The Tyrrhenian Sea has a name for this stretch of coastline that sets the tone: Costa degli Dei, the Coast of the Gods. Crystal-clear waters shifting from turquoise to deep blue, pale granite cliffs, golden beaches backed by olive groves and, on clear days, the plume of Stromboli on the horizon. Cruise ships call at Vibo Marina, the seaport serving Vibo Valentia, in Calabria, on the western side of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula. The port town itself is modest; the real highlights lie along the surrounding coastline, one of the most admired in southern Italy.

Tropea, the Coastal Lookout

About a 30-minute drive away, Tropea draws most of the attention. The old town sits on the edge of a steep cliff, its closely packed palaces rising some 50 metres above a pale sandy beach. Across from it, perched on a rocky outcrop between sky and sea, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola creates one of Calabria's most widely photographed scenes. In the narrow streets, market stalls overflow with the famous cipolla rossa, Tropea's sweet red onion, which finds its way into everything, even ice cream, alongside chillies, 'nduja and local cheeses. Terraces at scenic viewpoints, tucked at the ends of narrow lanes, offer spectacular views down to the coves, while stairways carved into the cliff lead to Rotonda Beach, where the water remains clear and shallow for dozens of metres from shore.

Pizzo, the Castle and Tartufo

Closer to the port, Pizzo is just a 10-minute drive away. This sizeable fishing village rises in tiers above its bay. On the central square, suspended like a balcony above the water, cafés serve the speciality that has made the town famous around the world: tartufo, a melting chocolate centre encased in hazelnut ice cream, first created here in the 1950s. Nearby, the Aragonese castle preserves a darker chapter of history. Joachim Murat, Napoleon's marshal and the deposed King of Naples, was tried and executed here in 1815; his final hours are recounted from room to room. Below, carved into the cliff's tufa rock, the small Church of Piedigrotta features statues sculpted directly into the stone by anonymous hands, adding a distinctive touch to the visit.

What About the Upper Town?

Vibo Valentia itself rises on a hill a few kilometres inland. The ancient Greek settlement of Hipponion left behind walls and historical traces preserved in the archaeological museum housed in the Norman-Swabian castle at the summit. From the ramparts, the view stretches across the entire Gulf of Sant'Eufemia. The climb will appeal to history enthusiasts; others can happily opt for the coastal villages or simply spend the day at the beach.

Choosing Your Day

• For a relaxing beach day: beaches stretch out on either side of Vibo Marina, some within walking distance or just a short taxi ride away, with parasols and beach bars operating during the season.
• For scenic views: Tropea and Pizzo are easy to combine on a half-day excursion, with dramatic cliffs, ice cream and a castle along the way.
• For an adventure at sea: depending on the season, boat excursions head to the nearby Aeolian Islands, with Stromboli a prime destination. From the Capo Vaticano promontory a little farther south, you can already see towards the islands on a clear day.

On the way back, the sun sinks over the Tyrrhenian Sea, bathing the cliffs in a soft copper glow. You begin to understand the name of this coastline: the ancients saw a shore worthy of the gods, and a day-tripper with a chocolate ice cream in hand, gazing out to sea, has little reason to disagree. Calabria rewards those who give it a chance, and this port of call is a deliciously sweet-and-savoury reminder of why.