Tropea and beyond
Before this recent trip to Calabria, I had traveled once to the region, back in the 1980s, but I’d gone only to Lido di Catanzaro where my boyfriend’s family had a house, so I didn’t see much. On this trip (early September) my cousins and I based ourselves in Tropea: Calabria’s loveliest seaside town.
I relished Calabria’s wild beauty, the welcoming spirit of the people, the glorious sea; and as a historian I also loved the experience of Greek myths floating into my head as I visited locations that the Greeks colonized way back in the 8th and 7th centuries BC. The ancient Greeks claimed that Hercules founded Tropea, after fighting off giants there, and that he called it Tropheum.
Very interesting and a part of italy that I knew nothing about. Your photos are especially wonderful, the color contrasts and vibrant hues really capture the essence of the place and make me to want to visit! Your descriptions of the various beaches and places to eat are also interesting and helpful. 🙂
Ciao Margaret,
Yes, Italy is endlessly fascinating– always more to discover! Glad you found the info helpful. 🙂
Brought the area to life! Thanks Chandi.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for stopping by!
Where did you get your training to be a “historian”?
Hi Liz,
I have a masters’ degree in Florentine Renaissance history from University of California Riverside. I trained with the renowned Florentine Renaissance historian Dr. Dale Kent, which was one of the best experiences of my life! I have taught at colleges in the US and abroad. I mention it on my about page: http://paradiseofexiles.com/about/
A lovely article Chandi! It all sounds so enticing and the gorgeous pictures add so much to your wonderful descriptions.
Glad you enjoyed the descriptions. It’s so fun to discover new places in Italy!
Chandi, you had me with “tartufo.” It’s my favorite dessert in Rome’s Centro Storico and I had no idea it’s from Calabria. Tropea has been No. 2 on my To Visit list I started nearly four years ago. Thanks for giving me a sense of urgency. It will definitely be among the places I visit next June. Great photos and the colors were like what I see around Favignana off Sicily.
Ciao John,
I had such a great experience the one time I went to Favignana. I hope to go again! Glad my post got you all revved up to get yourself to Calabria!
A fantastic, beautiful part of Italy! I loved the trip and want to do something similar again soon!!
Great photo selection and great article. Thank you x
I would love to do another trip with you two! Italia’s beautiful places are endless!
Lovely!
When did you travel to tropea?
I wann to go next july, from 10th to 20th. Do you think it will be overcrowded? Especially the beaches? Or is it still enjoyable?
Hi Mira,
I went the first week of September. It was not too crowded. I have not been there in July and I am sure it will be crowded, but even more so in August. However, you want a town like this to feel lively at night and not “dead” like it probably feels in off season. Just book far ahead!
I just returned from Tropea after a week-long stay, my second in the last five years. I left my wife there for a month-long language instruction class. It is incredibly lovely, and the Corso is incredible. We had cornetti and capucinos every morning at Caffe del Corso. The owners are lovely people. Thanks for helping me relive my breathtaking week there. Mia moglie torna a Stati Uniti in novembre.
Hi Celso,
Thanks for stopping by. What fun that you guys too, ended choosing Caffe del Corso as your hangout. In my “real life” I never do gelato daily but in Tropea we went for it!
I noticed the language center in Tropea. What a lovely place to take a month-long course!
Ooh. I want to go to such beaches! This is inspiration to break out of my mold…