Calabria: Tropea & Capo Vaticano

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Tropea is a pretty seaside resort that sits perched or shelved (barely hanging on) above the Tyrrhenian Sea — overlooking the clear waters….it literally cascades down from the top of the hill to a natural terrace….then falls to the sea…..beautiful. The old town is quaint and should be strolled….there are shops and palazzi and places to dine. Piazza Ercole is the main square in this part of town. On the cliffs is the duomo (12^th century), a Norman church with a pretty interior — make sure you see the 16^th century Crocifisso Nero/Black Crucifix. Other churches to pop in to are: Chiesa di San Francesco, Chiesa di Jesus, Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine and the Annunziata. If you’re at the beach (below the old town), stop in at Santa Maria dell’Isola (12^th century), this is a Benedictine monastery reached only after a bit of a climb and on an island called St. Maria (connected by a causeway). You’ll love the beaches here — relax, rest…. Market day is Saturday in Tropea.