Tropea is perhaps the most famous destination in all of Calabria. It is charming, rich with artistic treasures, from noble palaces to antique churches such as the scenic Santa Maria dell'Isola.
For protection from Saracen raids Tropea was rebuilt in the 13th century in its present position, dramatically perched high above the sea on calcareous rocks. Repeated earthquakes over the centuries caused significant damage to the town, whose residents after each disaster would rebuild directly upon that which came before (19th century archaeological excavations brought this to light). After a particularly rough earthquake of 1783 the government in Naples sent over engineer Ermenegildo Sintes to revise the town's urban plan. He cleared away several of the cluttered building areas in town in order to make easier escape routes during periods of seismic activity, and he decided to reduce the highest towers to safer levels.

Despite Sentis' "opening" of town, some of the original narrow lanes have remained and thus strolling through town today is still quite thrilling.
There are many lovely restaurants and hotels (also in the surrounding area), intimate cafés and boutiques where one can purchase fresh local food and craft products. At many points along the periphery the lanes open up to marvelous views of the sea, precipitously below town; one can spy men on their lunch break out fishing, or fishermen on their lunch break relaxing on shore.
In the summer, there is a great influx to area beaches, which are beautiful, white sand beaches often set beneath crags.
Near Tropea the beaches of San Domenica are lovely, the coast quite spectacular in places. One should also explore the maritime hamlets closer to the tip of Capo Vaticano, such as the characteristic marina of Santa Maria, which has a direct view of cape massif as well as excellent beaches.

Perhaps the most extraordinary time to be in Tropea and Capo Vaticano is during sunset. On a clear day one can see all the way to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, and on the 12th of August the sun sets precisely in the crater of great Stromboli, on the 23rd of September behind Panarea, one of the most beautiful of the Aeolian.
Few things could compare to these islands, not to mention giant Mt. Etna, illuminated by the last pink rays of the setting sun.
From Tropea there are regular ferry services to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands during the summer.

From Pizzo in the north to Nicotera in the south the Capo Vaticano region, part of which for centuries was integral to the ancient Tropea domain, the region offers much to explorers and beach loungers alike. While in the summer the area is swarming with visitors, it is still possible to escape the crowd, to find a little cove of one's own at sunset or easier still a private mountain lookout.
The turquoise sea is difficult to move away from here, particularly on a typically hot Calabrian summer day.