Italy is renowned for its spectacular sights, from the duomo in Florence to the Colosseum in Rome. Yet for those willing to venture off the beaten track, the southern region of Calabria offers a glimpse of the 'real Italy' – and a step back in time.
Tropea, a medieval town perched on cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea, was recently voted the prettiest in Italy. Nestled into the rock face, its winding cobbled streets are lined with noble palaces and churches, including the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola. The town has survived invasions, earthquakes and bombings, and now stands proud above golden beaches with views of the still-erupting Stromboli volcano.
A visitor spending a week in the town described it as a 'dream-like' experience. Strolling through hidden alleys on a sunny October afternoon, sampling local delicacies such as sweet red onions and spicy nduja, and enjoying ice-cream with a view were among the highlights. Stopping for white wine in an ancient tavern halfway down the cliff provided a perfect way to relax after a beach visit.
However, the traveller had one significant complaint. The only downside was not being able to stay longer. As they put it, the issue was 'that I don't live there and only got to spend a week wandering its beautiful streets'. For those seeking an undiscovered Italian gem, Tropea appears to deliver – but perhaps not for long enough.
