To say that a certain place has the most fortunate history in Calabria may not be the greatest of complements. And it is not as if this locale escaped centuries of pirate invasions (on the contrary, for it is on the sea), many different rulers from throughout the Western world and beyond, repeated earthquakes and the stagnation of recent times. But while the decline of "recent times" in the rest of Calabria may by traced back to the fall of the Swabians (late 1200s), the noble town of Tropea, stunningly built on cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea, enjoyed a relatively high level of freedom and prosperity until much later (1800s).
Why should they have been so lucky? The reason is perhaps quite a simple one: Tropea residents managed to back the right boat in every battle for the region. Beginning with the Normans (11th century), Tropea demonstrated particular loyalty to each ruling house, and as a reward obtained special trade and other privileges.
The town took a big gamble when backing the Aragonese, who came to power in 1442 during a rather turbulent period in Calabrian politics. At one point during the power struggle Tropea may have been the only remaining Aragonese supporter (as recorded on the town's coat of arms: sola Tropea sub fidelitate remansit: only Tropea remains faithful), but in the end the Spaniards were victorious.
The victors rewarded their greatest ally with many additional privileges. While the rest of Calabria was to sink into a feudal quagmire from which it has only recently emerged, Tropea was to remain a direct demesne of the Aragonese (and later Bourbon) princes. This meant that the town was ruled directly by the princes, without any intermediary feudal lords who tended to severely limit their subjects' freedom.
Tropea received other rights aiding its commerce, and was even granted land of its own, which included some 24 surrounding hamlets.
With all of these advantages the town became a very wealthy commercial center, attracting many merchants and noble families, evidence of whom is still visible in the town's remaining palazzi.

Only with the arrival of the French in the early 19th century did Tropea's trade, territorial and other freedoms come to an end (ironically, with the arrival of the "liberator" Napolean and his crew). From then on Tropea joined the rest of southern Italy in its unhappy modern history.
Natural and economic disasters notwithstanding, one of the gravest blows was the exodus of huge numbers of its native sons to other parts of Europe and beyond. Unfortunately this sad phenomenon continues to the present day, as people (particularly youth) will continue to move to where there is the opportunity for work and advancement.
Calabria seems to have been among the slowest to develop of southern regions since Italian unification.
In terms of tourism development it is still well behind that of regions like Sicily. However there is hope, particularly with those of the younger generations who are not escaping to pursue more profitable work in the Italian North or elsewhere.
In Tropea, it should be noted, tourism has made a particularly strong impact in recent decades, perhaps more than any other place in Calabria. Again, this may be luck of the draw: Tropea is blessed with some of the most magnificent seacoast in Calabria. Or perhaps it's tied to their history of always backing the right horse.
 

Tropea is perhaps the most famous destination in all of Calabria. It is charming, rich with artistic treasures, from noble palaces to antique churches such as the scenic Santa Maria dell'Isola.
For protection from Saracen raids Tropea was rebuilt in the 13th century in its present position, dramatically perched high above the sea on calcareous rocks. Repeated earthquakes over the centuries caused significant damage to the town, whose residents after each disaster would rebuild directly upon that which came before (19th century archaeological excavations brought this to light). After a particularly rough earthquake of 1783 the government in Naples sent over engineer Ermenegildo Sintes to revise the town's urban plan. He cleared away several of the cluttered building areas in town in order to make easier escape routes during periods of seismic activity, and he decided to reduce the highest towers to safer levels.

Despite Sentis' "opening" of town, some of the original narrow lanes have remained and thus strolling through town today is still quite thrilling.
There are many lovely restaurants and hotels (also in the surrounding area), intimate cafés and boutiques where one can purchase fresh local food and craft products. At many points along the periphery the lanes open up to marvelous views of the sea, precipitously below town; one can spy men on their lunch break out fishing, or fishermen on their lunch break relaxing on shore.
In the summer, there is a great influx to area beaches, which are beautiful, white sand beaches often set beneath crags.
Near Tropea the beaches of San Domenica are lovely, the coast quite spectacular in places. One should also explore the maritime hamlets closer to the tip of Capo Vaticano, such as the characteristic marina of Santa Maria, which has a direct view of cape massif as well as excellent beaches.

Perhaps the most extraordinary time to be in Tropea and Capo Vaticano is during sunset. On a clear day one can see all the way to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, and on the 12th of August the sun sets precisely in the crater of great Stromboli, on the 23rd of September behind Panarea, one of the most beautiful of the Aeolian.
Few things could compare to these islands, not to mention giant Mt. Etna, illuminated by the last pink rays of the setting sun.
From Tropea there are regular ferry services to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands during the summer.