ItalianoThe rock Caves of Zungri
During your holiday at Tropea don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Caves of Zungri, a unique rock settlement in Calabria, a magic place which will immerse you in another civilisation, consisting of caves dug into the sandstone and with natural springs.
The ancient settlement nestling in the rock is about 20km from Tropea, lying in a deep valley with a view over the Coast of the Gods, one of the most beautiful coasts in Calabria.
The village was apparently established between the 6th and 7th centuries when the Basilian monks fled from the east to escape persecution and found refuge in the area of Monte Poro. The village has about one hundred caves which were used as homes or silos for storing grain. The oldest was built on four levels and inside it a rock drawing of a fish can be seen.
At the back of the site there is also a natural spring of water immersed in vegetation.
There is also a Museum of peasant and cave civilisation within the village. All the necessary information on planning a visit on www.grottezungri.it
The beaches of Tropea
Spend the warm summer days on one of its numerous beaches. The delightful beach of Marina dell’Isola, situated between the rocks of Isola Bella and the beach of Rotonda, which enjoys a delightful view of the church of Santa Maria. The sanctuary stands on a small island in the sea, with a well maintained garden and a small and typical interior. From here, if the day is clear, you will be able to see the Aeolian islands!
The less crowded Spiaggia l’Occhiale, a series of small bays bordered by the sea from which you can reach the cave to admire the light effects created by reflections of the water on the rocks. Or again, for those who don’t like crowds, the Litorale del Cannone, a corner of paradise, hidden between the tourist port and San Lorenzo’s rock.
Lovers of swimming can choose between the beach of Passo Cavalieri and the beach ‘a Linguata, noted for their interesting seabeds.
The hidden treasures of Calabria
A region rich in magical places, with both unusual towns and art, Calabria is seldom explored but is well worth doing so.
The Ducal Castle of Corigliano Calabro is among the most beautiful castles in all Italy. A jewel, in the province of Cosenza, with its frescoed ceilings, mirrored rooms, period furniture and torture chambers, will convey you far into the past.
Further south, in the province of Crotone, the Aragon fortress of Le Castella on the Isola di Capo Rizzuto is practically in the sea, joined to the mainland only by a narrow strip of land from which there is a splendid view over the Ionian sea and surrounding nature.
Still in the province of Crotone, the baptistery, castle and cathedral of Santa Severina form part of one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy. The town stands high on a rocky spur and dominates the whole valley of the river Neto, with its baptistery, castle and cathedral representing perhaps the most important Byzantine presence in Calabria.
On the road to Reggio Calabria, Stio is a small medieval centre in the shape of a horseshoe which preserves its city walls, the remains of the castle and many small churches. The Cattolica is well known, built by monks in the 10th century, a perfect example of Byzantine art.
A further hidden treasure is the rocky village of Pentedattilo, established about 600 BC. This fortified town on a rock, on the cliffs of Monte Calvario, has the shape of a hand with five fingers (from which the name derives, Pentedattilo – ‘five fingers’). Today it is a ghost town, a fascinating place and full of mystery.
Kitesurfing at Gizzeria
At little more than an hour’s drive north along the coast lies Gizzeria, one of the windiest places in southern Italy, and a favourite among kitesurfing enthusiasts. The clearest water and a long wide beach with 2 centres catering for kitesurfers. There is also a school which hires out the necessary equipment.
The features and shape of the coastline, here forming a wide bay, ensures completely safe kitesurfing, with guaranteed return to the beach in case of adverse winds.
There is also a small area near Gizzeria Lido which is habitually used by freestylers for practising.
The ideal season for an exciting day of kitesurfing at Gizzeria Lido is definitely the summer, when the maestral wind and the thermal west winds are blowing.
From 25th till 29th July 2018 in Gizzeria at the Hang Loose Beach will take place the TT:R Open World Championship 2018
Exploring the flavours of Calabria
Treat yourself to a special meal at an exceptional place by the sea. Two restaurants, ‘Le Pignate’ and ‘Le Giare’ at the Baia del Sole Resort, await you for a tasty lunch or romantic dinner. Discover the flavours of Calabrian cooking, enhanced by the freshness of garden produce, of fresh pasta, local salamis and really fresh fish.
Vegetarian, macrobiotic or gluten-free dishes can also be prepared to order.
Aperitif in the centre of Tropea
A glass of wine and a selection of local specialities to accompany the moment of sunset render that extraordinary panorama even more magical.
The little island of the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Isola and the Aeolian islands in the distance are tinted with warm pink and orange shades, which can be admired from the Terrace of La Dolce Vita. A 17th century noble palazzo in the very centre of Tropea concealing a spectacular panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.
Treat yourselves to an exclusive experience, book your table with a view.
Swimming and Water Sports
Mini diving, snorkelling and sea watching, as well as sailing and windsurfing lessons are among the activities you can choose when spending a day at the Lido of the Baia del Sole Resort.
This is a strategic position within easy reach of several diving points between emerald green seagrass, red sponges and giant starfish. Expert guides will also conduct you in complete safety to admire the wrecks of ancient ships or the remains of ships sunk during the last war.
On your return, take advantage of the chance to relax on the beach and enjoy the splendid panorama stretching from the archipelago of the Aeolian islands, the Gulf of Lamezia Terme and the Gulf of Gioia Tauro as far as the Straits of Messina, with the outline of Etna rising behind.
Mountain biking, tennis or yoga in the open air. These are the sporting activities you can choose to keep yourself in shape while on holiday, spending a day at the nearby Baia del Sole resort.
You can hire bicycles, rucksacks, helmets, repair kits and detailed maps of the area or satnavs with pre-set routes for discovering many possible itineraries. The Ruffa river with its well-preserved old mills, the rock caves of Zungri – 39 cave houses dug out of the rock in medieval times by monks, or even the seaside town of Parghelia.
Courts of artificial grass on which to challenge your friends or for individual tennis lessons, while the beach and the park will provide a background for sessions of yoga and meditation to help you find harmony.
Sailing excursions
A beautiful yacht will take you for the day to discover the fantastic sea of the Coast of the Gods. The rocky stacks of the Pizzuta, Praia Zambrone and the small bay of Capo Cozzo are the first destinations, and then a swim at Praia di Fuoco and Baia Grotticelle. Finally, a rest on board, enjoying some local specialities with an aperitif and light lunch.
Thalasso and SPA at Capovaticano Resort
Spoil yourself with a day at the nearby Thalassa sea & SPA at Capo Vaticano. A vast selection of treatment programmes and therapies to regenerate mind and body. Waiting for you are 3 swimming pools with heated sea water, an extensive phlebology course, water massage cabins, emotional showers, algae therapy and a team of professionals will provide sensations of profound well-being and vitality.