A Coastal Town In Southern Italy Is A Dreamy Mediterranean Getaway With Gorgeous Beaches

Finding great beaches in Italy is relatively simple. From the sophisticated paradise of the Amalfi Coast to the exquisite ivory sands of Sardinia, via surreal beaches at the base of white cliffs in Sicily and spots that have been favored since ancient Roman times, there are gorgeous stretches of sand everywhere. However, as with many of the most famous places in Italy, popularity brings tourist crowds, and it can be hard to find beaches that aren't packed with other like-minded vacationers. 

This is why many smart travelers look beyond Tuscany, Sicily, Sardinia, and Amalfi when deciding where to go on their next Italian adventure. Southern Italy is particularly attractive for those seeking spectacular natural beauty without crowds, with the regions of Apulia, Basilicata, and particularly Calabria in the 'toe' of the Italian 'boot' well worth exploring. Not only is Calabria an underappreciated gem with fewer tourists than most other Italian regions, but it also boasts one of the dreamiest and most picturesque beach towns in the whole country in the form of Tropea. 

Tropea lies on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the west coast of Calabria. It's around 55 miles from the regional capital, Cantanzaro, which is just under an hour-and-a-half away by car. The nearest international airport is Lamezia Terme, about 35 miles away and 1 hour by car or train. Lamezia Terme is served by a wide variety of routes across Europe, as well as a nonstop route from Toronto, Canada.

Tropea is officially one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and won the Borgo dei Borghi award in 2021. But despite these accolades, it remains under the radar, a gorgeous little treasure for those in the know. Sitting on a stretch of coastline known as the Coast of the Gods, Tropea is immersed in myth and legend, supposedly founded by Hercules, and more believably colonized in the 4th century by the Ancient Greeks. 

The town is a picture-perfect wonder, a hilltop village perched high above the waves with huge visual similarities to the sought-after resort town of Taormina in Sicily, made famous in HBO's "The White Lotus." It's a jumble of narrow cobbled streets, twisting and turning up and down the hillside, punctuated by the faded, falling-down glory of elegant palazzi, many of which are built overhanging the cliffs looking out to the beach and the sea. One of the highlights of the town, and indeed the entire coastline, is the Sanctuary of San Maria Dell'Isola, a startlingly beautiful church that sits on top of a rocky promontory that was once an island, now connected to the mainland by the white sand beach.

And it's the beach that is the real draw of Tropea. A dazzling curve of soft white sand, backed by the historic charm of Tropea. The water is crystal-clear blue, beautifully warm, and perfectly calm, making it ideal for a relaxed beach day doing almost nothing. Head to the right of San Maria Dell'Isola for the wide-open public beach, or the left for all the amenities and luxuries of the local beach clubs.

Beyond the beach, the town of Tropea is filled with charm. Start off on the main street, the Corso Vittorio Emmanuele. This is the place for people-watching, cafe-hopping, and window-shopping, and it's filled with an array of independent boutiques, chic coffee shops, and fantastic restaurants. At the end of the street, the Affacio del Corso is a public balcony looking out over the sea with sublime sunset views, the perfect way to shift seamlessly from day to night.

Tropea is a place for gluttons and gourmands, famous for its sweet red onions and its fiery Calabrian nduja sausage. There's a wonderful open-air market held every Saturday behind the Contè Supermercato, a great place to try the local delicacies. For more formal dining experiences, Incipit is a favorite with locals, housed in an ancient wine cellar with a wonderfully atmospheric external patio. La Lamia is another spot with a wonderful courtyard, while Alice is a great choice for something more upmarket.  

Staying in Tropea is a treat as well, with some fantastic accommodation options. The Palazzo Mottola is a great hotel situated in an elegant old palace overlooking the sea, but the gem of Tropea is Villa Paola, a stunningly reconstructed 16th-century monastery with amazing terraced gardens, views to die for, and a wonderful on-site restaurant.