Italy's 'prettiest town' is 6 hours from the UK and has gorgeous beaches and secret alleys

Few sights can rival the grandeur of Florence's duomo, and the awe-inspiring view of Rome's Colosseum is simply breathtaking.

Italy is a treasure trove of spectacular sights - from the stunning shores of Lake Garda, which even as a true-blue Cumbrian I must concede resembles a supercharged Lake District, to Venice's enchanting canals, gondolas and majestic cathedral. Add Verona's amphitheatre and Juliette's balcony, and Milan's high-end shops, and you've got something for everyone.

But if you dare to stray from the well-trodden path, and avoid the throngs of tourists jostling for space on the Amalfi coast, journey south to the unexplored and untouched region known as Calabria. Here, you'll step into the 'real Italy' - and take a trip back in time.

One of the standout gems of this region, which is Italy's poorest, is the breathtaking medieval town of Tropea, where I had the pleasure of spending an idyllic week. And it's not just me who's smitten - the town was recently voted the most beautiful in Italy, which we can all agree means it faced some fierce competition.

Perched on the cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea, this ancient town cascades down the rocky face and into the crystal-clear turquoise waters.

With its golden beaches offering ample space for solitude, this town exudes a magical, dream-like charm.

Tropea, a town that has withstood invasions, earthquakes and bombings, stands majestically on the clifftops. Its noble palaces and stunning churches are nestled within the winding, cobbled streets of the old town.

I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Calabria, using Tropea as my base. A splendid sunny October afternoon spent wandering its streets, discovering hidden alleys at every turn, and tasting the region's delicious food, including sweet, red onions and spicy ndjua, was an absolute joy.

Pausing for one of the most scrumptious ice-creams I've ever had while gazing at the breathtaking Tyrrhenian Sea from one of the many viewpoints in this charming little town was simply awe-inspiring. Meanwhile, stopping for a crisp, white wine in an ancient tavern halfway up the cliff face on my return from the beach was the ideal way to pass a few hours.

If you're interested in history, then Tropea has plenty to offer - from the cathedral to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, the church on the rock, overlooking the vast expanse of azure sea.

From the incredible viewing points, you can see Stomboli, the still erupting volcano which illuminates the night sky every evening off this part of Italy's coast.

My only gripe about this undiscovered Italian gem is that I don't reside there and only had a week to explore its beautiful streets.

• Great Rail Journeysoffers an all-inclusive holiday to Calabria, starting at £1,349.
• For more information about otherGreat Rail Journeys destinations, visit the website.