Perched on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea is an authentic and charming seaside village that can be an absolutely captivating stop for those sailing to the nearby Aeolian Islands.

With its enchanting seaside location, majestic cliffs, turquoise waters and rich cultural heritage steeped in traditions, Tropea is one of Italy’s most famous yachting destinations. An authentic and charming seaside village, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian,” Tropea is situated in the province of Vibo Valentia and was declared the winner of the 2021 Borgo dei Borghi competition. It’s no wonder that for many years, Tropea has been attracting sailors from around the world who include it in their sailing itineraries, perhaps when exploring the Aeolian Islands, captivated by these wonderful places and eager to discover its marvelous territory.

Perched on a tuff cliff overlooking the sea, Tropea is located on the western side of the Calabria region, along the coastline bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, aptly named “The Coast of the Gods.” For those fortunate enough to arrive by sailboat, the port of Tropea provides excellent shelter from south and southeast winds, while it is exposed to the northeast. In addition to all the nautical services, it has a capacity of 450 boat berths in sandy bottoms ranging from 2.5 to 5 meters. Alternatively, sailors can anchor in the nearby ports of Vibo Marina at 11.8 nautical miles and Gioia Tauro.

 

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A very rich historical center with noble palaces and ancient churches

Wild and unspoiled nature, scents, colors and flavors typical for the Mediterranean, white sandy beaches, breathtaking views and Tropea’s excellent cuisine will provide the backdrop for a cruise stop that will undoubtedly stay in your heart. Once ashore, the historic center of this town is certainly one of the first things to see. Here, the noble palaces of the 18th and 19th centuries stand out, along with characteristic houses overlooking the famous rocky cliff. Wandering through the alleys, beautiful squares and staircases that reveal bays and coves with incredibly beautiful sea views, one is overwhelmed by a sense of awe and wonder that is hard to ignore.

At the heart of the historic center of Tropea is the Cathedral, which stands on the horizon and can be admired already arriving from the sea. It was built around the 12th century by the Normans. The longitudinally developed structure with three naves in Romanesque style was entirely constructed with yellow tuff and lava stone. During the 17th century, the building was transformed into the Baroque style and lengthened by 12 meters. Over the centuries, it suffered many damages due to earthquakes and was restored numerous times. Inside, the icon of the Patron Saint of Tropea, the Virgin of Romania, is preserved. This work, dating back to around 1230 and of Eastern origin, was created by a student of Giotto. Of particular interest is the majestic Black Crucifix of French origin, dating back to around 1600. Furthermore, leaning out from the square adjacent to the Cathedral, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the surrounding hills and the marina.

What a spectacle from the “Balcony” overlooking the sea!

Proceeding along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you can experience the lively atmosphere of Tropea with its numerous local cuisine restaurants, shops offering typical products and crafts, as well as trendy bars, ice cream parlors, coral shops and fashionable boutiques. Following the entire promenade, you reach the “Balcony,” a charming overhang overlooking the sea with a breathtaking view: on one side, you can admire the beautiful island, below is the Mare Piccolo beach with white sand bathed by turquoise waters, and on the horizon, the majesty of the Aeolian Islands.

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The dizzying view of Capo Vaticano

Among the other local destinations to explore, there is the promontory of Capo Vaticano located south of Tropea. It reaches a height of 124 meters above sea level and is made of white granite rock, with lush Mediterranean vegetation thriving on steep rocky slopes. Among them, the prickly pear with its juicy and fragrant fruits, the beautiful and rare giant fern, and the dwarf palm. The most panoramic point is the Belvedere located near the lighthouse. From here, you can admire the numerous coves and small beaches with white sand bathed in turquoise-colored water.

The sea is crystal clear and teeming with life; the scent of salt blends with that of the vegetation, and the moored boats appear suspended in the void. In short, a wonderful landscape that provides intense emotions. The sea surrounding Capo Vaticano is also the ideal place for underwater diving.

Beaches, towers and caves in a thousand colors

Also interesting is the nearby Marrana Tower. It is an ancient tower built in the 16th century that was part of a defensive system. It was used to monitor the coast and signal the arrival of Saracen ships that came to conquer and plunder. The defensive system consisted of 7 towers, all located on the coast, communicating with each other through smoke signals. Marrana Tower is one of the best-preserved and is part of the archaeological complex of Ricadi, where the amphitheater hosts the annual “Magna Grecia Theater Festival Calabria.”

Finally, among the most beautiful beaches to visit in Tropea, there is the Rotonda Beach, a very white coastline with extraordinarily clear waters, delimited by the San Leonardo rock. Ideal for escaping the crowd and relaxing is the Cannone Beach, a hidden paradise behind the North pier of the port. And then there are the Convent Beach and the Linguata Beach, perfect for sports and diving. For those seeking strong emotions, we recommend the Palombaro Cave and the famous Blue Grotto. Here, the reflections of the sea transform into extraordinary colors, creating a unique spectacle.

 

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