Along the Tyrrhenian shores of Calabria lies the well known bathing resort of Tropea; this part of the Italian coastline is renowned not just for the historical importance and its beauty, but also for its proximity to the mountains of Aspromonte.

The favorite holiday destination on the Costa degli Dei, is Tropea; this place in addition to be famous for its beaches and water, which are crystal clear, it is also renowned for its red onions. The town lies on the promontory between the bays of Gioia and Sant’Eufemia; this strategic position gives Tropea an amazing diverse landscape. Among Tropea’s beaches, Linguata (named this way because of its tongue like shape, as lingua in Italian means tongue), Cava, Bacino, and Cantini are the most famous beaches and frequently visited by tourists. Tropea’s historic center has numerous aristocratic houses and remarkable monumental buildings, such as Palazzo Toraldo, one time a castle and now home to Tropea’s Archeological Museum, and the 12th century cathedral, built at the time when the Normans were ruling. Tropea has six wonderful panoramic terraces, and each one of them overlooks the sea, and offers a breathtaking view. The Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Isola, a historic pilgrim destination that was built on a small peninsula, at the foot of the town, has become the symbol of Tropea.

Along Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast, visitors will spot the town of Capo Vaticano, with its white sandy beaches, located in the community of Ricadi, and built on the upland of Monte Poro. Other popular beaches are the Occhiali beach, the Baia di Riaci, and the Volo di Corvaru beach; the last one lies underneath a sheer cliff where noisy crows come to build their nests. In addition, there is the Baia di Formicoli, known for its fauna-rich ocean floor. If stopping at Spilinga, visitors should taste the town’s renowned “nduja”, perhaps Calabria’s hottest sausage.

Leaving the Costa degli Dei, and going south is the Costa Viola, or the Violet Coast; the name of this place comes from the fact that at sunset the color of the sea turns purple. Close by lies Scilla, and on the Sicilian opposite side, is Cariddi. The legend tells that these two towns used to be inhabited by monsters that would eat up imprudent navigators as they sailed through the canal. The town of Scilla comprises two centers: Marina Grande and Rione Chianalea. Marina Grande has long beaches and a modern aspect; while Rione Chianalea is a unique fishing village, with little cottages built right by the water. Between the old and the new Scilla, the town of Ruffo Castle is by far the most beautiful fortress in the entire region of Calabria.

Just a few kilometers away is Gambarie, surrounded by Calabria’s mountains; Gambarie is one of the most important ski station and resort contiguous to the National Park of Aspromonte. In the winter time visitors come here to ski; while in the summer season vacationers visit the area for trekking and high altitude rambles. Chairlifts to Monte Scirocco and Monte Nardello are available on which visitors can admire the sea from above; breathtaking views over the green woodland, the blue sea of the Coast Viola, and the coast of Sicily can also be appreciated.