Ciao, travelers! I’m Rileigh, the owner of Travel Mellow, and I’m thrilled to share my personalized itinerary for a two-week trip to the stunning region of Calabria, Italy. Having lived in Italy for two years, I’ve fallen in love with the country’s rich culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. This itinerary is designed to help you experience the authentic charm of Calabria, with a focus on avoiding tourist traps and embracing local life.
Day 1: Exploring the Charming Town of Tropea
Start your journey in the picturesque town of Tropea, known for its stunning seaside location and historic center. Wander through the narrow streets, admiring the colorful buildings and charming piazzas. Visit the Norman Cathedral and stroll along the lively Corso Vittorio Emanuele, where you’ll find local shops and cafés. For dinner, I recommend La Vignetta, a cozy trattoria serving delicious Calabrian specialties like nduja (spicy pork spread) and peperoncini ripieni (stuffed peppers).
Day 2: Relaxing on Tropea’s Beaches
Today, soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Tropea’s famous beaches. Tropea Beach and Rotonda Beach are two of the most popular spots, offering soft sand and stunning views of the town’s historic center perched atop the cliffs. Pack a picnic lunch with local ingredients like cipolla rossa di Tropea (Tropea’s famous red onions) and pecorino cheese. For dinner, try La Cantina di Gio, a cozy enoteca serving delicious seafood dishes and an excellent selection of local wines.
Day 3: Day Trip to Pizzo
Venture out to the nearby town of Pizzo, known for its picturesque seaside setting and historic center. Visit the Church of Piedigrotta, a stunning church built into the rocky cliffs overlooking the sea. Stroll through the charming streets and stop for a refreshing granita (Italian ice) or a scoop of tartufo, a delicious gelato specialty from Pizzo.
Day 4: Hiking the Sentiero dei Monaci Trail
Lace up your hiking boots and embark on the Sentiero dei Monaci (Monks’ Trail), a scenic coastal path that offers breathtaking views of the Calabrian coastline. The trail winds through lush Mediterranean vegetation and past ancient monasteries, providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and history. Pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water for this moderate hike.
Day 5: Exploring Ricadi and the Grotta Azzurra
Today, visit the charming town of Ricadi and explore the stunning Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), a sea cave with crystal-clear waters that take on a mesmerizing blue hue. You can book a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the cave from the water. Afterward, stroll through Ricadi’s historic center and enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Basilica, a family-run trattoria serving delicious local specialties.
Day 6: Cooking Class in Tropea
Immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Calabria by taking a cooking class in Tropea. Learn how to prepare classic dishes like pasta alla Norma, peperoncini ripieni, and frittole (fried dough balls) from a local chef. Not only will you learn valuable cooking techniques, but you’ll also gain insights into the region’s food culture and history.
Day 7: Day Trip to Reggio Calabria
Venture to the city of Reggio Calabria and visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Bronzi di Riace statues, two ancient Greek bronze sculptures discovered off the coast of Calabria. After exploring the museum, stroll through the city’s historic center and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria.
Days 8-14: Exploring More of Calabria and Beyond
With the remaining days of your trip, you can choose to further explore the charming towns and natural beauty of Calabria, or venture to other regions of Italy. Some nearby destinations worth considering include the picturesque towns of Scilla, Gerace, and Stilo, or you could take a ferry to the nearby island of Sicily or explore the regions of Puglia or Campania. Alternatively, you could spend more time relaxing on the beaches of Tropea or indulging in the region’s delicious cuisine.
General Travel Tips for Tropea, Italy
- Rent a car for maximum flexibility to explore the region and nearby towns.
- Many attractions and restaurants may have limited hours or be closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the hilly towns and hiking trails.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to better connect with locals and enhance your experience.
- Embrace the slower pace of life in Calabria and savor the simple pleasures of good food, wine, and company.
Tropea and the Calabria region offer a truly authentic Italian experience, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. By following this itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local way of life, savor delicious regional cuisine, and create unforgettable memories. Buon viaggio!