Tropea: One of my favorite beach towns in Italy

Set dramatically above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in southern Italy. Located in Calabria, this charming town is famous for its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, sweet onions, and historic old town. While it may not have the same international fame as the Amalfi Coast, that is exactly what makes Tropea so special. During the summer, Tropea is particularly popular with Italian tourists, making it a favorite destination for locals looking for a beautiful seaside escape. While the Amalfi Coast can feel overwhelmed by international tourism during the summer months, Tropea has a distinctly Italian atmosphere. You’ll hear plenty of Italian being spoken, see families enjoying long lunches by the sea, and find locals spending their summer vacations along the Calabrian coast.

The town itself is perched high above the water, with narrow cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, small shops, cafés, and restaurants tucked into the historic center. One of the most recognizable sights is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, dramatically positioned on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. The view from above is spectacular, especially at sunset.

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The town of Tropea

And then there are the beaches! A staircase leads down from the historic center to the beautiful coastline below, where crystal-clear water and dramatic cliffs create an almost tropical-looking setting. The contrast between the colorful old town above and the turquoise Mediterranean below is what makes Tropea so photogenic.

One of the things I love most about Tropea is that it feels like a place where Italians actually come to vacation—not simply a destination designed around tourism. It has plenty of restaurants, beach clubs, and accommodations, but it retains a more relaxed and authentic feel than some of Italy’s better-known coastal destinations.

If you’re looking for spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, incredible food, and a more authentic Italian summer experience, Tropea should definitely be on your list. It may be less famous than Positano or Capri, but in my opinion, that is part of its charm.

Things to do in Tropea

Rent a Boat and Explore the Coast of Tropea

Tropea is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, including one that National Geographic recognized as the best snorkeling beach in the country. With crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, sea caves, and dramatic cliffs, the coastline is truly stunning.

In my opinion, the best way to experience Tropea is from the water. Some of the most beautiful and secluded areas along the coast are only accessible by boat, making a day on the water a must if you want to see the area at its best.

Consider renting a boat, either with or without a captain, and spending half a day or even a full day exploring the coastline at your own pace. I personally recommend a private boat experience over a larger group charter. Group tours typically have set stops and limited time at each location, which can make it difficult to explore freely without worrying about missing the departure time.

With a private boat, you have the freedom to stop whenever you want for a swim in secluded bays, snorkel in the crystal-clear turquoise water, discover hidden beaches, and simply relax while taking in the spectacular views of Tropea's dramatic cliffside town from the sea.

Whether you're looking for adventure or simply a relaxing day on the water, a boat trip is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Tropea.

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Boat trip along the Capo Vaticano Peninsula

Hike to Marinella Di Zambrone: Less than 10 minutes north of Tropea, you'll find the beautiful Marinella di Zambrone, a secluded cove that can be reached on foot. From Zambrone train station, the hike takes about 20 minutes downhill, but the effort is absolutely worth it!

The beach is peaceful and rarely crowded, with stunning views, crystal-clear blue water, rocky cliffs, and plenty of space to relax. If you're feeling adventurous, there are also rocks and cliffs where you can take a refreshing jump into the water.

Pack light, since you'll need to carry everything down and back up the trail. And don't forget an umbrella! There isn't much shade on the beach, so you'll definitely want some protection from the sun.

For us, this little cove was one of those unexpected discoveries that made the trip even more memorable. If you're willing to put in a little effort to get there, you'll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots along the Calabrian coast.

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Marinella di Zambrone

Where to eat

Tropea is another destination where you can eat incredibly well without the prices and crowds found in some of Italy's more famous coastal towns. Calabria has a cuisine all its own, with bold flavors, fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and even a little spice!

One of the most famous ingredients in Tropea is the sweet red onion, or Cipolla Rossa di Tropea. You'll find it everywhere, from salads and pasta to pizza, sandwiches, and even jams. The onions are so important to the area that they have protected IGP status, and trying them is practically mandatory when visiting Tropea.

Being on the coast, fresh seafood is another highlight. Restaurants serve everything from grilled fish and calamari to pasta with clams, mussels, and other locally caught seafood. If you're spending the day on a boat, consider stopping at one of the seaside restaurants for a long Italian lunch overlooking the water.

Don't leave without trying some traditional Calabrian specialties. 'Nduja, the region's famous spicy, spreadable sausage, is often served with bread, incorporated into pasta and pizza, or used to add heat to sauces.

There are plenty of excellent restaurants in Tropea, including several with spectacular views of the coastline. One of our favorites is La Bottega del Pesce, located right on Spiaggia di Riaci, one of the area's most popular spots for snorkeling. The beach is easily accessible and offers both free public areas and a lido, with convenient parking nearby. The restaurant has an incredible view overlooking the famous Riaci rocks, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch while sipping a glass of wine and watching the kids swim and play in the water.

Another favorite of ours is Blu Shine, a small restaurant located just north of Tropea near Spiaggia di Zambrone. The setting is beautiful, right by the water with spectacular views of the famous Stromboli volcano rising on the horizon. Add live music, delicious food, and a relaxed atmosphere, and you have the perfect spot for a memorable evening. We especially enjoyed spending the evening here with friends and taking in the incredible sunset views.

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Blu Shine Restaurant

If you’re looking for spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, incredible food, and a more authentic Italian summer experience, Tropea should definitely be on your list. It may be less famous than Positano or Capri, but in my opinion, that is part of its charm.