Tropea

Tropea is a municipality located within the province of Vibo Valentia, in Calabria. Tropea is often called "the capital of the holidays" because of its white beaches and tourist villages. The town's pastel-colored houses on Italy's southwest coast overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea in an area called the Riviera Calabrese.

History
The history of Tropea is more favorable than that of the rest of Calabria. The citizens of Tropea backed the Normans in a war in the 11th century and received special trade privileges. During the 13th century, Tropea's residents avoided an invasion by the Saracens by rebuilding the town in its current location. The town backed the Aragonese in the 15th century, so the citizens were given many privileges after the Spanish victory. The town was ruled directly by princes and did not fall into fighting, as in the rest of Calabria. Tropea has, however, been plagued by earthquakes that damaged the city. The town was continually rebuilt in the same area after its destruction.

All of these fortunes allowed the town to become a rich commercial area until the French invaded in the 19th century. Tropea lost its territorial and trade freedoms to its conquerors. The decline of the town was averted by the recent rise in tourism.

Sights
The Church of Santa Maria dell'Isola is built on a limestone rock overlooking the water. It is a remarkable sight on a nice day as its yellow and white façade stands out against the blue sky. The Duomo in Tropea is known for its two peculiar works of art: an inlaid 16th century Black Crucifix and the Madonna of Rumania, supposedly painted by Saint Luke. Tropea's school, Caffe Italiano Club, is where Italian is taught to foreign students and lovers of the Italian language and culture. The classrooms and professors are lively and exciting, so if you have time, take a class. Drive along the coast of Tropea on a sunny day and you can see Sicily or the Aeolian Islands. Most importantly, visit the white beaches and clear water for snorkeling, swimming or relaxing.

Transportation
The Lamezia Terme airport is 50 kilometers from Tropea. You can take a train or rent a car from there. A train will take you directly to the station in Tropea. By car, take highway Salerno-Reggio Calabria and exit at Pizzo. Take the road from there to Tropea.

Links: http://www.tropeabeach.it