Tropea is a place that you might confuse for the Carribean if the food weren’t so damn good! The beaches are white and sandy and the water is clear and blue. Together it makes for a lovely holiday location. This is the place to spend some quality beach time while enjoying Calabrian cuisine. It is far removed from the tourist hot spots which can be a blessing and a curse. It is a long drive from Naples or Positano. However, it is only a one hour drive from Lamezia Terme airport and easily can be combined for a road trip to Sicily. Try the famous Tropea red onions and Nduja, a kind of spreadable and spicy pork product that is unique to Calabria. The Centro Storico is lovely with beautiful Palazzi and plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to enjoy. Tropea has it all for a great place to spend some time. This is absolutely one of my favorite towns in Italy and the best for a beach vacation.
Tropea has not been fully discovered by tourists, other than Italians. More than any other town that I have been to in Italy, this is the place to have a beach vacation while enjoying the pleasures of Calabrian Cuisine. If you are staying at the Rocca della Sena, you can take a walk down some steep stairs to the beach. I recommend Lido Tropical where you can rent chairs and an umbrella. This is an excellent choice for not just the beach but the restaurant that is part of this property. Try the spaghetti Vongole or homemade pasta with eggplant among other fine dishes.
Church of Santa Maria dell'Isola
This is a well known landmark in Tropea. It stands on a hill overlooking the sea by the old town. It is a steep walk up to the church but you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Tyrrhenian sea.
Duomo
The Duomo located in the old town features two unexploded bombs that landed during World War 2. Legend has it that the painting of La Madonna di Romania protected the city from the bombs.
Hotels
Hotel Rocca della Sena
This is a fantastic 4 star with very reasonable prices. The best rooms have a balcony with an outdoor jacuzzi tub. The views are fantastic and, as I mentioned in the opening pages of this section, you will think you are in the Caribbean because of the water and sandy beach. They serve a very good breakfast and offer up Nduja, a spicy spreadable sausage that is a specialty of and Calabria.
Restaurants
Tre Fontane
There is a nice seating area outside in the old town on a square. Of course, it has seafood and they do an excellent job with it. They also have some creative items on the menu and there are daily specials that are offered depending on what is fresh. Accommodating Staff.
Osteria Antico Androne
Excellent choice in the old town. They serve local specialties including fried Tropea onions, Nduja and obviously fresh fish. They offer outside dining in their courtyard or in the interior of the palazzo. Has some meat and vegetable dishes.
La Boheme Ristorante Pizzeria
Very pretty restaurant located in an open piazza near the Duomo. Try the appetizer plate of sausages, cheese, artichokes and stuffed peppers. Nice welcoming staff.
Ristorante Pinseria Da Nico and Lilly
Another excellent choice that is about a one minute walk from Hotel Rocca della Sena. Pinsaria get its name from a particular type of Roman Pizza called a Pinsa. Great and generous seafood appetizer, Swordfish with tomatoes and olives, and Spaghetti with shrimp and bottarga. You can also try a Pinsa for something different.
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