The southernmost part of the Italian boot is also known as Calabria. It offers clean white sandy beaches, beautiful nature, vineyards, and last but not least, a piece of history. You can fly to the town of Lamezia Terme, which is located 60 km from the main resort of Tropea. If you want to explore the most beautiful corners of Calabria, it’s worth renting a car. We recommend combining the trip with a boat tour to the Aeolian Islands, which literally took our breath away. You can bathe in healing mud or relax on the black beach near an active smoking volcano.
Detailed Google map with attractions
[caption]Detailed map of our points of interest
1. Tropea
Tropea is the main seaside resort in Calabria. It is a town on a huge tuff rock that impresses with its beaches, architecture, and food. This stretch of the Tyrrhenian Sea coast is also known as the “Coast of the Gods” and is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Calabria. The main beaches are concentrated around a rocky promontory jutting out into the sea, where the monastery of Santa Maria dell’Isola stands. Climbing up the steep stairs is definitely worth it, as the stone terrace offers beautiful panoramic views. Inside the chapel, you will find the altar of the city’s patron – the Madonna of Romania.
In the town itself, many historical monuments have been preserved – the Norman cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania, the church of St. Francis of Assisi, and many other churches, chapels, and palaces. The tradition includes the production of movable Nativity scenes and artistic figurines. A nice viewpoint from the town to the beaches is Affaccio del Corso. Food enthusiasts can buy “cipolle di Tropea” – the famous sweet red onion.
2. Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands, also known as the Lipari Islands, belong to Sicily but are visible from Tropea. A one-day trip includes the islands of Vulcano, Lipari, and Stromboli. Boat trips can be booked for the next day through any travel agency in the town. You may try to negotiate the price; we managed to get it down to €35 per person (there were 5 of us).
The first stop is the island of Vulcano, where we could bathe in a healing sulphuric pool. Currently, it is temporarily closed, but we do not know why. On this island, there is also a black beach Spiaggia Sabbie Nere or a yellow Spiaggia delle Acque Calde, so choose yours based on the departure time.
The island of Lipari is the main and largest island, after which the entire archipelago is named. The picturesque town with the same name, Lipari, has two harbors, a 16th-century castle, and numerous churches. There is also an amphitheater on the castle with a nice view of the town. We did not swim on this island but rather explored its historical landmarks.
Stromboli Island is known primarily for its continuously active volcano. From afar, we can see smoke rising and we sense that this will also be a bit of an adrenaline rush. But don’t worry, if it wasn’t safe, boats definitely wouldn’t be sailing there. On the island, we walked to the black Ficogrande beach, which has the blackest volcanic sand. When swimming, beware of jellyfish, as we saw several of them during our time there. We rate this island as the most mysterious.
3. Spiaggia Di Riaci Beach
This sandy beach is located only 10 minutes by car from Tropea and is an excellent choice when the beaches in Tropea are completely overcrowded during peak season. The water has a beautiful color, and the rocks in the water add a special charm. For people like us who enjoy snorkeling, this is the best beach in the area. The rock on the left side is perfect and can keep you entertained for hours. You can see quite a lot of fish here.
4. Spiaggia La Marinella Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Calabria is Spiaggia La Marinella on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the town of Zambrone. It is also known as a paradise for divers, as it has crystal clear water and rich underwater life. However, it is also ideal for swimming and leisurely bathing.
5. Capo Vaticano Lookouts
Capo Vaticano is a rugged coastline with cliffs dropping into the sea and alternating with beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water. Its holiday atmosphere is complemented by cacti, banana trees, and other tropical plants and palms. From the Terrazza panoramica viewpoint, you can enjoy perfect views of the entire surroundings. Grotticelle beach is easily accessible by car.
