Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Tropea is one of Calabria's most spectacular coastal towns, built high above the Tyrrhenian Sea overlooking turquoise waters and bright beaches. Here you'll find a historic town centre with narrow alleys, restaurants and viewpoints, as well as the well-known church of Santa Maria dell'Isola down by the sea. We visited Tropea by motorhome and were captivated by both the environment and the relaxed Italian holiday feel.
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What is Tropea?
Tropea is located on the Costa degli Dei, or ”Coast of the Gods,” in the Calabria region of southern Italy. The historic center is perched high on a cliff above the sea, giving the town a dramatic location and fine views of the beaches below.
Tropea is particularly popular during the summer, but the resort also works well as a stop on a road trip through Calabria.
Stroll through Tropea's old town
Much of Tropea's charm lies in the historic center, where narrow alleys wind between old stone houses, small shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes.
We enjoyed just strolling around, checking out the shops and settling down for a cold drink when the August heat got too intense. From several places along the cliff edge you also get nice views of the sea and beaches below.
Santa Maria dell'Isola
One of Tropea's most famous landmarks is the Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Isola, which is spectacularly situated on a cliff right by the sea. The church is reached via a staircase and from the area around the building you get great views of Tropea and the coast.
The combination of the church, the cliff and the turquoise sea is one of the most photographed settings in Calabria.
Beach life in Tropea
Tropea is also known for its fine beaches with light sand and pebbles and clear water. Several of the beaches are located directly below the historic town, which gives them an unusually beautiful setting.
When we were here in August it was very hot, so a large part of the day was best suited for swimming, shade and long breaks at outdoor cafes.
Tropea – short facts
- Country: Italy
- Region: Calabria
- Coastal: Coast of the Gods
- Best known for: The old town, the beaches and Santa Maria dell'Isola
- Local specialty: Cipolla Rossa di Tropea, the sweet red onion
- Suitable for: Beach life, walks, food and road trips
- Time consumption: 1–3 days
- Best time: Late spring and early autumn for sightseeing, summer for swimming
Tropea by motorhome – a memorable encounter
We traveled to Tropea by camper and ended up in a larger parking lot with several other campers. Towards the evening the lot filled up and we started talking to a large and very nice family from Palermo.
Only one of the daughters spoke a little English and our Italian was limited to say the least, but with a few words, gestures and a lot of laughter we still got a long way. It was one of those spontaneous meetings that we often remember best from camper trips.
”Bambini?” I pointed to Peter and explained that his sons are ”adulti” and ”in Svezia”. Then they asked ”Più?” (more?) and pointed to me. No, no more children! Despite the language barrier, we managed to exchange some experiences and the lovely Italians really offered themselves, even though we barely had any language in common.
More to see and do in southern Italy
Near Tropea there are several nice excursion destinations along the Costa degli Dei. Capo Vaticano is known for its beaches and views, while Pizza north of Tropea is a charming coastal town that is famous for its ice cream, among other things Pizzo truffle. Those who continue south through Calabria can also take the ferry across to Sicily. Here you will find more reports:
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Tropea
Where is Tropea located?
Tropea is located in the Calabria region of southern Italy, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The town is located on the so-called Costa degli Dei, the Coast of the Gods, and is known for its dramatic location high above the sea.
What is Tropea famous for?
Tropea is primarily known for its historic town center, steep cliffs, turquoise blue sea and fine beaches. One of the town's most famous landmarks is the church of Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Isola, which is spectacularly located on a cliff by the sea.
What is there to see and do in Tropea?
Stroll through the historic center, enjoy the views from the cliffs, visit Santa Maria dell'Isola and walk down to the beaches below the city. Tropea is also famous for its restaurants and for the local red onion, Cipolla Rossa di Tropea.
What are the beaches like in Tropea?
Tropea has several very nice beaches with light sand and pebbles and clear water. The beaches are located below the high cliffs on which the historic town is built, which gives them an unusually dramatic setting.
What is Santa Maria dell'Isola?
The Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Isola is a historic church and one of Tropea's most photographed landmarks. It is located on a cliff right by the sea and is reached by a staircase. From the area around the church you get great views of Tropea and the coast.
What is special about the onion from Tropea?
Tropea is known for Cipolla Rossa di Tropea Calabria, a sweet and mild red onion grown in the area and has a Protected Geographical Indication, IGP. The onion is used in many local dishes and is also sold in jams and other products.
Is Tropea worth a visit?
Yes, Tropea is one of the most spectacularly located destinations in Calabria. The combination of a historic town centre, views, beaches and clear sea makes the town suitable for both sightseeing and a beach holiday.
How many days do you need in Tropea?
One day is enough to see the historic city center, the church of Santa Maria dell'Isola and the beach. If you also want to swim, eat well and discover more of the Costa degli Dei, two or three days is a better choice.
When is the best time to visit Tropea?
Spring and early autumn are good if you want to combine sightseeing with pleasant weather and fewer visitors. During the summer it is warm and lively and the sea is perfect for swimming, but then Tropea is also significantly more visited.
Can you visit Tropea with a camper van?
Yes, Tropea is a good place to visit during a motorhome trip through Calabria. However, the historic center is located high up and has narrow streets, so it is best to leave your motorhome at a campsite or suitable parking outside the center and continue on foot.
What is there to see near Tropea?
Tropea is a good starting point for discovering Coast of the Gods. Along the coast there is Capo Vaticano with nice beaches and viewpoints. Pizzo, north of Tropea, is also a nice excursion and is famous for its ice cream. Pizzo truffle.
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Anette says:
A little Italy ? multo bene grazie, yes you get far with a little waving and sign language there! Hope you survive Taranto and the bay to Lecce, was quite or rather hysterical with people there last weekend! From where do you take the ferry to Greece? Do not be afraid when you get to Bari only if it is from there you will go, the burnt out ferry from last winter is there?....
10 August 2015 - 21:52
Rolle o Carina says:
Wow, how crowded it was on that beach!
But that's the way it should be in bathing weather 🙂.
Have fun and enjoy.....:-)
10 August 2015 - 22:00
Ditte says:
It sounds very nice and funny that Tropea feels good. We certainly liked the town and the surroundings when we were there.
And not so many foreign tourists...
10 August 2015 - 22:21
BP says:
Tropea looks sooooo delicious! Almost utopian actually. So I mean high up you live, in the middle you drive and at the bottom you are at the beach. Oh I almost bet that even the locals take the car down if they want to swim; -)
Well, Italy is a Catholic country and there you have to... well, you know what I mean. And birth control pills are forbidden, so... Talk about a clash of cultures.
Just like in Spain, I'm surprised that the "young people" don't speak English. It's always been like that and it's a shame. On the other hand, I think it's good that no paxing Germans, loud Englishmen and drunken Finns have found their way there.
But I have to say one thing - honest as I am. Standing with so many motorhomes close together feels like being in a sardine can. Oh Italians (like Spaniards) start "waking up" at 22:00 at the earliest. I would go crazy there.
10 August 2015 - 22:32
Maggan och Ingemar says:
We missed that village because of the rain 🙁 .
But it is nice and fun to "talk" to the population, as everyone tries to understand and explain themselves.
We experienced only friendly people on our trip.
Will it be Greece now? Oh how jealous I am now, I also want to go down again. We liked Greece and its wonderful beaches, drinking water everywhere.
Keep in mind that the roads in these countries are very poor, so drive carefully.
10 August 2015 - 23:02
admin says:
Anette, oh were you here last weekend!? Almost like we could have met! 😉 I think we take the ferry from Brindisi, but we haven't booked a ticket yet.
Rolle and Carina, it's August now so there are a lot of people in many places...
Ditte, we thought it was beautiful! Liked how the city was up on the mountains, nice!
BP, Italian youngsters are better at English than the adults, but not all youngsters speak English either. In general, it is quite varied, some speak good English, but many don't know a single word... I agree that it was a bit crowded and yes, they wake up in the evening. But there are pros and cons. For security reasons (burglary at night, etc.) it is also a bit nice to be surrounded by other motorhomes.
Maggan and Ingemar, Tropea is nice but you can't see everything. We also miss places all the time. Yes, the idea is Greece, but we have looked at a ferry that goes high up, ie near the border with Albania. Which ferry, i.e. between which towns, did you take?
11 August 2015 - 6:17
Lennart says:
Italy is high on our list!
We get even more excited when we follow you!
Live well!
11 August 2015 - 7:32
Elisabeth says:
Looks so lovely that we are getting hungry for Italy, but it is still in the hottest part of the country for us. Have fun!
11 August 2015 - 14:22
Inga M says:
Understand if this city impressed you! It looks like the houses have grown out of the steep mountains!
16 August 2015 - 9:09