Tropea Italy is one of the most spectacular seaside towns in the Mediterranean - yet it's almost undiscovered by tourists outside Europe. Italian tourists, however, have been in the loop for quite some time. People say that Tropea is the jewel of Calabria, the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and I'm inclined to agree. It's far and away the most visually spectacular destination in the region!

Tropea is a pretty old city set atop gorgeous tall cliffs, overlooking expansive sandy beaches with clear turquoise water. This coastline is called the Coast of the Gods - la Costa degli Dei - and runs along the province of Vibo Valentia in Calabria.

A lot of travelers think that the Amalfi Coast is a good spot for an Italian beach destination - but I strongly disagree with this. The Amalfi Coast is gorgeous, but the beaches are tiny, often with dark gray sand, and can't accommodate many people. If you want "beach time" in Amalfi, you're better off booking a hotel with a pool.

Instead, Tropea is a much better version of what an Amalfi Coast beach vacation is. You still get stunning scenery - an old town perched on top of dramatic cliffs. But here you also get large, sandy beaches with plenty of room to enjoy them. Best of all? It's significantly cheaper than the Amalfi Coast.