Tropea

In a scenic spot on the Calabrian coastline, even Tropea’s name makes it sounds like an idyllic beach resort. This part of the Tyrrhenian Sea coast is called the Costa degli Dei, or the ‘Coast of the Gods’, and the name isn’t an overstatement! The coast bulges outwards into the sea, alternating picturesque cliffs with pale, sandy beaches, and there are little resorts in between; Tropea takes pride of place, with its charming historic centre and rail station. The best places to stay in Tropea are perfect picks for either a relaxed seaside holiday, or as a base for expeditions all over the region, down to Reggio Calabria, and even across to Sicily or the Aeolian Islands. Both our choices — a converted 16th century convent, and a contemporary villa hotel — have spectacular views.

If you’re in Tropea to relax and enjoy the seaside, you’ll want to join the regular passeggiata, which takes place along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. This is the sort of strolling and people watching Italian seaside towns are known for, but in Tropea it happens all day long, not just of an evening, and there’s a regular circuit along the route — to the gorgeous bay at the end and back — with plenty of places to stop off for a drink or gelato along the way. Tropea doesn’t have show-stopping sights, but its narrow streets are picturesquely laid out, and there are numerous charmingly fading palazzi to admire. Tropea’s old town wall is a nice route to stroll too.

If you like the idea of using the best places to stay in Tropea as a base for exploring the whole area, you’ll appreciate the scenic little railway line, with regular services to Naples and Reggio Calabria via Lamezia Terme. Pretty Scilla is just to the south, and Pizzo — famed for its chocolate and ice cream — is to the north. In Tropea’s port you can find boat trips to the Aeolian Islands, including evening excursions to see the rumbling, volcanic action of Stromboli.

The Best Places to Stay in Tropea

For The View

• The Hotel Rocca della Sena overlooks the beach and the water from some height, so that from the terraces and balconies you can see the coral forms and rocks in the ocean, as well as the Aeolian Islands in the distance. The hotel’s 15 rooms and suites share the views, all with smart, neutral decor and interesting artworks, and some with hot tubs on the balconies too. The hotel also has a great spa, and a really impressive wine cellar. There’s no restaurant, but they do offer breakfast.

For Relaxation

• Stunningly converted from a 16th century convent, the Villa Paola is a beautiful hotel overlooking lush, terraced gardens and the ocean beyond. Its 11 rooms and suites are large and light, with white walls, decor in neutral, natural colours, and French doors. Just ten minutes from the beach, and a pleasant stroll from central Tropea, this is a relaxed choice, romantic and peaceful.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Tropea’s closest international airport is Lamezia Terme Airport, which is about 50 minutes away by either road or rail. Reggio Calabria Airport is next closest, around an hour and a half away by car, or taxi, or around three hours away by train.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• In almost the exact centre of the Mediterranean, Tropea is known for its hot, dry summers and mild winters. Right by the sea, Tropea’s temperatures are somewhat regulated by the water, so both seasons are milder than in Calabria’s interior. The beach season runs between early June and October, mostly because it takes a while for the water to heat up to a pleasant temperature. If you plan on sitting on the sand and not getting too wet, then you could easily enjoy the beach in May, when it’s sunny and very pleasant. March and April see the spring rains, though also lush views, and all the colour and festivity of Easter, and spring can be a very pleasant time to visit if you’re here to see the sights as well as the coastline. The autumn rains arrive in November.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search inland and include all the best places to stay in Calabria
• Consider the best places to stay in Reggio Calabria which is south along the coastline, close to the Strait of Messina
• Head off shore into the Strait of Messina and include the best places to stay on the Aeolian Islands, the best places to stay in Sicily, or just the best beach hotels on Sicily
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.