Best attractions and places to see around Drapia include a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and panoramic viewpoints. This municipality in the Province of Vibo Valentia, Calabria, is perched on a hillside, offering expansive views of the "Costa degli Dei" and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The area features ancient origins with Greek-Byzantine traces and evidence of Neolithic settlements. Visitors can explore charming historic centers, significant churches, and natural trekking paths.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Beautiful view and peaceful to stay for a small contribution. The garden is cozy to walk around in, although some cannot resist carving their names into the cacti.
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It is worth climbing the steps up to the church. From up there you have a magnificent view of the Tropea cityscape and the mountain landscape behind it. The basilica is surrounded by a garden with cacti and olive trees. The dreamlike view of the turquoise-blue sea and the beach "Spiaggia della Rotonda" below the old town of Tropea, in particular, makes a visit to the small park worthwhile. (Source KunstundReisen)
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A story by Giovanni Guareschi – the literary "father" of "Don Camillo and Peppone" – ends with the sentence "Things happen there, in this strange region... where people think more with their clubs than with their brains, but where at least the dead are respected." To understand it, one must recall the political situation in Italy at that time, immediately after the end of World War II: The monarchy had been abolished, the royal family was in exile, and the communists were partially in power (as was the case in Don Camillo's village). In the story "The Old Teacher," the woman who had taught generations of villagers their ABCs has died. She had expressed her last wish to Mayor Peppone and Don Camillo that her flag – the old one with the coat of arms from the time of the monarchy – be placed above her coffin. However, all factions of the municipal council had spoken out against it. Peppone replied: "So I tell you... that I don't care about your opinion and that Signora Cristina will go to the cemetery tomorrow with the flag she likes, because I value her more dead than you alive." Hence the sentence quoted at the beginning, "where at least the dead are respected."
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Capo Vaticano is a cape located on a rocky outcrop in Calabria in the municipality of Ricadi. From the cape there is a wide view of the Strait of Messina (Stretto di Messina) and all of the Aeolian Islands (Stromboli, Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea). When visibility is good, you can see the high power pillars that once supplied Sicily with electricity from Calabria above ground. The place has nothing to do with the Vatican. The name refers to an oracle that was visited by sailors during the time of Greek settlement. Source: Wikipedia
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A tour of the cemetery is worthwhile. The monumental tombs are impressive.
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The lighthouse was built in 1885 and consists of a white cylindrical tower 8 metres (26 ft) high with a balcony and a lantern attached to the front, single-story white keeper's house. The lantern, painted in metallic gray, is located 108 metres (354 ft) above sea level and emits four white flashes every 20 seconds, which are visible at a distance of 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi). The lighthouse is fully automatic, operated by the Marina Militare and bears the code number 2708 EF. Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capo_Vaticano_Lighthouse There is a military restricted area around the lighthouse, so it cannot be visited.
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To say that the Benedictine Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola (the Santuario benedettino di Santa Maria dell'Isola) is magnificent would be a sheer understatement, and it's not hard to see why it's one of Tropea's most photographed attractions. The sanctuary stands on a high rocky outcrop, surrounded by the beach and sparkling sea. Source: https://www.italia.it/en/calabria/things-to-do/tropea
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Already popular in Roman times, Tropea was finally elevated to a bishopric in the 8th century. Then it was the Normans and especially the Angevins and Aragonese who brought prosperity to the Calabrian city. The Cathedral, also a result of the Norman era, was remodeled several times after seismic damage. Note the fascinating Gothic portals and then go inside to admire the various works of art. The structure is at the center of some myths and legends: one of them tells of an incident in which two bombs were placed at the entrance of the church but never exploded, supposedly due to the protection of the Virgin of Tropea. Source and more info: https://www.italia.it/en/calabria/things-to-do/tropea
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Drapia's historic center is rich with charm, featuring narrow alleys, courtyards, and ancient portals like "Curtijju" from 1789. You can also visit the noteworthy Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian and the Church of St. Peter in Brattirò. In Carìa, the Galluppi Castle (Palazzo Storico) served as the summer residence of the philosopher Galluppi. The area itself has Greek-Byzantine origins and evidence of Neolithic settlements, including a 10th-century BC necropolis at Torre Galli.
Drapia's elevated position offers incredible vantage points. Along the "Santa Lucia" road, you can ascend to higher spots for expansive views of surrounding towns, the crystalline Tyrrhenian Sea, and the distant Aeolian Islands, including Stromboli. These locations are particularly renowned for spectacular sunsets. You also get a privileged observation point over the beautiful Costa degli Dei Regional Marine Park.
Yes, the territory around Drapia is rich with unspoiled nature and trekking paths. These routes often lead to small waterways like the Burmaria stream, which flows into the sea at Tropea and is home to a rare prehistoric fern. You can also find ancient water mills once powered by these streams. Additionally, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, while a religious building, is dramatically situated on a rock formation overlooking the sea, offering stunning natural beauty.
The Drapia area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore numerous trekking paths and rural roads. For cycling, there are various routes for touring bikes, road bikes, and mountain bikes. For example, you can find routes like 'Between Tropea and Capo Vaticano via Zungri' or 'Capo Vaticano Viewpoint loop'. You can find more details on cycling routes in the Cycling around Drapia, Road Cycling Routes around Drapia, and MTB Trails around Drapia guides.
To experience Drapia's local culture, the best time to visit is on August 10th, during the annual Wine Festival. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to taste the region's excellent wine, a primary product of the local agricultural economy.
Yes, several attractions around Drapia are suitable for families. The town of Tropea, with its charming streets and beautiful beaches, is considered family-friendly. The Zungri Cave Settlement, a unique historical site with caves carved into sandstone, also offers an engaging experience for families.
Drapia's location makes it a great base for exploring nearby popular destinations. The famous coastal town of Tropea, known as the 'Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea,' is very close. You can also easily reach the Zungri Cave Settlement, about 20 km away, and the Capo Vaticano Lighthouse, which offers extensive views of the Strait of Messina and the Aeolian Islands.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning views and historical depth. For instance, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola is loved not only for its dramatic setting and views but also for its beautiful small garden. Tropea is cherished for its charming cobblestone streets, historic old town, and access to beautiful sandy beaches. The Zungri Cave Settlement offers a unique glimpse into ancient cultures, with its fascinating rock-carved dwellings.
Yes, Drapia and its hamlets host several significant religious sites. In Brattirò, you can visit the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian and the Church of St. Peter. A prominent religious landmark nearby is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola in Tropea, a former monastery dramatically perched on a rock formation overlooking the sea.
Drapia has ancient origins, with Greek-Byzantine traces dating back to the 8th-10th centuries. The area also boasts very ancient human settlements, with evidence from the Neolithic period and a 10th-century BC necropolis at Torre Galli on Monte Poro. The Zungri Cave Settlement, believed to date back to the 6th or 7th century, offers a unique archaeological experience with its caves carved into sandstone.
The Drapia territory is rich with trekking paths and rural roads that wind through unspoiled nature. These trails often lead to scenic spots, including small waterways like the Burmaria stream. While specific difficulty levels vary, you can find routes suitable for different experiences. For more detailed information on hiking and walking routes, you can explore the various guides available on komoot for the Drapia region.
Yes, Drapia hosts an annual Wine Festival on August 10th. This event is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and taste the region's excellent wine, which is a significant part of the local agricultural economy.


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