so that it had to be restored time and time again. Surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola is in the town of Tropea in the Province of Vibo Valentia.
While its history is uncertain, the area is known to have come under the auspices of Basilian monks of the Eastern rite some time during the early Middle Ages.
In the 11th century, the island’s religious reigns were passed to the Benedictines under guidance of the Normans.
The Tropea cathedral was built by the Normans in the 12th century. A longitudinal development, with three naves in Norman style, the structure was built entirely in tuff and pale yellow lava stone.
During the 17th century, the building was transformed into the baroque style and elongated 12 meters. Suffered many damages because of the many earthquakes and had numerous restorations.
Go wine-tasting at one of the vineyards in Tropea
Even today the area known as Vulcano, from the homonymous noble surname, is located in Tropea and is devoted to the vineyards’ cultivation, thanks to the family Furchì that maintain the tradition of its great-grandfather Pasquale from more than one century, enforcing the new technologies with Marco.
Furchì Wine is a brand born recently and its aim is to mix the two pillars of Tropea’s economy: tourism and enogastronomy. Taste the taste of Calabria.
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