“Pizzo is one of Calabria’s prettiest towns, with elegant palazzi perched precariously on a steep cliff overlooking the ocean and a charming centro storico that is a tiny tangle of pastel-painted houses, narrow lanes and steep stairs reminiscent of Positano. Known locally as ‘u Pizzu’, this alluring coastal town on the Tyrrhenian Sea is a delight to explore.”
— Lara Dunston, travel guide writer
 
 

INTRODUCTION:

Italy has 20 regions, with Calabria being the most southern part of mainland Italy. Calabria spreads over five provinces, with Vibo Valentia being the smallest but probably the luckiest with a lively provincial capital, its beautiful seaside towns Pizzo and Tropea, enchanting forests and the spectacular coastline called Costa degli dei, Coast of Gods. Pizzo's history dates back to 1300 when the existence of a community of Basilian monks, a fort, and a fishing village was documented. Old legends tell that one day the legendary Greek king Odysseus (latin Ulysses) came to shore to rest from travelling in Pizzo's small fishing bay called La Seggiola. Other early famous travellers who stopped on their way back to Rome are said to have been the Roman philosopher Cicero and later the Apostle Saint Peter. Much later, in 1815, Joachim Murat, at that time King of Naples and Sicily and Napoleon's brother-in-law, landed in Pizzo to initiate a revolt against the Bourbon rulers. However, he was captured and imprisoned by the vigilant inhabitants of Pizzo and later executed in Pizzo's Castello Aragonese (toady castello Murat). 

Today, Pizzo has about 9,000 inhabitants, called the Pizzitani or Napitani (Pizzo once was called Napitia) and stretches out for about 10 km along the coast with various beach sections. This fisher village is proud home for ten (!) churches and at least 15 gelaterie which are all selling the famous tartufo ice cream invented in Pizzo to honour the visit of Prince Umberto I of Savoy in 1943. But each gelateria has its own secretly kept family recipe and even the Pizzitani argue about who makes the best tartufo.  

The different quarters of Pizzo are the Centro Storico (the old town 50 meter above sea level), La Marina (city beach and promenade below the castello), Nazionale (busy commercial area along the National Street), Piedigrotta (residential area near the church of same name) and further north La Marinella (a residential zone on the beach). In the last years, some real estate development for vacationer mushroomed towards the airport (Pizzo Beach Club) and behind la Strada Nazionale (Borgonuovo, Fioribello and Napita Hills). Pizzo with just one hotel so far - the boutique Piccolo Grand Hotel, very close to our guest residence in the centro storico - is far less touristy than Tropea. We are very thankful for that as it keeps our village authentic. Pizzo is a Calabrian village were locals live and work all year round, which makes it a much livelier place during low season and winter than its 'rival' Tropea further South. 

Our holiday apartments are located in the heart of Pizzo's Centro Storico, all in walking distance to the lively Piazza Repubblica, the main square of the village which is also called the salotto, the living room of the town, where everyone meets each other - when you hang out long enough. Beside meeting people, around the piazza you find what you need for your daily live: a small vegetable and fruit vendor, a friendly dairy shop, a mini market, an outstanding pastry shop or two, three fish vendors, two butchers, one bakery, one pharmacy, fashion, gift and souvenir shops, many bars & gelaterias, a good choice of restaurants, enough churches, and even a few artisans and artists.

 
 
 

HOW TO GET THERE:

BY AIR:

International Airport Lamezia Terme (SUF) is connected with around 40 destinations in 12 countries. There are many direct flights from major European cities and even Toronto, Canada from spring to autumn - see a list of international direct flights to Lamezia. If you cannot find the ideal direct flight, check flights via Rome or Milan. There are several daily flights all year round from Roma and Milano, and other Italian cities to Lamezia. Flight duration from Rome is 1h, from Munich 2h, and 3 h from London to Lamezia Terme. From Lamezia's airport to Pizzo centro storico it is just about 25 km or 30 min drive. We recommend to take a taxi (we can organise a pick up service) or rent a car at the airport (pre booking online is recommended) if you like exploring Calabria from your base in Pizzo. 

Other airports from where you can drive to Pizzo are Reggio Calabria (about 110 km to Pizzo, 1 1/2 h drive), Catania in Sicily (about 200 km, 3 1/2 h drive including ferry), Naples (about 390 km, 4 h drive) and Bari (about 350 km, 4 h drive)

By TRAIN: 

Pizzo has two train stations; one is the old local station "Pizzo" at the end of Pizzo Marina (about 1 km from the old town center) and served by local trains to and from Lamezia Terme. (Also from and to Tropea, Gioia Tauro, and Reggio Calabria). During summer, it is also served by trains from Rome and other Northern cities. The second and larger station is "Vibo Valentia - Pizzo" on the Tyrrhenian line. It is 5 km up the hills between Pizzo and Vibo Marina. Fast trains and Intercity trains stop here coming from Naples, Rome, Florence, Turin, Milan, Venice and other Northern cities, as well as from towns in Calabria and Sicily. For more information, visit TrenItalia’s website. Calculate around 5 h train ride from Rome and 2 1/2 h from Salerno (with Le Frecce, fast trains). - We can organise pick-up service from both stations on your request (there are no taxis waiting at these stations).

BY CAR: 

From the North (e.g. Naples, Salerno, Amalfi, Lamezia airport), take the autostrada A2 "Autostrada del Mediterraneo" (part of the European E45, formerly known as A3 until 2017) direction "Reggio Calabria" (also "Reggio" or "RC"). Leave the autostrada at exit "Pizzo". Then, follow the direction "Pizzo" along the coastal road SS 522 for about 6 km. - Calculate about 30 minutes drive from Lamezia airport to reach our rentals in Pizzo.

Arriving from South (e.g. Reggio, Sicily), take the autostrada A2 "Autostrada del Mediterraneo" direction "Salerno", exit "Vibo Valentia - Sant’Onofrio". Then follow the direction on SS 18 until the center of  Pizzo. 

We will provide further details for directions with your booking. 

 

Old Map of Pizzo (VV)

 

WHAT TO DO IN PIZZO:

Relax! You are traveling back in time. Enjoy the taste of Italy of the 60ies where life is slow and charming. Chill in one of the many bars and enjoy the humble atmosphere. Swim in crystal clear water and sun bath at one of the various beaches. Stroll through the maze of narrow alleys and discover something new every day. Admire the sea and sunset views from different angles at different times. For most activities no car is required.

From April to October, go to the beach often. Swimming is best from May/June to October depending on your preferences of water temperatures. How about some snorkeling and catching your octopus for dinner?

More sport? Jogging or power walking around the village and long beach walks are good exercise.

If you like fishing or sport fishing on a little boat that takes you on a scenic trip from Vibo Marina to Chiesa Piedigrotta and back, then our guests recommend Calabria Sport Fishing with Daniele.

If you crave culture and history, visit one of Pizzo's 10 churches or the Castello Aragonese built in 15th century, today more known as the Castello Murat, which hosts a little museum that re-enacts the scenes of former King Murat's last days.

La Chiesetta di Piedigrotta is among the 10 churches in Pizzo the most unique one carved into a grotto on the beach (to reach by a fun Ape-taxi ride).

And then come back to one of the bars for another tartufo - it’s called 'ice cream tasting' !

With great joy we observe the local art and craft scene developing. You might discover some artist's studio on your walk through Pizzo's vicoli. When strolling through the vicoli, sometimes less wide than 1 m you will discover the village from new angles, bring a camera.

Want to learn something new during your holiday? Take a cooking class (upon appointment), or improve your Italian and take language lessons (depending on availability).

If the view of the vulcano Stromboli makes you feel like exploring the Aeolian Islands, you can go on a day trip starting at the port of Vibo Marina at 8 am and return at 8 pm, depending on wind and weather and Stromboli activities. Day trips include Lipari and Stromboli or just Stromboli "by night". If you want to hike Stromboli (to the top only with a guide) you need to spend the night on the vulcano as the guided tours start around 5pm. 

Please note, as our guest you will find a little guidebook in your apartment and suggestions for day trips. 

ACTIVITIES :

  • Swimming

  • Snorkeling

  • canoeing

  • kite-surfing

  • Fishing / Sport Fishing by boat

  • paragliding

  • Vicoli di Pizzo (walking the alleys)

  • 10 Churches

  • Castello Aragonese Murat

  • Visiting artists' studios in Pizzo

  • Archaeological Museum in the Castle of Vibo Valentia

  • Tropea (1/2 day by train or car)

  • Aeolian Islands (day trip by boat)

  • Stromboli by Night (by boat)

  • Reggio Calabria & Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia (day trip by train)

  • Day Trips to the hinterland (by car)

  • Wine tasting in Ciro

  • Read more about Pizzo and Calabria

MORE ACTIVITIES in and around Pizzo Calabro suggested by us:

  • For historians and archaeologists: Archaeological Museum in the Castle of Vibo Valentia, Museo Nazionale delle Magna Grecia in Reggio Calabria and Museo Statale di Mileto;

  • For artists and gallery lovers: Pizzo is attracting artists. Find the art studio of well acknowledged artist Antonio La Gamba (above Papa Parking) and Antonio Montesanti's EOS ceramics studio;

  • For kids: what is better than the beach and the sea?! Or maybe get creative with clay? Visit artists in their studio (see above) and get inspired! Is it raining? Take a ride with the 3 wheeler ape taxi or assist the pizzaiolo at pizzeria SPQR;

  • Discover Calabria! Go on various day trips (with a rented car you are most flexible)

  • The Costa degli Dei is 70 km long from Pizzo to Nicotera and has hundreds of beautiful beaches and little isolated spots to jump in the famous crystal clear turquoise water that is around 29 degrees warm in summer.

  • Enough of the beautiful sea? There are hills and mountains and National Parks too for trekking and hiking all year round, and even skiing in winter.

  • The monastery of Serra San Bruno is quiet and peaceful and wondering around in the forest is a nice change from the hot beach.

  • When it's raining: visit the Castello Murat in Pizzo, the Archaeological Museum in Vibo Valentia, Musaba in Mammola, read a book or visit an artist's studio;

  • Tropea (1/2 day by train or car)

  • Aeolian Islands (day trip by boat)

  • Stromboli by Night (by boat)

  • Day Trips to the hinterland (by car)

  • Wine tasting in Ciro

  • Coast to coast trekking from Soverato to Pizzo, a 3 day and 55 km trekking adventure organised by Kalabria Trekking

  • Shopping at Max Mara Outlet, Due Mari Commercial Center (near Lamezia)

  • for more day trips see also our page about CALABRIA

Visit a local weekly MARKET (8 am - 12 noon) 

  • Pizzo above via Nazionale on Thursdays

  • Vibo Marina, around the old train station on Mondays

  • Vibo Valentia, around upper Corso on Saturdays

  • Tropea on Mondays

These markets are not to compare with the weekly markets in Northern Italy, yet they have their own charm. Most Calabrese have not yet discovered or understood what tourists value and there are not as many tourists as in the North, except for the market in Tropea. Therefore, the regional handicraft and artisans are not very much represented at the weekly markets. Instead the markets are offering a lot of cheap clothing made in China and the usual fake products sold by Africans. However, sometimes you can find the handcrafted baskets, pottery or embroidered tablecloths. And of course you will find farmers selling local produces as the farmers' market is part of the larger weekly markets. Read a blog post here.  

FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS

  • Easter - Holy Week of Processions and events

  • April 23 - Procession of San Giorgio, the patron saint of Pizzo

  • May - September - exhibitions, shows, concerts & varie food festivals (sagre) throughout the summer

  • Early June - Art Festival

  • July 16 - Madonna del Carmine Procession

  • September 8 - Madonna delle Grazie Procession

  • October 8 - 13 - King Murat Festival

  • November 1 - All Saints Fair

  • December - Presepe Vivente between Christmas and New Year

  • Public Holidays April 25 - Liberation Day
    May 1 - Labour Day
    June 2 - Republic Anniversary
    August 15 - Assumption (Ferragosto)

BEACHES:

 
 

Pizzo is located at the "Coast of Gods", la Costa degli Dei, and the sea is Pizzo's most valuable asset. During summer, every Pizzitani spends time at the beach. But not everyone goes to the same beach. There are a variety of beaches in and around Pizzo, some have almost white sands, some are more rocky, some are in walking distance from the heart of old Pizzo, for some you would need transportation, and then there are those only reachable by boat. If you stay at Palazzo Pizzo Residence we recommend the "city beach" at La Marina (see photo). From your doorstep it is just a 10 minute walk through the piazza and downhill. On the way back it might take a little longer. Although this beach, as most others, is not serviced, it features a sweet-water-shower, and bars and restaurants at La Marina are just a stone throw away. - Note: Pizzo Marina is not to confuse with Pizzo Marinella which is an area outside town, and coming from the airport some km before Pizzo centro. At la Marinella you can rent a sunbed and umbrella during summer.  

  • Pizzo Marina - the nearest beach from the residence within just 10 - 15 minutes walk is the beach below the castello; not serviced (bring your own parasol and beach towel), but there are two sweet water showers and nearby bars and pizzerie). From here you can walk towards the local train station ‘Pizzo’ along different beaches and spots to swim. We recommend a stop at Piccolo BBB for drinks (also sun beds). The last beach is called ‘stazione’.

  • Pizzo Piedigrotta - towards Lamezia, to reach within 3 minutes by car or Ape Taxi from the piazza (not ideal to walk along the road), flat water, nice for little kids, can be combined with a visit of the Church Piedigrotta, a curiosity of Pizzo. From here you can walk along the beach for about 3 km passing different serviced lidos with sun beds and restaurants, the Istituto Nautico as well as free beaches until you reach Pizzo Marinella with more serviced beaches.

  • Pizzo Marinella - by car, 8 min., for beach walkers, in summer more tourists than locals, several serviced beaches from June to September with umbrellas and sunbeds, bar and restaurant, lifeguard; e.g. Lido Daiquiri, Lido Blue Moon and Lido Chiringuito;

  • Gizzeria, Hang Loose Beach - about 40 km, 35 min drive (after Lamezia); windy long beach and therefore ideal for kitesurfing; with kitesurfing and surfing school, summer camps, championships; bar, events and disco, very friendly staff

  • Vibo Marina, Proserpina - by car 8 min, serviced with sun chairs, umbrellas and music... flat water, nice for small kids;

  • Vibo Marina, La Vela - by car 10 min, serviced, behind the harbour, deeper water, waves

  • Vibo Marina, La Rada - next to La Vela, excellent restaurant, nice sunset setting for dinner;

  • Briatico, Punto Safo - by car 15 min., sometimes waves, mini fishing port at picturesque ruin of the torre di Briatico; free and serviced

  • Sant' Irene - by car 20 min, follow the sign 'Briatico' and then 'Sant' Irene', there is a rock to climb and jump

  • Paradiso del Sub, near Zambrone train station - about 22 km, by car, 25 min, plus hiking, worth to see! Not a secret beach anymore!

  • Lido La Spiaggia Bianca - behind the rocks of Paradiso del Sub, rent pedal boat or canoe to visit Paradiso del Sub;

  • Parghelia, Spiaggia Michelino - about 30 km and 35 min drive, feels like Seychelles; free beach;

  • Tropea, Rotonda - by car 45 min., below the city, crowded in summer but impressive backdrop; free and serviced

  • Tropea, Riaci - by car 40 min, 34 km

  • Tropea, Formicoli - by var 40 min, 36 km

  • Capo Vaticano, Grotticelle - by car 50 min. by car, 40 km, very crowded in summer, but worth to do at least a walk around the Cape;

Swimmers can be spotted as early as April and as late late as October. The sea however, warms up in May when weather is more stable than in April. In June some beaches start their service and renting umbrellas and sunbeds. But most beaches around Pizzo are public and you bring your own stuff. We have beach towels and ab umbrella for you. The water temperature in July and August reaches 29 degree Celsius.

HOW TO MOVE AROUND: 

Pizzo's oldest part of town is located on the 'pizzu', the rock. In its small picturesque alleys you do not need a car - actually it is even better to not move your car. While you stay in Pizzo centro storico, all can be reached by walking! Or use one of the cute Ape-taxis to zoom around. 

The residence is peacefully located in the oldest part of the town center, high above the sea, and despite its serene location you can easily reach within a few minutes walk the main piazza with all you might need during your stay: many gelaterie, bars and cafes, restaurants, pizzerie, a local cheese & milk shop (in summer open from 7:30 until midnight, sells also panini), a fruttivendolo (sells fruits, vegetables and even wine), a pescivendolo (sells the catch of the day), 'super'markets, a deli shop, a pasticceria, the post office, a growing number of local art & craft studios, a pharmacy, newspaper tabacco stands, fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, hair dressers and barbiere, jeweler and goft shop, flower shop, a few churches and of course - the beach! 

We can help to organise pick-up service from the airport or train station. The Ape-taxis - usually easy to find in the main piazza - circulate around the different areas of Pizzo: La Marinella, Pedigrotta, Centro Storico, La Marina and Statione. On request they also drive you to Vibo Marina, the larger train station Vibo-Pizzo, and sometimes even to the airport (!).

If you want to explore Calabria during your stay, we recommend to rent a car at the airport. Scooters can be rented via agents in Tropea with handover in Pizzo. However, to explore the hinterland a car is the safer option. Tropea or Reggio Calabria can also reached by train.

DAY TRIPS:

See also About Calabria page for distances in km and time.

FOOD

 
 

Calabrian cuisine is, above all, rustic, hearty and honest. And it's spicy! Calabrian recipes use much more peperoncino (chili pepper) than the rest of Italy. You will find local chillies in various shapes, colours and sizes.

The tomatoes taste better here in the South (during summer) than anywhere else in the world, and so do the peaches, the mozzarella cheese and all local produces. The region is famous for its tuna (tonno) and swordfish (pesce spada), as well as for it's sweet red onion (cipolla di Tropea), and it's intensive green olive oil (olio d'oliva). After all, most famous in Pizzo is a special ice cream creation invented in this village to honour the visit of Prince Umberto I of Savoy in 1943: il tartufo - it's a must (you can share one as it has the calories of a meal)! There are around 15 gelaterie in Pizzo, each with its own secret recipe.

There are many simple restaurants and pizzerias in and around Pizzo where you can have great meals at a very reasonable price. There is no place "just" for tourists as Pizzo lives all year round and Pizzitani go out for meals too. If you look up restaurants in Pizzo on the internet, you will only find a few young and smart gelatiere who are up to modern times with website or facebook. Update July 2012: many bars in the piazza offer now free wifi! (if they don't have forgotten the password).

In Pizzo, a good pizza can be found at SPQR, Le Castellane, and at Cappero Rosso in the main piazza, and at La Marina di Pizzo at La Ruota, Moby Dick and Forte della Monacella. The prices ($) of a simple Pizza Margherita or a Spaghetti Vongole will make you happy and not want to cook at home any longer.

Il Toscano, sophisticated Calabrian cuisine by chef Catherina Malerba, Michelin recommended and our favorite in Pizzo for special occasion or to escape the crowd in the piazza and the heat. Serving lunch and dinner, only inside seating, air condition; Via B. Musolino $$

Another very good restaurant is San Domenico located above la Seggiola. Chef Bruno Tassone cooks the catch of the day and what he found at the local market. Slightly more pricey ($$) then the usual restaurants in Pizzo, as you will order at least two courses. This small restaurant only serves dinner, starting around 9 pm, service is not fast, but dishes creative and tasty. Via Colapesce, Pizzo, reservation recommended (0039) 3491390255

Pepe Nero ambitious chef Giovanna takes good care of her customers together with her son and husband, she serves prefered fish dishes with tables on the bridge between the piazza and the oldest part of Pizzo. $$

Il Brigantino, just a stone throw from the main piazza up the Corso Garibaldi a tiny trattoria with few chairs on the corso offers a small selection of salads, panini and pastas, served by a young and charming couple. Newly opened and popular among locals. $

Il Cappero Rosso,  in piazza opposite Belvedere, with more tables in the piazza than inside. Local fish dishes, tonno o pesce spada as well as pizza are good choices. We also can recommend the startet fantasia del mare. Inside only very few tables $$

SPQR in the main square is for good value lunch, dinner and pizza, outside and inside seating available. My favorite pasta dishes are “Spaghetti alla Pizzitana” and “Spaghetti al Corte d’Assisi” $

La Lampara is popular according to Tripadvisor, and we agree after having dined here several times. It is a nice little indoor fish restaurant with fishermen style decor and friendly service. English speaking owner Joseph (Giuseppe) is a great cook as is his mum. Reservation is recommended (locals arrive late). $

Hedo - a few tables outside in the tiny square opposite the pharmacy in via B. Musolino. It started as a bar (Stonebell), was a club and now it’s a restaurant; many locals recommend it.

Piccolo BBB (Bistro Bar Beach) - run by Piccolo Grand Hotel a bistro bar, sun beds and serviced beach, open since 2019; creative snacks and drinks in best designed ambience of Pizzo’s beach bar scene.

outside town :

La Rada a beach restaurant in Vibo Marina with excellent fish dishes (fish sashimi) and wine; love the atmosphere at sunset $$

GO has the most breathtaking panorama views over Vibo Marina! (we prefer the view at lunch). Because of its location in the hills, you will need a car. Relaxed atmosphere, nice for special occasions, food quality unfortunately not consistently, but the view it is ! $$. Strada Provinciale per S. Onofrio, Pizzo, Italy 0039 347 1137854

La Degusteria on the way to Maierato/S.Onofrio (some km after "Go" restaurant), offers great local dishes. Nice for a change. Indoor only (I think).  $

L' Approdo in Vibo Marina (4 km from Pizzo, used to have a Michelin Star) you might encounter some famous people who spend the night on their big yachts in Vibo Marina before heading to Stromboli or Panarea, Eolie Islands. $$$

If this list is not enough for you, try to find more via tripadvisor.

BARS and ICE CREAM:

The bar scene in Pizzo is already very crowded - one after the other on the main piazza waiting to attract tourists for their home made tartufo creations -, however there seems always room for another bar. Almost every summer a new opening or change of name. The two or three most traditional bars in Pizzo are Bar Belvedere, Bar Dante and Bar Ercole (in alphabetic order). If you want to know who does the best ice cream you need to try all fifteen (!) something bars & gelaterie in Pizzo. Good luck!! Ok, to save you some calories, time and money: try at Ercole nocciola ice cream and at Belvedere tartufo nero and Torta Belvedere.

USEFUL LINKS:

For a good first impression of Pizzo and getting into the holiday mood, watch this video in Italian language:

 
 

LITTLE GUIDEBOOK for Pizzo

We are pleased to provide a little guide of Pizzo for our guests. You will receive an updated PDF file to print or save on your tablet, as well as a hard copy at the apartment to have it on hand during your stay. You will get direction to our favourite restaurants, bars, shops and art studios in Pizzo. We recommend beaches, sightseeing, half and full day trips to start from Pizzo. You will blend in with the locals from day one!

  

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