Tropea Italy

Persevere
Pat and Bruce
Sat 8 May 2010 19:14
38:40.8N 15:54.2E
 
Another 10 hour trip to Tropea.  Of course under motor fro two reasons.  First is that the wind was not strong enough to make good progress and the second was that it was directly behind us and I was not in a mood to put up the spinnaker and still not make enough speed.  This time of year the marinas are lightly staffed and most do not have anyone available after 18:00 so best to arrive before that time.
 
Under motor we averaged 8.2 knots, had some dolphins as company along the way and Simon saw his first dolphins which made him very excited.
 
Contrary to the pilot book the marina entrance has been dredged to 6.5 meters, no issue with entering.  Tropea marina is relatively new and is still progressing.  There now is a full service boatyard, small chandler, WC, laundry, good fuel dock, and a couple of small grocery stores with the essentials a short walk away.  This is one of Sunsail/Moorings charter bases.
 
The highlight of this port is the old town of Tropea.  Built up on the bluff above the sea (200 steps up from the marina) it has fantastic views, many nice restaurants, old streets and a few tourist shops.  Below the town are some of the nicest beaches in the area.  Wide, sandy, cliffs just behind, great spots but in the full summer I bet they are just full.
 
This part of Italy is not the richest and the government has spent some money to make facilites like the marina viable to improve employment.  I have no idea if it worked but they did make a nice marina.
 
 
Tropea marina with Persevere about in the middle.  New marne repair facility at bottom left.  And yes the water is that blue.
 
 
Headland at tropea with a restoration project underway.  Note the white sand beach, a rarity to be able to walk out barefoot and not trip on rocks.
 
 
Tropea from the water on our way to Isola Lipari.