TROPEA, ITALIA [CALABRIA]

August 28-31, 2015
The town that originally attracted me to Calabria was Tropea, a relatively unknown gem in this beautiful country. The images alone were enough to make me feel like I couldn't leave Italy without a visit. Also located on the Costa deli Dei, Tropea is considered one of the prettiest towns in Calabria. One side of the historic center faces the sea, while the other side is full of green hills full of citrus and olive trees, vines and colorful flowers.

Driving through the landscape

Driving through the landscape

Driving through the landscape

We took some side roads

The landscape

Tropea with rolling hills in the background

Tropea with rolling hills in the background

Tropea comes from Greek origins and was originally called Tropheum, which means 'trophy' in Greek. They believed that it was founded by Hercules as a trophy for completing one of his twelve labors.

Tropea is famous for the striking cliffs which weave the historic buildings within its jagged rocks. The buildings themselves are nestled into the rocks of the cliffs, overlooking the seaside and beaches below. Isola di Tropea is a rocky outcrop which rises from the beach and has the monastery Santa Maria dell'Isola on top. To get to it from the town, one must decent the 200 or so stairs from the old center and then ascend another set of stairs. It is a lot of work on a hot day, but the views are worth it. A wedding was about to start as we were walking down and I couldn't help but think about how much those people must really love that bride and groom to climb all those steps on a 100 degree + day in heels and gowns. I hope they gave them some pretty nice favors. 

Santa Maria dell'Isola

Santa Maria dell'Isola

The historical center is one of the best preserved and most beautiful centers in the southern region. The cobblestone streets are lined with old buildings of golden stone, many of which have holes where at one point scaffolding was attached during restoration. I enjoyed walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, which terminates at a fantastic view overlooking the Tyrannian sea. There aren't many tourist attractions within the center, but walking through the side streets is a must. There are many little nooks and crannies that open up to amazing views, small piazze, and hidden gems. 

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II

View from the end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II

Chiesa del Gesù

Duomo

Duomo

WWII bomb that fell into the
city but did not explode

Interior of the Duomo

Piazza Ercole

Delicous ristorante Vecchio Forno

The beaches of Tropea are amazing! The soft white sand and crystal clear water can be reached after descending one of the 200 step staircases that lead to the lower road area. We spent some time relaxing on the sand, cooling off in the water and taking in the 360 degree view. The water was perfect, although it does drop off pretty quickly, and it was nice to not need our water shoes while swimming. Some people were jumping from the island rocks into the sea, while others rented the paddle boats and paddled along the coast. The rising cliff, with the natural stone and carved out buildings, was unlike anything that we have ever seen before.

Some GoPro fun

Some GoPro fun

Some GoPro fun

Some GoPro fun

Some GoPro fun

The lookout point above

Tropea is also know for a few different foods. Probably the most famous is its distinctive type of red onion. Throughout Italy, these onions are referred to as 'Tropea onions' [they can be found at the Familia in Vicenza]. One of the restaurants where we had dinner had a Tropea onion platter as an antipasto and it was delicious. 

Red onion platter at La Lamia

Fileja tropeani con cozze at La Lamia

Tropea likes its hot red peppers

We visited Tropea at the end of August and, unbeknownst to us, it happened to be their 'La Festa del Turista' which is organized to celebrate the end of the summer holidays. Large Papier-mâché depictions of the Saracens dance down the street with drummers and dancers. It was a great sight to see.