This is the view from the terrace of our new abode, in southern Calabria with the town of Tropea on the high cliffs in the far distance. It overlooks the Mediterranean coast where wooded cliffs & crags separate crescents of soft sand all the way to the toes of Italy’s stilletoed foot. This part of Calabria bulges out into the sea in a huge big lump leaving the mountains a fair bit inland & the course of the main road & railway still driving southwards in a straight line well away from the coast. The fertile, soft valleys & sharpish ridges of these foothills are covered in a variety of textures & shades reflecting the fresh greens & colours of spring growth. The effect is a landscape of vibrant, freshness, highlighted by lilac wisteria & bright yellow gorse & laburnum and emphasised by shapes of grasping foliage & bubbling canopies. So different to other parts of Italy with quite an individual feel to it.

Built on high, perpendicular cliffs, Tropea was established to protect the harbour of a Roman trading port in the 1st century BC. It prospered during medieval times & became a cultural & intellectual centre developing its own character as a royal city-state. In the following centuries, noble palaces & villas were built here, many of which still have an impact on the skyline today.

Hard-faced facades of historic buildings merge seamlessly with orche-stoned cliffs, standing with such strength, & contrasting with the feminine beauty of the silver beach & turquoise, white-horsed surf below.

Behind the intrepid might of these power-blank facades, only penetrated by sets of muscle grabbing steps or occasional gaps of odd viewing platforms, a jumble of narrow, cobbled streets & attractive piazzas make up the historic centre of this fascinating town. Filled with cafes, restaurants, independent shops & classy boutiques it has a strong, attractive personality of its own.