The hilltop towns worth exploring
Not only sea: Calabria also offers evocative places steeped in history.
Along the Tyrrhenian coast, there is a succession of unmissable destinations.
Discover Tropea, Pizzo, Reggio and Scilla during your holiday at Villaggio Il Gabbiano.
Tropea
Just 9 km from the Village, the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea stands on a sandstone cliff from which it towers over the sea below like a majestic queen. It is said that its creator was Hercules who, on his way back from Spain, stopped at the Costa degli Dei and based one of his ports in Tropea.
Due to its distinctive position as a terrace overlooking the sea, Tropea played an important role both during the Roman era and under the Saracen occupation and, even more so, under the Norman and Aragonese occupations.
The old part of the town is situated on a rocky spur that reaches a height of about 50 metres above sea level. In front of which stands a small island with the ancient Benedictine Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola dating back to 370 AD, which for centuries was the refuge of hermits and sailors as it was not connected to the mainland. Today the island is joined to the land by a thin strip of beach, and has become the most famous iconic image of Tropea around the world. The sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, sometimes called Isola Bella, can be admired from the panoramic viewpoints of the town, but can also be reached by means of a steep flight of steps carved into the very rock of the islet. Around the church, there is a beautiful garden full of Mediterranean plants with a stunning view, and in the background, you can catch a glimpse of the Aeolian Islands with Stromboli, Sicily with the majestic Etna and the expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The beaches below the cliff of Tropea are very white and contrast magically with a crystalline sea in colours ranging from turquoise to deep blue. Tropea possesses 2 km of beaches and 1 km of rocky coastline. Its seafront offers a wide range of services, such as equipped bathing establishments, free beaches, car parks, bars and restaurants.
The old town centre is lined with many picturesque streets where you can admire the town's 17th and 18th century architecture. Inside, there are beautiful churches from various eras (Norman Cathedral, San Francesco d'Assisi, Santa Maria della Neve, etc.) and charming Baroque palaces. On the outside of these ancient noble dwellings you can see overhanging 18th century balconies and antique portals. All this is enclosed in a maze of narrow streets that open onto small panoramic squares overlooking the sea below or onto green terraces.
The sandstone composition of the town prompted its former inhabitants to carve out underground spaces, which are now used as small souvenir shops, boutiques, shops selling local crafts and Calabrian gastronomic products, pleasant cafés and restaurants.
The green hinterland of Tropea has also enriched its reputation, thanks to the cultivation of its IGP product par excellence, the 'Cipolla Rossa di Tropea'. Its particular sweetness, which distinguishes it from any other variety of onion, its crunchiness and its pleasantness to the palate are magical gifts from nature, due to factors of genetics, climate and soil.
Reggio and Scilla
It is worth to travel to the Costa Viola of Calabria and stop in Scilla to visit the Norman Castle of the Ruffo family and the picturesque fishing village called "Chianalea", then continue to Reggio Calabria and not miss the chance to admire the famous Riace Bronzes exhibited at the National Museum of Reggio Calabria. Take a pleasant walk along the main street and the Lungomare Falcomatà, described by Gabriele D'Annunzio as "the most beautiful kilometre in Italy" for its enchanting view of the Strait.
Along the way, those who love contemporary art and architecture can stop in Mammola to visit the MUSABA Museum Park. It represents an interesting blend of past, present and future where Nik Spatari and Hiske Maas have transformed the historic compound into the only living Museum Park in the Mediterranean.
Pizzo
Another interesting seaside town: the square, the Aragonese Castle where Joachim Murat was executed, the church of Piedigrotta and the seafront promenade are not to be missed. It is also famous for its truffles and artisanal ice cream, which you absolutely have to try.
home
Rooms
Beach
Pool
Services
Cuisine
Excursions
Info
