Pizzo Italy is a charming seaside town located on the beautiful Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, the toe of Italy’s boot. With its picturesque cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, sweeping ocean views, and friendly locals, Pizzo offers an authentic slice of southern Italian life.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know to plan your ideal trip to Pizzo, including:
- An introduction to Pizzo
- What to see and do
- The best beaches
- Where to eat, drink, and stay
- Travel tips and more
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning your next trip to this lesser-known gem, use this guide to help craft your perfect Pizzo escape.
Introduction to Pizzo
Pizzo, also called Pizzo Calabro, is located in the Italian region of Calabria, within the province of Vibo Valentia. Perched on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Santa Eufemia, the town stretches across two sections.
The historic city center, known as the centro storico, sits high on a rocky outcrop called the “pizzo”, giving the town its name. This atmospheric area is a maze of narrow, winding streets and pastel-colored houses.
Below the Pizzo lies the more modern town center. Called La Marina, it extends along the coastline and features long sandy beaches, restaurants, and Pizzo’s picturesque fishing port.
With ancient roots dating back to the 14th century, today Pizzo has approximately 9,000 inhabitants, known locally as Pizzitani. While summer draws more tourists, Pizzo retains its local charm and community spirit year-round.
Pizzo provides the quintessential southern Italian seaside escape. Its striking clifftop views, delicious gelato, historic castle, and glittering turquoise waters create an irresistible coastal getaway.
Top Things to See and Do in Pizzo
Wander the Centro Storico
Pizzo’s highlight is meandering through its enchanting historic center. Weave through the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets and soak up the charisma of the pastel-colored houses.
Make your way to Piazza Repubblica, the main town square. Locals gather here day and night for coffee, gelato, and people watching. The square provides stunning vistas of the coastline and Marina below.
Discover Chiesa Matrice di San Giorgio, the town’s main church, and the ultra-picturesque Piazza del Municipio lined with vibrant buildings.
Don’t miss the famous Castello Murat. Constructed in the 15th century, its scenic lookout point offers sweeping coastal views. The castle houses a museum recounting its history and famous prisoners, like Napoleon’s brother-in-law Joachim Murat.
Indulge in Tartufo Gelato
No visit to Pizzo is complete without tasting its world-famous tartufo gelato. Tartufo translates to “truffle”, and this decadent sphere of chocolate and hazelnut gelato encases a molten chocolate heart.
The tartufo was invented in Pizzo in the 1960s. Today, gelaterias all over town whip up their secret tartufo recipes. Make sure to sample this signature treat!
Relax on the Beaches
Pizzo boasts spectacular beaches and crystalline waters. The sandy shores of Pizzo Marina provide the main beach attractions. Easily accessible from the city center, these beaches offer enjoyable swimming along the scenic shoreline.
North of town, Pizzo Marinella features a long stretch of pristine beach. Here you’ll find beach clubs renting umbrellas and loungers during summer. The peaceful Piedigrotta beach, south of the Centro Storico, offers shallow waters perfect for kids.
For seclusion, head to the beaches around Capo Vaticano, including picturesque Grotticelle.
Day Trip to Tropea
The cliffside gem of Tropea sits just 45 minutes south of Pizzo by car. Known for its dramatic coastline views, charming coral-colored houses, and Santa Maria dell’Isola monastery perched on a rocky island, Tropea provides the perfect day trip.
The towns are connected by regular trains, making it easy to explore both destinations. After wandering the romantic streets and piazzas of Tropea, return to laidback Pizzo for the night.
Take a Boat Trip
From the Marina, hop aboard a boat tour to admire Pizzo from the sea and discover nearby attractions. Cruise along the stunning Coast of the Gods, stop for swimming and snorkelling in secluded coves, or visit the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli volcano.
Attend a Local Festival
Throughout the year, Pizzo hosts lively festivals and events. Visitors can experience authentic Italian traditions and mingle with locals.
Major festivals include the Procession of San Giorgio on April 23rd, the Pesca di Pizzo fishing competition in July, and Pizzo’s huge annual Murat Festival held in October.
Best Beaches Near Pizzo Italy
With over 200 miles of gorgeous Mediterranean coastline, Calabria spoils visitors with stunning beaches. Here are some top options near Pizzo:
- Pizzo Marina – Pizzo’s main beach offers golden sands and beautiful views below the castle.
- Piedigrotta – Perfect for families, these calm, shallow waters sit beside Piedigrotta Church.
- Pizzo Marinella – North of town, find water sports and beach clubs with rentals.
- Vibo Marina – Just 10 minutes south, Vibo Marina features a long, sandy shoreline.
- Briatico – Gorgeous Punta Safo provides secluded swimming and an old stone tower.
- Zambrone – Paradise Beach del Sub boasts turquoise waters and intriguing underwater statues.
- Tropea – Dramatic white cliffs and pebbly beaches overlook Santa Maria dell’Isola island.
- Capo Vaticano – South of Tropea, cliffside Grotticelle Beach stuns visitors with its beauty.
Where to Eat and Drink in Pizzo
Traditional Calabrian cuisine shines in Pizzo. Focused on fresh, local seafood, herbs, vegetables, and pasta, dining here focuses on simple, delicious ingredients.
Restaurants
- Osteria Il Tartufo – Specializing in seafood, try their signature dish, the Octopus Salad.
- Ristorante La Lampara – Run by local fishermen Giuseppe and his mother, serving fresh catches of the day.
- Ristorante San Domenico – Creative, upscale dishes made from the chef’s daily market purchases.
- SPQR Pizzeria – Crafts excellent Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.
- Pepe Nero Trattoria – Inventive seafood, pastas, and risottos served on a scenic pedestrian bridge.
Bars and Cafes
- Bar Gelateria Ercole – An old favorite for morning cappuccinos and delectable gelato. Don’t miss their pistachio!
- Antico Caffè Garibaldi – Historic café located in the main piazza, perfect for people watching.
- Bar Dante – This traditional bar hidden down a side street serves local wines and liquors.
- Bar Belvedere – Overlooking the piazza, try their famous Nero di Pizzo coffee and house-made desserts.
Where to Stay in Pizzo
With cozy B&Bs, stylish apartments, and charming hotels, Pizzo provides wonderful accommodation options.
B&Bs
Family-run B&Bs (bed and breakfasts) provide an authentic Italian experience. Choices like La Casa del Gelso and L’Approdo offer homey rooms starting around €60 per night.
Apartments
Self-catering apartments give you more space and freedom. Central options include La Casa di Bacco, Palazzo Maruca, and Palazzo Ventura.
Hotels
Pizzo’s only hotel lies in the centro storico. Piccolo Grand Hotel provides boutique luxury with sleek, nautical-inspired rooms.
Agriturismos
For a peaceful farm stay, stay at an agriturismo like Calabria’s Casa Macchiaverna or Agriturismo Capo Sud outside town.
Tips for Visiting Pizzo
Use these tips to make the most of your visit to Pizzo:
- Wander Pizzo early in the morning to enjoy the sites without crowds.
- Attend an evening passeggiata when locals stroll and congregate in the piazzas.
- Swim in the sea between May and October when water temperatures peak.
- If driving, park at lots like Parcheggio Papa or Parcheggio Pitaro to avoid tight centro storico streets.
- Take the train for easy day trips to Tropea, Scilla, and Reggio Calabria.
- Visit during shoulder season in late spring or fall for pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
- Hire a private boat from the Marina to create your own coastal tour.
- Indulge in seafood, sunshine, and of course, gelato during your relaxing Pizzo escape!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about visiting Pizzo:
What is the best way to get to Pizzo?
The closest airport is Lamezia Terme, just 30 minutes from Pizzo by car. You can also reach Pizzo by train from stations along the coast.
When is the best time of year to visit Pizzo?
Late spring and early fall provide warm weather and smaller crowds. But summer draws more lively energy while offering swimming and sunbathing.
What is there to do in Pizzo when it’s raining or cold?
Duck into cute shops and artisan studios, visit Castello Murat, see the Piedigrotta Cave Church, take a cooking class, or cozy up in a café with a hot drink.
What are the best souvenirs to buy in Pizzo?
Edible souvenirs like jars of tartufo gelato, Calabrian olive oil or honey, or packages of peperoncino pepper make great gifts. Locally crafted ceramics also provide nice mementoes.
What is the best beach to visit near Pizzo?
It depends on your interests! Pizzo Marina provides accessibility, while beaches like Piedigrotta suit families. For nature lovers, explore Zambrone’s Paradise Beach.
Start Planning Your Trip to Pizzo!
With its laidback vibe, striking seaside landscapes, friendly locals and flavors, Pizzo offers an enchanting Italian getaway. Follow this guide to craft an idyllic trip in this coastal gem.
Wander through colorful alleyways, lounge on sun-soaked beaches, and indulge in heavenly gelato. From historic sights and boat tours to festivals and seafood feasts, Pizzo serves up an irresistible destination. Let the warming southern Italian sun restore and replenish you on your next Mediterranean escape.
Read more:https://worldvisitguider.com/san-lorenzo-italy/
