Why Travelers Are Skipping the Amalfi Coast for This Lesser-Known Italian Beach Town

It’s impossible to match the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast, but one Italian town can try. Tropea is the hidden gem of Southern Italy, located in Calabria, the unsung region at the “toe” of the geographical “boot” of the Apennine peninsula. When I first saw it, I felt the same as when traveling to Positano: pure awe of witnessing the grande belleza (or great beauty).

Tropea’s beaches are made of white sand, the water is transparent turquoise, and the architectural genius is absolute. Much like the striking towns of the Amalfi Coast, it’s perched above the sea. Unlike the famed region in Campania, Tropea doesn’t get all the mass tourism. That’s why it’s one of the best alternatives to Amalfi. Here’s our guide for taking the most of its delights and enjoying the Costa degli Dei (the Coast of Gods).      

As sublime as it is, the Amalfi Coast can still be quite a stressful travel experience. The high season now stretches from May to September, bringing thousands of tourists to the narrow, windy streets. You wait in queues to board the bus, you wait to get on a ferry, and you spend time waiting to have a meal at a restaurant. Tropea has none of that. Relatively unknown to international travelers, it mostly caters to Italian tourists. 

Another great advantage is the rail connection. Only Vietri sul Mare has a train station on the Amalfi Coast. Tropea, on the other hand, is connected to all the major Costa degli Dei destinations by train. This makes moving around much more pleasant, budget-friendly, and straightforward. You can explore other spectacular Calabrian beach towns, such as Pizzo, Scilla, Marina di Zambrone, and Bagnara Calabra, while spending less than 30 minutes traveling to each. 

While the Amalfi Coast has its selection of beaches, the Calabrian Coast is famed in Italy for its magnificent white-sand stretches. Tropea, for instance, offers two gorgeous, spacious bays that often top the “Best in Europe” travel lists. The sapphire-blue color looks unreal, and the water is transparent. You don’t get this in the Amalfi Coast, as most beaches there are pebbly. Also, crowds and expensive private beach bars make the beaches in Amalfi and Positano quite a turn-off during the high season. 

Rotonda is the main reason Tropea is among Europe’s most beautiful beach towns. This white-sand stretch is right under the cliffside Old Town. To make it even more scenic, the white-marble Santa Maria dell’Isola crowns the rocky hill at the west end of the beach. The crystal-clear water beckons for snorkeling. Families with small children will love the shallow water access. Paddleboarding around the rocks is another popular activity. 

Located on the west side of the Santa Maria dell’Isola hill, A Linguata is another beach highlight of Tropea. While most of Rotonda is public, you will find many private beach bars (or lidos) there. Access to Grotta dell’Isola, a limestone cave by the sea, is a nice bonus for explorers. A Linguata is a good choice for those who prefer lazy lounging under an umbrella with quick access to an Aperol Spritz.  

More peaceful and less crowded than the central Tropea beaches, Spiaggia della Contura is located behind the town’s port. In a way, it’s reminiscent of the sandy bays of Sardinia: you have the fine white quartz and shallow water access. The easternmost end is called La Scogliera. It’s a great snorkeling spot with many small rocky outcrops. Contura is about a 20-minute walk from the center of Tropea. 

One train stop away from Tropea, Spiaggia Michelino is divine. Backed by the tall cliffs, it’s the Tyrrhenian Calabria at its finest. The milky sand meets the aquamarine water here, as smaller sea stacks rise from the bottom. Go snorkeling, cliff-jumping, swimming, or kayaking—Michelino is perfect for all this. And you can also see the beautiful silhouette of Tropea’s Old Town in the distance.  

Getting to l’Occhiale is a mini-adventure. Take the old steps getting down the cliffs. Then, there’s a tiny trail between the rocks. Reaching the beach feels amazing (it’s still Tropea’s open secret that rarely gets crowded). In spring and autumn, you may be the only person enjoying its tiny white pebbles and breathtaking coastal views. It’s a wild beach, so bring the beach gear and snacks. Wearing comfy shoes is a must for the trail. 

The sea boulders divide the turquoise Riaci beach into two parts. Located between Tropea and Santa Domenica, it’s a picturesque strip of fine pebbles surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Unlike Michelino and l’Occhiale, it features parking and doesn’t have the wild feel. Riaci is the top snorkeling destination, thanks to the abundance of rocky formations. You can also explore a tiny set of sea caves called Grotta dello Stazzanese. 

Tropea’s number-one architectural attraction is Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola. It’s impossible not to stand in awe of this church. Perched on the hill and surrounded by the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, the building is impressive. Take the stairs to see its Baroque and Byzantine grandeur up close. The church is surrounded by scenic gardens that also serve as a viewpoint overlooking the sea and the Old Town. 

Tropea isn’t only famous for its looks. Italians know the town for Cipolla Rossa di Tropea, the EU-protected type of red onion. Nicknamed “red gold,” it’s a popular addition to dishes around the Apennine peninsula. Taste-wise, this veggie is characterized by a sweeter taste. The juicy inner part is used to make jams. Boutique della Cipolla Rossa, right in the Old Town, is the best place to buy the famous onion and grab some jams as a souvenir. 

The centuries-old houses of Tropea seem to be “falling” off the cliff when you stand at Rotonda Beach. Take time to discover the upper town. Tropea is included in I Borghi più Belli d’Italia, the local list of the most beautiful towns. Stroll through romantic, narrow streets, enjoy panoramic squares overlooking the Tyrrhenian blue, and study details of the faded palazzos. Stop by Palazzo Santa Chiara for a piano concert and the art exhibition. 

Regular high-speed ferries connect Tropea to the Aeolians, an archipelago of volcanic islands that are part of the Sicilian administration. Stromboli is the closest one and arguably the most exciting. Where else can you witness a guaranteed volcanic eruption? Local craters are constantly spewing smoke and lava, and you can hike to a safe distance to see this natural show. The island is also home to excellent black-sand beaches, such as Ficogrande and Spiaggia Lunga. 

Calabria is rich in local traditions—often, the beach towns would have a special dish to try that originated there. That’s the case of Pizzo, the homeland of tartufo. Can you really resist a rich gelato ball filled with melted chocolate? Of course not. Pizzo offers a beautiful Old Town and turquoise beaches to make your tartufo-devouring time more scenic. 

The Calabrian coast at Capo Vaticano is at its most epic. That’s where you understand why it’s called the Coast of Gods—the limestone rocks of the cape crash into the deep-blue sea. You’re high above one of Italy’s most stunning coastlines. Descend to the water to find a collection of sea caves, hidden coves, and wild beaches. The most impressive one is Spiaggia di Grotticelle, a sandy bay overlooking the cape. 

Set in a former convent, Villa Paola is where Tropea’s hospitality reaches its peak. This five-star hotel offers magnificent views of both the Old Town and the sea from contemporary rooms. Its territory is organized in cascaded terraces, providing a pleasant outdoor experience. But it’s the gorgeous infinity pool that will be the ultimate reason for you to fall in love with this classy Tropea abode. 

Travel back in time by staying at the actual palace. Palazzo Mottola is one of those houses dramatically perched above the Calabrian Sea. Spending the night here guarantees fantastic vistas of the coast and the Aeolian Islands in the distance. It’s a perfect honeymoon accommodation. The rooftop is a standout, offering the ultimate sunset-watching. 

Situated between the port and the Old Town, Ananea Tropea Yachting Resort is for those who love contemporary boutique hotels. The beige-toned rooms are slick and stylishly minimalist. You can also book suites with private pools. A traditional Calabrian restaurant with a wine cellar is a welcoming addition. 

Apart from onions and tartufo we mentioned, Calabrian cuisine offers many other local specialties and takes on traditional Mediterranean dishes. Try n’duja, the region’s favorite spicy pork sausage. It’s often the main ingredient in Calabrian pastas and pizzas. Peperoncino (the Calabrian pepper) is another staple, adding a spicy kick to meals. For centuries, local fishermen caught swordfish (or pesce spada). Aromatic pesce spada alla Bagnara, or swordfish chunks bathed in tomato sauce, is also a must-try dish. 

That’s Amore is the premier restaurant in the Old Town, which serves all the Calabrian classics. For seafood dishes in an elegant setting, visit Ristorante La Conchiglia da Patea. Terrazza degli Dei offers a terrace with unparalleled views of the sea and the Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola di Tropea. Damare Tropea Street Fish Food is perfect for a quick bite, selling swordfish and tuna Calabria-style paninos. For more affordable local eats, check out Piccola Fame.