Best Things to Do in Tropea, Italy
Tropea was my first international trip with kids—definitely a learning experience, but also the one that got me hooked on traveling with them. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect (honestly, I just booked a flight), but we discovered so many great things to do in Tropea—from its gorgeous beaches to the historic old town and incredible food.
It’s the kind of place where you can slow down and appreciate the Italian way of life, without feeling like you need to check off a long sightseeing list. And, of course, there was plenty of gelato – and wine.
Tropea makes a great base for exploring Calabria, but there’s plenty to do in the town itself, beyond just relaxing on the beach.Whether you’re here for the views, the food, or just to soak up the laid-back Italian atmosphere, here are the top things to do in Tropea.
Best Things to Do in Tropea
Tropea may be a small town, but there’s no shortage of things to see and do. It’s a fantastic destination for families, with plenty of kid-friendly things to do. Whether you want to spend your time exploring the historic center, relaxing on the beach, or trying local specialties, here’s our top recommendations.
1. Head to the Beach
Tropea’s beaches are one of the biggest reasons to visit, and they live up to the hype. Sitting along the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods), the coastline here is known for its turquoise water, soft sand, and dramatic cliffs. The main beach in town has the nicest sand and calmest water, making it perfect for families.
Even though the boys were a little unsure of the waves at first, they quickly got the hang of it—rolling in the surf, “surfing” the waves, and loving every second. The sand is coarser than we expected but still comfortable to walk on. While it’s not ideal for sandcastles, beach toys and an umbrella are a must.
Most families spend full days at the beach, relaxing under umbrellas, snacking, and soaking up the sun. Whether you want to swim, play in the sand, or just take in the views of Santa Maria dell’Isola towering above the sea, you can’t visit Tropea without spending time at the beach.
2. Visit Santa Maria dell’Isola
One of the most iconic things to do in Tropea is visiting Santa Maria dell’Isola, a historic monastery perched on a rocky outcrop above the sea. The boys first saw it when we were booking accommodations and immediately thought it looked like a castle.
It dominates most views in town, but it’s even more impressive up close. The monastery sits on a rock that used to be an island, but over time, the land shifted, and now you can walk right out to it. It also naturally splits Tropea’s beaches in two—so whether you’re relaxing on the sand or wandering through town, you’ll always catch a glimpse of it.
You can visit Santa Maria dell’Isola by climbing the 300 steps (€2, kids under 6 free). Inside, the monastery is simple, but the real highlight is the stunning panoramic view from the top. From here, you can look out over the beaches, the coastline, and even catch a glimpse of the Aeolian Islands on a clear day.
Even if you don’t climb the steps and explore inside, you can’t miss it—Santa Maria dell’Isola is Tropea’s most iconic sight. Whether you’re strolling through town, relaxing on the beach, or taking in the views from a lookout, this historic monastery is always in sight.
3. Wander Through Tropea’s Centro Storico
You could easily spend hours just wandering Tropea’s Centro Storico, getting lost in its narrow streets, hidden piazzas, and beautiful courtyards. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and small shops throughout the old town, but the real charm isn’t just along the main street—it’s in the smaller side streets, where you’ll find quieter spots and a more local feel.
Venture beyond the busier areas, and you’ll stumble upon locals chatting outside their doorsteps, laundry hanging between buildings, and tucked-away courtyards where life moves at a slower pace. Some streets naturally lead to breathtaking viewpoints, where you’ll suddenly find yourself looking out over the sea and the cliffs below.
Good to Know: Like many European towns, the cobblestones aren’t always stroller-friendly, but there are some paved routes to make it manageable. The smaller streets are best explored on foot though.
4. Walk Along Corso Vittorio Emanuele
Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the heart of Tropea, a lively street lined with restaurants, boutiques, souvenir shops, and (of course) plenty of gelato spots. It’s always busy with activity, whether during the day when visitors browse the shops or in the evening when the town slows down for la passeggiata—the Italian tradition of an evening stroll.
At the end of the Corso, the street opens up to a wide terrace with beautiful views of Santa Maria dell’Isola and the sea. It’s the perfect spot to pause, take in the scenery, and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Grab a gelato, find a spot along the railing, and enjoy one of the best views in Tropea.
5. Explore the Norman Cathedral
In the heart of town, the beautiful Norman Cathedral is one of Tropea’s most important landmarks. Inside, you’ll find a painting of the Madonna of Romania, Tropea’s patron saint, who is believed to have protected the town from disasters, including earthquakes and bombings during WWII.
Two unexploded bombs from the war are even on display inside the church.
At night, the cathedral is beautifully illuminated, making it worth a visit after dark.
6. Take a Boat Tour
One of the best ways to experience Tropea is from the water. Whether you want to explore the coastline, swim in hidden coves, or visit the Aeolian Islands, a boat tour is a must.
Many tours take you along the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods), where you’ll see white cliffs, sea caves, and turquoise water that looks straight out of a postcard. Some tours include stops for swimming and snorkeling, which is always a hit with kids.
For a longer adventure, take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago just off the coast. Some tours,Aeolian Island Day Tour, stop at Vulcano, Lipari, and Stromboli, where you can soak in natural hot springs, wander through colourful villages, and explore the islands. Another popular option is this full-day boat tour, which includes Lipari, Panarea, and Stromboli, with time to explore charming streets before ending the trip with a close-up view of Mount Stromboli’s fiery eruptions at night—a truly unforgettable sight.
You can book a group tour or a private boat online, but if you prefer to book in person, there are plenty of tour shops and kiosks around Tropea offering boat trips.
7. Ride the Trenino (Tourist Train)
Like many European towns, Tropea has a small tourist train that winds through the streets, offering a fun and easy way to see the town’s highlights. It’s a great option if you’re traveling with kids, want to save little feet from too much walking, or just need a break from the afternoon heat while still taking in the sights.
Every day, the boys would stop to watch this little train pass through town. It’s not technically a train—it runs on wheels—but that didn’t matter to them.
On our last day, we finally caught a ride. The 25-minute route (€5, free for kids) takes you through town, down to the marina, and along the sea. The coastal views along the way are stunning, and the ride itself is a fun, easy way to explore without the effort of walking Tropea’s steep streets.
8. Have Some Gelato
Gelato is an iconic part of Italian culture, and in the summer heat of Southern Italy, it’s even more irresistible. Whether you’re strolling through town or taking a break from the beach, a cold, creamy gelato is the perfect treat.
It quickly became a daily tradition for us in Tropea. After a long flight and a hotel mix-up, we sat down for our first gelato—and from that moment on, we couldn’t skip a day. Luckily, there are gelato shops all over town, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Two spots to try in Tropea are Gelateria Mimmo and Gelateria Tonino, both serving up delicious flavours with that perfect creamy texture. Classic choices like pistachio and stracciatella are always excellent, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try something unique like ‘nduja gelato – a flavour you’re unlikely to find anywhere other than Southern Italy.
👉 Read more: How to Spend 2 Days in Tropea
9. Try The Food
Food is a huge part of the experience in Tropea, and being right on the coast, it’s no surprise that fresh seafood is a highlight. One of the local specialties is swordfish, often grilled and served simply with olive oil and lemon, prepared in a traditional style with tomatoes, capers, olives, anchovies, pine nuts, and raisins. You’ll also find calamari, octopus, and anchovies, prepared in a variety of ways, from fried to marinated. If you love seafood, this is the place to indulge.
But the most famous ingredient in Tropea isn’t from the sea—it’s the Tropea red onion. This variety is much sweeter and milder than the red onions you’ll find in North America, which is why some locals even eat them raw, like an apple! They’re also delicious cooked, adding a rich, caramelized flavour to pastas, sauces, and side dishes. You’ll see them hanging in bunches from carts around town and in local markets.
Other local foods to try are ‘Nduja, aspicy, spreadable sausage unique to Calabria, that’s often spread of bread or mixed into pasta sauces. And of course you can’t go wrong with pizza and pasta, classic Italian staples that have a Calabrian twist.
10. Discover a Hidden Gem
Tucked away near the train station is a quirky shop that’s easy to miss but worth seeking out. Artistic Creations The Lighthouse is the actual name, but my kids simply called it the Moving Statues Store, which, to be fair, is exactly what makes it so fascinating. We only found it at the end of our trip, and if we’d come across it sooner, I’m sure we would have visited every day.
At first glance, it looks like a typical tourist shop selling figurines and statues. But step inside, and you’ll notice something different—some of them move. An entire wall is lined with intricate, animated figures, many glowing with tiny lights. In the back, there’s a separate room filled with animated nativity scenes and traditional Italian displays, each one more detailed than the last.
It’s an unexpected, fascinating stop—especially for kids, who could spend ages watching the tiny moving figures in action.
Things to Do Near Tropea
While Tropea itself has plenty to offer, it’s also a great base for exploring more of Calabria’s stunning coastline and nearby towns. Whether you want to visit quieter beaches, scenic viewpoints, or charming historic centres, there are several easy trips just a short drive or train ride away
Visit Zambrone
An easy train ride from Tropea, Zambrone is a quieter alternative to Tropea’s beaches. The shoreline is a mix of pebbles and soft sand, with stunning views of Lion Rock, a striking rock formation in the sea. The town itself sits on a hill above the train station, but the beach is just a short walk below, making it a great spot for a quick beach escape.
Explore Pizzo
Just 30 minutes from Tropea by train or car, Pizzo is a great spot for a quick day trip. The town is best known for Tartufo, a chocolate truffle ice cream with a molten chocolate centre, which you’ll find in cafés throughout the main square. Pizzo also has a small historic castle, Castello Murat, and a beach if you want to spend some time by the sea before heading back to Tropea.
Head up the Coast to Capo Vaticano
A short drive or boat ride from Tropea, Capo Vaticano is known for its dramatic white cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It’s one of the top places to visit in Calabria, and the views from the lookout points are breathtaking, stretching across the coast to Sicily on a clear day. It’s also a popular spot for boat tours, snorkeling, and swimming, and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Where to Stay in Tropea
Tropea has plenty of Airbnbs and small hotels, with more independent accommodations than large resorts. If you want to stay by the beach, you’ll find options just outside the historic center, but for easy access to restaurants, shops, and stunning views, staying in the Centro Storico is the best choice.
We ended up staying in a few different places due to a mix-up with our original accommodations, but the one we’d highly recommend is Terrazzo Del Borgo. Located right on the main street, it has a fantastic location, beautiful views, and a welcoming atmosphere. The staff were especially kind—when one of my kids lost a blanket off the balcony, they not only retrieved it but even had it cleaned before returning it to us!
Another great option is Hotel Villa Antica Tropea, a beautiful hotel with classic charm and a central location—perfect for those looking for a more traditional stay in the heart of town.
Tips for Visiting Tropea
- English isn’t widely spoken, but locals are friendly and helpful, even if they only speak Italian.
- Street signs are rare, and some streets don’t have names—ask for directions if needed.
- The historic center is pedestrian-only, so if you’re driving, you’ll need to park outside.
- Many shops and restaurants close for siesta, usually from 1–4 p.m.
- Dinner is later than in North America, often starting around 8 p.m. or later, and it’s common to see kids out late at night.
- Best time to visit: May, June, and September for fewer crowds and cooler weather.
- The closest airport is Lamezia Terme. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Tropea from the airport.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Tropea
Tropea was our first trip to Italy, and it couldn’t have been a better introduction to Calabria’s laid-back way of life. With its stunning beaches, historic center, and incredible food, Tropea is definitely worth visiting. There’s plenty to do, whether exploring the old town, visiting Santa Maria dell’Isola, relaxing on the beach, or tasting local specialties like Tropea’s famous red onions and ‘nduja.
But beyond the sights, Tropea is the kind of place where you can slow down, soak in the views, and enjoy simple moments—from sunset strolls to daily gelato stops. It’s one of our most memorable adventures, and a place I’d return to in a heartbeat.
Planning a trip to Calabria? If you’re still deciding on your route, our Calabria Itinerary breaks down the best way to explore the region. If you’re wondering where to stay beyond Tropea, we’ve covered the best areas and accommodations in Where to Stay in Calabria. And if you’re flying into Lamezia, here’s how to get from Lamezia Terme to Tropea to make your arrival smooth.
