Tropea ( the Coast of the Gods and the Aeolian Islands)
Tropea, Panarea and Stromboli
Tropea - Things to See and Do in 4 Days:
- Old Town of Tropea
- Tropea Beaches and its Surroundings
- Along the Coast of the Gods
- The Aeolian Islands: Panarea and Stromboli
Published on July 21st, 2024
Tropea Beach and S. Maria Sanctuary
The view of Tropea and the cliff it sits on from the sea
I'll be in Calabria until the end of June. Would you like to come along?
The idea of spending a couple of days in Tropea with my closest friend was too irresistible to turn down.
I arrived in Lamezia Terme Airport and took a train along the coast with a beautiful view of the deep blue sea.
After about an hour, I reached Tropea station where my friend was waiting for me.
Tropea is a charming village situated on a rocky tuff area, offering stunning views of the beautiful coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea known as the Costa degli Dei.
Tropea used to be at sea level, but over time, the water has receded, revealing the high overhanging rock face with horizontal striations where the town now sits, giving it its unique shape.
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Here I am heading towards the church of S. Maria.
The beach at Rotonda in Tropea
The streets in downtown Tropea
The heart of the town is a jumble of paved streets lined with traditional southern houses, offering unexpected glimpses of the sea and historical structures from the 17th, 18th, or Norman periods like the Cathedral of Maria Santissima di Romania.
It's like stepping back into the 1950s and strolling through streets lined with vintage shops and trattorias offering delicious Calabrian cuisine featuring Nduja, pickled vegetables, fileja pasta, Tropeana parmigiana, and the famous Tropea onion.
The delicious Tropea onion
Located on the outskirts of the town center, The Balcony provides a breathtaking aerial view of the bay and the beautiful Sanctuary of Santa Maria on the island of Tropea. The sanctuary is perched atop a peninsula that separates Spiaggia della Rotonda from Spiaggia di Tropea.
The beach in Linguata at Tropea.
Tropea is well-known as a popular tourist spot, mainly because of its crystal-clear sea full of fish.
The beautiful beaches with light sand and crescent shapes are furnished with umbrellas and sunbeds to accommodate the many tourists who visit, especially during July and August.
We got a day trip from one of the many tourist agencies that provide boat tours along the Costa degli Dei, stopping in front of the more peaceful beaches of Riaci, Santa Domenica, La Scalea up to the tip of Capo Vaticano.
Moreover, upon realizing that we can sail to the Aeolian Islands in just a few hours, our excitement kicks in, and we quickly make a reservation for a trip scheduled for the following day.
The amazing sea of the Costa degli Dei
The Aeolian islands, Panarea and Stromboli
Panarea, the tiniest of the Aeolian islands, appeared cozy and elegant with its short, white buildings surrounded by vibrant oleanders and blooming bougainvillea.
The lovely agave plants lining the streets felt like a tribute to summer and the longing for vacations.
The Agave
Elegant buildings surrounded by flowers
Just arrived on Panarea
The island has been completely pedestrianized, except for a few small electric vehicles that zip through its clean streets transporting tourists.
We weren't enticed by the convenience, but in the blazing sun, we chose to walk to a beach access where we enjoyed a really refreshing swim.
Signs serve as a reminder of the active volcano.
Stromboli lies to the north of the Aeolian islands.
The island hosts an active volcano that reaches a height of 926 meters and has two populated areas, San Vincenzo and Ginostra.
We strolled through bustling streets and shops in San Vincenzo and enjoyed lunch overlooking the sea and the uninviting beaches of black sand and volcanic rock.
Our boat waited for us at the port to carry on with the journey, which involved sailing around the island and passing by the picturesque Scoglio dello Strombolicchio.
As the sun sets into the sea and the sunset colors start to appear in the sky, you hear an explosion and witness white smoke emerging from the volcano's mouth.
The volcano erupts every 15 minutes
We're on a boat near the island, watching in awe as fire explodes every 15 minutes and lava flows into the sea at Sciara del Fuoco.
When we head back to our base in the evening, we enjoy the view of Tropea approaching and its shimmering lights reflecting on the sea from the boat.
Let's snap a few more pictures: they'll be our ticket back to moments that have passed.
To the top
Tropea - Practical info and helpful tips
Population: 6,600 people
Best time to visit: July and August are busy.
During our visit at the end of June, it was barely livable.
Safety: no problem
How to wear: dress light and comfortable.
How to get to Tropea from the airport: It takes 48 minutes by direct train from the airport to get there.
It takes around 1 hour by car along the coastal state road
Where to stay: in the center of Tropea. If you're seeking more tranquility, consider staying in Santa Domenica
Beaches: Tropea Beach and Rotonda Beach in Tropea
Michelino beach, dell'Occhiale beach, Riaci beach, La Scalea beach, Praia i Focu beach (reachable by a rugged path or by taxi boat) (along the Costa degli Dei)
Tourist information: www.tropea-tourism.com
Souvenirs: red onion jams, vegetables in oil, Nduja, Amaro del Capo, and ceramics.
How much to expect to spend: €600 per person for a 4-day stay ( 3-stars hotel in the center), domestic flight, excursions and meals included