Free walking tours in Tropea and what to see

Must-sees

Tropea looks out over the Tyrrhenian Sea from a rocky promontory on the Coast of the Gods, in southern Calabria. Its old town is a web of narrow streets, small squares and noble palazzi with stone doorways, ending in viewpoints perched above the cliff. The cathedral, of Norman origin, holds the icon of the Madonna di Romania, the town's patron. In the evening the corso fills with people strolling and dining outdoors.

Its best-known image is the sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, on top of a rock that was once an islet and is now joined to land. You climb up by a stairway and from the top you look out over the coast. At its foot stretch beaches of pale sand and clear water. Before you leave, try Tropea's red onion, which turns up in jams, salads and almost every dish.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Tropea. What Civitatis mainly offers are boat trips: cruises along the Coast of the Gods and around Capo Vaticano, including at sunset with an aperitivo on board. There are also day trips to the Aeolian Islands, with stops on Lipari, Vulcano or Panarea, and an outing to see Stromboli's activity at night. If you want to cross to Sicily, there is also an excursion to Taormina.

How long to spend

The old town and the sanctuary can be seen in half a day, but Tropea is above all a beach destination. With three or four days you have time to alternate swims, a boat trip along the coast and a cove or two at Capo Vaticano. If you want to go to the Aeolians, set aside a full day just for that. In high summer it is very busy, so June and September are good months.

Where to stay

If you want to get around on foot, the most convenient place to stay is inside or on the edge of the old town, where there are apartments and small hotels in old houses. Bear in mind that there are steps and slopes down to the beach. For longer beach stays, the Capo Vaticano area and the neighbouring coastal villages offer resorts and houses with more space, although a car is advisable there.