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What Are the Best Tours and Boat Trips in Tropea?

From the stunning bays and beaches of the Costa degli Dei to the Aeolian Islands, here’s what to do in Tropea.gite in barca tropea

Boat Tour to Capo Vaticano Recent Google search trends reveal a significant increase in experiential tourism, especially boat trips and excursions. But what are the best boat tours in Tropea?

Undoubtedly, tours to the Aeolian Islands are the most popular. However, activities such as the Costa degli Dei boat tour, parasailing by coast, fishing tourism, and dolphin watching are also gaining traction.

Let’s start with the most sought-after excursion: boat trips from Tropea to the Aeolian Islands.

As is well known, the Aeolian Islands belong to Sicily, but not everyone realizes that some islands, like Stromboli, are closer to the Calabrian coast than to Sicily. On clear days with a fresh mistral wind, it is possible to see all seven islands from the Costa degli Dei. Many hotel owners even boast that their accommodations offer a “terrace overlooking the Aeolian Islands.”

There are three main tours to the Aeolian Islands. Let’s explore their itineraries and where to find them:

Stromboli by Night

This tour used to be extremely popular but has recently seen a decline in demand. The reason is the minimal price difference compared to the three-island tour—guests prefer to pay a little extra and see more islands. Many companies have now expanded this tour to include Panarea by night, making it more appealing despite some criticism. Panarea is the smallest island in the Aeolian archipelago and is known as the VIP island, though spotting celebrities is rare.

Tour Itinerary:

  • Departure from Tropea at 09:00
  • Arrival at Panarea around 11:00, with a stop at Cala Junco and a 2.5-hour island visit
  • Departure for Stromboli at 13:40, with boat visits to Basiluzzo, Sciara del Fuoco, and Strombolicchio
  • Arrival at Stromboli at 14:40, with a swim stop and a visit to the village of S. Vincenzo (2.5-hour stop)
  • Departure for Tropea at 17:10, arrival at 18:50

Cost:

  • Adults: €60
  • Children: €35

Stromboli, Lipari, and Vulcano

This is the most popular tour, despite being long and exhausting. It allows visitors to see multiple islands in a single day, though it is not recommended for children or elderly travelers who tire easily.

Tour Itinerary:

  • Departure from Tropea at 07:30
  • Arrival at Stromboli at 09:15, with a 1.5-hour stop at the village of S. Vincenzo
  • Departure from Stromboli at 10:45, passing Panarea, Lisca Bianca, and Basiluzzo
  • Arrival at Lipari at 12:15, with a 2.5-hour stop for sightseeing, shopping, or an optional boat excursion to nearby coves and the Cave of the Horse
  • Departure from Lipari at 14:45
  • Arrival at Vulcano at 15:00, with time for swimming, natural jacuzzis, and visiting the island (thermal baths are temporarily unavailable)
  • Departure from Vulcano at 16:30, returning to Tropea at 19:10

Cost:

  • Adults: €60
  • Children: €35

Stromboli, Panarea, and Lipari

This tour includes Panarea and Strombolicchio but is equally demanding due to the short time available on each island.

Tour Itinerary:

  • Departure from Tropea at 07:30
  • Arrival at Stromboli at 09:15, with a 1.5-hour stop
  • Departure from Stromboli at 10:45, arriving at Panarea at 11:30, with a 1.5-hour stop
  • Departure from Panarea at 13:00, arriving at Lipari at 13:45, with a 2.5-hour stop
  • Departure from Lipari at 16:15, returning to Tropea at 19:00

Cost:

  • Adults: €60
  • Children: €35

Tour Operators:

  • Comerci Navigazione
  • Savadori Navigazione
  • Tripodi Navigazione

To avoid additional fees or incorrect information, it’s recommended to book directly via phone rather than through intermediaries.

Before listing other tours in Tropea, it’s important to note that the Aeolian Islands are very small. For example, Stromboli has only around 80 residents, but in peak season, over 2,000 visitors can flood the island at once. To truly experience the Aeolian Islands, consider taking hydrofoils from Vibo Marina and staying for at least three days.

Coastal Boat Tour from Tropea

This tour allows visitors to explore pristine beaches and bays that are difficult to reach by land, including Praia di Focu, ranked among the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world. The itinerary isa person standing on a boat in the water simple and can be easily booked online.

Unlike the Aeolian tours, this excursion is perfect for couples and families, even with young children. The departure times are flexible, and the boat offers plenty of comfort.

Parasailing in Tropea

Parasailing is an exciting recreational sport that combines parachuting with a boat excursion. It won the Travellers’ Choice Award in 2020. The experience offers breathtaking views of the Costa degli Dei from above, mimicking the gentle flight of a seagull.

Tour Details:

  • Available in the morning and afternoon
  • 20-minute tandem flights within a 1–2 hour boat tour

Fishing Tourism and Dolphin Watching

At the Tropea fishing port, early-morning visitors can find local fishermen offering fishing trips targeting “surici,” colorful fish with delicate white meat. If you visit a local restaurant, fried surici is highly recommended.

For a more professional experience, Calabria Sport Fishing, led by expert fisherman Daniele, provides high-quality fishing trips and dolphin-watching tours. His boat is well-equipped with essential comforts, including a restroom and a bar, which are particularly appreciated during the summer heat. The boat is also spacious, accommodating small groups comfortably.

Tropea offers a wide range of unforgettable boat tours catering to all preferences. Whether exploring the Aeolian Islands, embarking on a coastal adventure, or seeking thrilling activities like parasailing, there’s something for everyone. Book your adventure and experience the stunning beauty of Calabria’s coastline firsthand!