Santa Maria dell'Isola from the old town

Santa Maria dell'Isola is Tropea's emblem: a small sanctuary on top of a sandstone rock that was once an island and is now joined to the shore by the beach. From the belvederes at the end of the old town's streets, the rock, the white sand and the turquoise water lie below you in a single frame.

For portraits the stone balustrades make a natural frame, and the late sun lights the rock from the side. Down on the beach, the rock and the steps up to the sanctuary make a closer backdrop.

The sanctuary is a place of worship with its own opening hours, so ask before photographing inside. In August the viewpoints are busy from late morning; early morning and the last hour before sunset are calmer.