one of the most picturesque towns on calabria's largely built-up tyrrhenian coast is tropea, which offers superb views of the sea and beaches.
the old town hangs on to a cliffside facing a large rock which was formerly an island.
the rock is topped by santa maria dell'isola, a former medieval benedictine sanctuary.
the cathedral at the end of via roma is of norman origin, although it has been rebuilt several times.
inside is a 14th-century painting, the madonna di romania, by an unknown artist.
casa trampo (14th century) and palazzo cesareo (early 20th century) in vicolo manco are the most interesting of the small palaces in tropea.
the latter has a splendid balcony adorned with carvings.
below the town are pretty beaches and good choice of places to eat.
other seaside towns to visit are palmi tothe south, and pizzo to the north.