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Tropea
Calabria
The secret cliff town that should be on every Italian beach Itinerary, Tropea is perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea on the toe of Italy's boot. Bluer-than-blue waters, white beaches and a pretty historical centre rival those found in Puglia or on the Amalfi Coast, and at a fraction of the price. While far from luxurious, the village has bags of old-fashioned-charm. As well as fresh seafood, Calabria is known for its sun-drenched Mediterranean vegetables, and for being the only place where the perfumed citrus fruit bergamot is grown. Tropea has a mythical status in the region, with the story going that it was founded by Hercules after he freed Calabria from the giants. Watch the evening sun sink into the sea beyond Stromboli, or take a boat trip out to the island to enjoy its unearthly black beaches punctuated by traditional white houses.
Stay: Villa D'Aquino