TROPEA-Calabria´s tourist hot spot

Follow me through the streets of Tropea to discover the famous sweet onion and an interesting theory of the city´s foundation

The iconic Italian Ape, loaded with Tropea onions and other delicious treats

We arrive in Tropea the evening before and stroll curiously through the lit-up streets. It’s January, so it’s quieter, but there’s still a bit of life in the town. However, Tropea’s true charm only reveals itself in daylight. The many partly restored palaces give the town an aristocratic feel, while the small cafés add a cozy touch. The abundance of travel agencies in the area suggests that the town is much livelier in the summer. You can find tours to the Aeolian Islands or day trips to remote caves and beaches almost on every corner. And, of course, at every corner, you’ll also find the famous sweet Tropea onion. What’s great about Calabria is that there are still plenty of small shops selling local products. These shops mainly serve the locals rather than just catering to tourists, which makes exploring them all the more enjoyable.

Tropea lies on the so-called Costa degli Dei, or Coast of the Gods. According to local legend, it was founded by a demigod. After the Argonauts’ expedition, Hercules arrived in Tropea and, captivated by its beauty, decided to stay and found the town. Another theory claims that Tropea was one of the 100 heads of the dragon Ladon, whom Hercules defeated. This version of the story is honored with a monument here.

The highlight of Tropea is undoubtedly the stunning Church of Santa Maria dell'Isola, which sits quietly and proudly on a rock. To visit, you’ll need a bit of determination to climb the steep stairs, but the view is absolutely worth it. From here, you’re treated to a breathtaking panorama of Tropea and the sea. The church itself is surprisingly small, more like a chapel. But more myths await us in the next town, Capo Vaticano.