Guidebook for Tropea

Tropea sports a tremendous number of restaurants. In high season, people tend to have dinner after 2100. For very late arrivals, check with Mimmo, the owner of the restaurant Antica Grotta, located below the apartment, to see whether they would be able to serve dinner. Aperitivo can be quite substantial, depending on the bar, and is typically served from around 1730 until 2100. Local favourites: tartuffo da Pizzo, anything with the sweet Tropea onion -- pizza/pasta/salad, 'nduja -- the local spicy sausage-ish spread, 'blue

The beaches to the right of the church are sandy, those to the left of the church become rockier the further you go away from the church. Most beaches are managed where you rent chairs/ beds/umbrellas and often have kitchens, some specialising in salads and sandwiches, and others offering the full Italian menu. The main free beaches are those located immediately to the right of the church, although they are only beaches, without restrooms or showers. You will need to supply your own beach towel.

The local tourist office, called Pro Loco, and is a minute or two away and can provide lots of suggestions. Capo Vaticano is a short drive down the coast – amazing views. Ask locals for precise directions down to the beach. (I haven’t managed to make it yet without getting lost.) Pizzo, Scilla and Reggio di Calabria are accessibile by train.

Daily Market - Monday-Saturday 0700-1200. Via Stazione. Permanent semi-outdoor market for produce, fish and meat. There are also afternoon hours on some days, from 1600 or so, but with not as many vendors. Grocery stores - the larger grocery stores are found by following Via Libertà along the coast toward Capo Vaticano. There are four in close proximity of varying size. Within the historic centre, there are a few smaller convenience shops near the flat. Great for picking up last minute items and cases of water.

Saturday Market 1 - Saturday 0800-1200. Via Stazione, adjacent to produce market. Weekly market for 'processed' food like olives, sausages, cheese, salted fish, spices, flowers, kitchen supplies. Great for picking up local specialties for gifts and souvenirs. Saturday Market 2 - Saturday 0800-1200. By the Convent, off. Via Libertà. Weekly market for clothing, shoes textiles, blankets, towels, sheets, cushions, etc. For fashion and traditional souvenirs, there are many shops, mostly in the historic centre.

The sun sets in the crater of Stromboli twice a year -- April 14 and August 28. Enjoy from the beach or the terrace.