Coffee with the Concierge: Villa Paola, Tropea

Tropea, located in the Calabria region, is a breathtaking clifftop town often called the Pearl of the Mediterranean. This hidden gem in Southern Italy boasts pristine beauty, featuring stunning beaches with turquoise waters and golden sands. With a rich history marked by Greek and Roman settlements, Tropea is recognised as one of the most significant towns along the Coast of the Gods. Additionally, it is famous for its Tropea Red Onion (Cipolla Rossa di Tropea), a local delicacy celebrated for its sweet and distinctive flavour. We spoke with Francesca, the concierge at one of our favourite hotels in Tropea, Villa Paola, about this beautiful seaside town.

Tell us about your hotel, Villa Paola

Villa Paola is located in a former 16th-century convent, surrounded by a lush Mediterranean garden with views of the Costa degli Dei’s white beaches and rocky cliffs. According to tradition, Saint Francis of Paola chose this site for his sanctuary, leading to the establishment of the convent. In the 19th century, it was converted into a leather workshop before becoming a private residence. Today, Villa Paola is an oasis of relaxation just steps from the sea, offering 12 uniquely furnished accommodations, including superior, deluxe, executive sea view, and suite options. Inside Villa Paola is De’ Minimi, an experiential gastronomic restaurant led by chef Emanuele Pucci. The restaurant features contemporary cuisine with four tasting menus highlighting local Calabrian ingredients and produce from the garden. Committed to minimising waste and promoting local excellence, De’ Minimi is highly rated by culinary guides like Michelin and Gambero Rosso.

What’s the perfect 24 hours in your city?

Breakfast in the Garden

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast in our beautiful garden, where you can enjoy local delicacies made from ingredients sourced at Zero KM, surrounded by nature and tranquillity.

Sailing Excursion on the Costa degli Dei (Coast of Gods)

Set sail along the stunning Costa degli Dei, explore hidden coves and breathtaking landscapes aboard a sailboat, guided by local experts.

Lunch at the Stromboli Restaurant – Beach Club, Capovaticano Resort

Visit the unique Beach Club at Capovaticano Resort, which includes lunch at the Stromboli restaurant. The menu features excellent choices of fish, shellfish, and the catch of the day. Entry to our sister property also includes Yoga and Pilates classes.

Back to the Villa enjoying a Wine Tasting in the cellar

Discover local flavours with a wine tasting in the cellar, guided by an expert sommelier who will introduce you to the region’s rich winemaking traditions.

Dinner at De’ Minimi

End your day with a refined dinner at De’ Minimi restaurant. Each dish celebrates the flavours of the region and is served in an elegant and welcoming atmosphere.

Guided Tour of Tropea by night

Explore Tropea with an expert guide and uncover the historical and natural beauty of the charming coastal town.

What restaurants would you recommend to impress?

• Demini Restaurant: A refined spot offering Mediterranean dishes focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Ideal for a sophisticated dining experience.
• Salimora  – Mediterranean Food Retreat: A unique food experience that offers Mediterranean flavours in a culturally rich setting, perfect for those wanting more than just a meal.

What authentic local experiences would you recommend?

 Outdoor

• A guided tasting tour of the organic local beers: A tasting experience immersed in the incredible world of the organic agriculture of Calabria. Meet the craft beer producers, who passionately share their sustainable and responsible vision of farming—a certified organic brewery, environmentally conscious and sustainably-minded. Taste three organic beers of various brewing styles, with genuine bites from the local farms. Learn the craft brewing process, discovering new aromas and tastes of Mediterranean beer.

• Cooking Class: Discover the authentic flavours of Calabria with an unforgettable culinary experience! Accompanied by expert chefs and producers, you will enjoy an immersive experience that will reveal the culinary traditions of the region and uncover the secrets of its cuisine.

 Indoor:

• Yoga and meditation: Villa Paola is undoubtedly a place of excellence for indulging in doing sweet nothing.  It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the ecstatic contemplation of nature’s beauty. But, for guests who prefer active relaxation, the hotel provides a qualified instructor to practice yoga and meditation in the crisp morning air.
• Wine Tasting at Sunset: Savor the flavours of local wines as the sun sets over the beautiful landscape. This wine-tasting experience allows you to sample the finest wines of the region while enjoying the magical colours of the evening sky. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy a memorable moment with friends or loved ones

If you want a fun night out, where would you suggest?

Join us for one of our themed nights at Le Giare restaurant, located at our sister property, Capo Vaticano Resort. Enjoy fun and delicious events, such as Calabrian evenings or pizza and beer nights, all accompanied by live music and band performances. Experience these exciting nights at Baia del Sole Resort and Capovaticano Resort Thalasso SPA.

What’s your best advice for someone visiting your city?

• Embrace the Slow Pace: Calabria moves at a slow pace, so take time to enjoy your surroundings. Don’t rush through your meals—dine leisurely and savour the flavours.
• Let our expert Calabrian guides take you on a journey to discover every corner of our land. There’s no better way to discover hidden gems of Calabria than with a local guide.

  Do you have any other tips, hints or must-experience suggestions?

• Sunset Massage on Stromboli: Experience an unforgettable visit to the spa at our sister property, Capo Vaticano Resort. Enjoy a relaxing massage while watching the sunset behind the iconic Stromboli volcano. The blend of soothing techniques and the tranquil backdrop of a vibrant sunset creates the perfect moment to unwind and connect with nature.
• Silk Massage: A luxurious treatment that uses soft, flowing movements and high-quality oils to nourish your skin. This therapeutic experience is designed to melt away stress and leave you feeling completely rejuvenated, like silk.
• Relax with a Thalasso Therapy treatment, using the healing properties of seawater to rejuvenate your body and mind, in our sister property in Capo Vaticano

Upgrade your stay at the 5-star Villa Paola, Tropea with our 7-day Calabria (Tropea) Private Itinerary, fully customised to your travel preferences. View our itinerary here:

 

Tags: Italy, travel tips, Southern Italy, beach, family friendly activities, tropea, calabria