“You cannot come to Italy once and never visit Tropea”
Tropea is in the what is known as the Costa degli Dei, “The Coast of the Gods” and is one of Italy’s finest summer holiday destinations. Its historic center sits high above the sea on a rocky cliff. This seaside village is as interesting as it is large on sites and serves as a good base for a week-long holiday. That is what we found to be true one summer we spent a week at its beaches and sites and the other week in Rome, Naples, Pompei, Pisa and Milan. Yes, it is true, we raced through Italy so we could park our family at this amazing beach paradise.
Getting here is quite easy. The nearest airport is Lamezia Terme. The train from the airport takes about one hour and is super cheap. Renting a vehicle in my opinion is the better option. We drove down from Germany which afforded us the ability to stay in a lovely holiday villa in Zambrone.
Looking East from Zambrone 
The beach down below from Villa Jenna
I cannot say enough good things about Villa Jenna. In fact, my guest comment still exists on their webpage. This holiday villa is British owned. The day we arrived the property manager a British expat met us for the keys and gave us a ton of information and insight of what to see and do and how to get around. The views were spectacular, the beach was right down the hill, along with local restaurants and a grocery store. Between the books (I read 2 whilst there), family games/puzzles, and a well outfitted kitchen we could not want for anything. Tropea was a short drive as well as other villages along the Costa degli Dei which made Villa Jenna the perfect venue for our summer holiday. We considered a purchase in this villa quad until one night a brush fire came up the hill about 300 yards away. It jumped the road and traveled to the villa at the top. When the fire brigade arrived with what looked like a garden hose and the owner came out beating the fire with a broom, our thoughts? good for the week but no thanks on the purchase.
Tip: always buy trip insurance for major holidays.
Sunset our first evening in Villa Jenna 
Stromboli Island from Villa Jenna
Check out the views from Villa Jenna. Adventure Trekking on Stromboli Island is possible and will only set you back around 190euro. That includes an overnight, half-board and up close and personal view of an active volcano!
Also found in Zambrone is Capo Cozzo, ranked as a number one nature site, when you arrive you will get it. It is a lovely place to enjoy a day of quiet sunbathing on the rocks, snorkeling and swimming. You will find it well hidden from aggressive tourism on a rough road. Park in the blue spaces, tickets available at the tobacco shop or walk from the train station. You will not want to miss this day out. Also close by is the Mariner’s Cave. Shipwrecked with nothing to do and not much hope of being rescued, mariners spent endless days carving in their grotto home. Parking here is a little shiftier. You can pay a young man to “watch” your vehicle whilst you climb down into the cave site.
Tip: Go early morning to beat the crowds and wear a light jacket inside if you tend to get cold.
The true unique gem of this area is Tropea itself. It is consistently listed as an Italian Blue Flag beach. But there is more to meet the eye than just the beach. High on an island rock sitting almost on top of the beach is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola. Entrance fees are two euros which for the pictures alone is well worth it. Fun awaits you down below from the beach. Imagine my sons delight when they discovered you can walk along the rocks on the side and when you reach the back there is a jump off spot into the gorgeous blue water. We spent hours here. Also, underneath you can walk through a cavern to the other side where there is yet another beautiful beach. Like many Italian beaches, you can rent your umbrella and chairs for the day, a paddle boat (bring water and a hat), or just enjoy playing in the water. Dramatic views can be enjoyed in any direction from the beach as well as the end of the pedestrian stroll high above the cliff.
Santuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola 
View of Monastary from the beach
Walk along here to an amazing jump off point 
A natural pool exists at the back. Perfect for endless jumping and swimming in the beautiful azure waters
From TripSavvy: Blue Flag Beaches in Italy. The blue flag is awarded to beaches based on stringent criteria including water quality, the beach’s code of conduct, environmental education and management (including cleanliness of beach and availability of toilets), and safety services (including adequate lifeguards and wheelchair accessibility).
It is truly a gorgeous site 
End of the Corso Vittorio Emmanuale
The historic center is home to a winding maze of streets peppered with shops and cafes. Market day was an interesting mix of old and new, from dish soap, and kitchen cutlery to small antiques. As a family of six speaking English we felt like well welcomed unicorns! The Corso Vittorio Emmanuale is café lined street that dead ends at a barrier of metal railings where you can look over and take in the beauty of the sea. Many locals and tourists alike are usually seen roaming up and down enjoying passeggiata, people watching or just sitting with a coffee or drinks. My favorite time to enjoy this was at night. We could not figure out what everyone was doing at first. It felt like being in a school of fish until we reached the end of the street and saw the incredible view. The Piazza Ercole is the bustling central square of Tropea. Here you can find the tourist information center and places to book additional travel over to the Aeolian Islands or Stromboli. Also found in the historic center is the Duomo, Palazzo Vescovile, many lovely old and brightly colored homes, and remnants of old walls of protection from days long past.
Speaking of Stromboli (it’s cheesy then puny), my family’s goal each time we go to Italy is to eat pizza and gelato every day. You will for sure find an abundance of these in Tropea along with seafood and other regional or Mediterranean fare. I tend to lean towards seafood by like the 2nd day, that’s just me though. But you cannot leave Tropea with out trying the Cipolla di Tropea gelato. That’s right, Onion Gelato. Tropea is known for its sweet red onions. How genius to make it into a gelato!
Let me preface with I am not a souvenir shopper. I did however make a heavy purchase here I just could not resist. In many Italian villages, artist have been turning ceramic roofs tiles into art. Friends, these may fit in your checked bag if you learn how to pack light. I will add a few tips here and you can follow my page for future tips for packing light. Or if you are a seasoned packer leave a tip in the comments.
Italian home carved in ceramic 
A more traditional piece of art on authentic roof tile
Lastly, you will leave this place relaxed, refreshed, and sun kissed. Tropea and the Costa degli Dei is truly a well-loved, less traveled beach holiday destination with cultural delights you will remember for a lifetime and be glad you did not miss!
Tips: book a place with a washer/dryer so you can bring less clothes (have a game/card/book night just once so you don’t feel like you are doing laundry on holiday). Consider wearing an outfit more than 2 times, you are not going to run into the same people and who cares anyway. It’s summer, pack your light weight cotton dresses that can be worn anywhere. Shoes! Wear a pair, bring a pair, that is it!
Get Packing!
