Spots in Tropea
A view over the north side of Tropea
You will want to spend some time exploring the streets of Tropea. For one, you can access the elevated city from multiple avenues, and they all offer gorgeous, diverse seascapes. Then, exploring the interior of the city center offers different but interesting aesthetic feasts for your eyes.
Santa Maria dell’isola
Santa Maria dell’isola over my right shoulder
The initial date of construction is uncertain, and I consulted websites that claimed it was built in the 4th century and then only later , between the 6th and 9th centuries. Ultimately, a written record does not exist, so these dates are speculation. The church is certainly centuries upon centuries old, however, this is certain, and we know it was passed to the control of Benedictine monks in the 11th century. Famously, a 12th century Byzantine statue of the Virgin Mary found its way here by sea and has protected Tropea ever since (even though the wooden icon has since mysteriously disappeared from the church.) The facade was damaged by an earthquake; thus the striped marble we see today was part of the reconstruction in 1905. I first ascended the winding set of stairs on my morning run in Tropea. This was a strategic decision as I was able to gaze down at the beaches on both sides of the promontory and start to speculate about the best spot for the day’s subsequent activity: relaxing on the beach. If mobility allows, you should absolutely climb the stairs and take in the views from the church as well as the views of the church from many angles in the city center of Tropea.
Santa Maria dell’isola at sunset
Mare piccola and Mare grande
These beaches are located on either side of a cave, formed under the promontory with Santa Maria dell’isola , as described above. The amazing thing about this location is you can swim and snorkel around and into the cave; thus visiting the beaches on both sides, no matter where you decide to ‘park’ for the day. The beaches stretch for a few kms, just below the rocks that support the town of Tropea. I was amazed that such pristine waters and gorgeous beaches are found so conveniently near the city center. But truly, you will be spoilt for choice in the task of deciding where to settle when you ‘beach’ in Tropea.
Lidi to the left to choose from
The good news is, if you have a few days, why not move around! The so-called ‘Mare Piccola’ is to the right side of the promontory if you are facing out to sea. There are is ‘free beach’ space here. Another name for the beach on this side is the ‘Spiagga della Rotonda’. On the left side, you will find the ‘Mare Grande’; this is actually the name of a restaurant and accommodation. The name ‘Spiaggia A Linguata’ is also used in this area. The bottom line is, all of these beaches are connected by the long stretch of sand and sea just under the rocky backdrop of Tropea city, interrupted by the promontory. Thus, I would recommend taking a stroll and getting a feel for the ‘lidi’ (beach clubs) available on either side.
The waters of Tropea
We opted for a lido on the so-called ‘Mare Grande’ side, but I must say, they are all pretty similar and standard. The water is lucid; well don’t take my word, see the picture at right, and I definitely encourage you to swim into the open cave area. I found it to be quite meditative, as I explored around on my own, ultimately swimming inside the cave and staying for a while.