5 Unique Things to do in Stunning Pizzo Calabria, Italy

If eating delicious gelato and chasing spectacular sunsets sounds like your thing, you can’t miss Pizzo Calabria when visiting Italy’s spicy southern region.

Located in Calabria, (the toe of the Italian boot), and more specifically in the province of Vibo Valentia, Pizzo is a charming seaside town that offers gorgeous sea views. Nestled on a cliff and positioned on an incline, the historic town unfolds down narrow alleys and winding steps all the way down to the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea.

Although Pizzo Calabro doesn’t boast the same turquoise waters as other towns and beaches along the Coast of the Gods (Costa degli Dei), it does offer some unique landmarks – not to mention the world-famous hazelnut truffle ice-cream!

And less busy than other neighboring towns, visiting Pizzo on a day trip makes for the perfect escape from massive crowds!!!

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS POST

Everything you need to know to plan a hassle-free day trip. (See Table of Contents below)

• Practical Tips (smart planning, when to go, how to get around, etc.)
• Things to Do
• What to Expect (and NOT to expect)

Unique Things to do in Pizzo Calabria

So, let’s get right to it!

Getting “lost” amongst the alleys of Pizzo is one of our favorite things to do when visiting the quaint seaside town. It’s the best way to lean into the Italian dolce far niente demeanor and get a true glimpse inside the local lifestyle.

Having said that, there are a couple specific attractions or points of interest to seek out.

Here are five things you can’t miss when visiting Pizzo Calabria:

1. Visit Chiesetta di Piedigrotta – Church Piedigrotta

One of the most unique churches in Calabria, visiting Chiesetta di Piedigrotta rewards not only with some spectacular sea-views, but takes you inside a grotto on a spiritual and sculptural journey.

Located on a secluded inlet, the spirit of the sea is deeply infused into every fiber of the chiseled chapel. From the sound of the waves to the scent of the salty breeze, the sea accompanies you on this tour. As if molded from the sand even the sacred statues seem to be one with the ocean!

Take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each carefully sculpted altar and enjoy this unique landmark in Pizzo.

HISTORY– Carved right into the rock, legends recount the original chapel was erected sometime in the 1600s by a crew of shipwrecked sailors. To honor the Madonna di Piedigrotta to whom they had prayed for salvation, a niche was chiseled, and her painting placed inside. Although there is no evidence the story is true, the local population profoundly worships the Virgin of Piedigrotta.

CURRENT DAY– In modern times, the chapel was rediscovered by Angelo Barona and his son. They both dedicated their lives to further developing the grotto and sculpted dozens of sculptures depicting Christ’s life.

The chapel we see today is a result of the completed restoration undergone in 1968.

PRACTICAL INFO

HOURS– The Chiesetta di Piedigrotta observes different operating hours depending on the season. Please view their updated opening hours and be advised that the church may close (without warning) during bad weather.

FEE– Admission to the church requires a ticket you can purchase onsite. Click here to view updated fees.

PARKING– There is a dirt parking area (“Parcheggio Chiesa di Piedigrotta”) adjacent to the concrete stairway that leads down to the chapel. Many visitors complain of this parking since it charges a flat 5 euro and is unguarded. We nevertheless found its vicinity convenient, especially when planning to spend several hours at the beach.

As an alternative, some people decide to park further away (where it’s free) and then proceed to the church by foot. If you opt for this, please make sure you park in a spot that is permitted. Violators can be heftily fined or even towed.

2. Terrace and Castle Views at Sunset

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Pizzo is the perfect town for panoramic views and sunset moments! You’ll want to snap as many pictures from as many viewpoints as you can.

U Spunduni – La Balconata Terrace

Watch the sky catch fire from the U Spunduni – La Balconata Terrace. Located at the south-western edge of main square (Piazza della Repubblica), the terrace is positioned right across the Aeolian Islands of Sicily. On a clear day you can even spot the volcanic isle of Stromboli!

The horizon as seen from this spot is a magnet for all gazes– including that of the extraordinary Collezionista dei Venti (The Wind Collector). Designed by Edoardo Tresoldi, the beautiful wire mesh sculpture depicts a man pondering and fixating deep into the horizon. Always present but never intrusive, his translucent, ghostlike, and pensive essence invites a moment of profound introspection.

Enjoy the bright turquoise waters slowly flicker into a spectacle of fiery golds and marvel in awe at one of the most vibrant sunsets you can witness in Calabria!

Castello Murat

Wander the grounds right outside Murat Castle and enjoy countless other panoramic sea views. The fortress exterior is very well preserved, and you can even get up-close to the fortress tower.

From Belvedere Musolino, descend the staircase leading to the staggered terraces. From here, you can really appreciate the fort’s architectural details and see the sunset from different perspectives.

MUSEUM VISIT – Although the Aragonese Castle has a fascinating history and recounts the tragic last days and execution of former King of Naples, Gioacchino Murat (Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother-in-law), I didn’t find the museum to be impressive. The exhibit is rather disordered, and there isn’t much explanation of what is on display. Because of this, I found it very hard to engage and left feeling a bit empty.

Having said that, there are a few memorable artifacts to explore, and you have the chance to see the *restored* prison cell that Murat and his prisoners were kept in.

3. Eat the famous Gelato – Tartufo di Pizzo!

Although Pizzo might not be the number one beach town in Calabria, it certainly is the number one ice cream town! In fact, Pizzo is famous in ALL of Italy (and worldwide!) for its delicious hazelnut and chocolate gelato.

But why so special?! – Its molten core! A thick syrupy dark chocolate sits at its center just waiting to ooze out. And to top it off, the tartufo is coated in powdered cocoa… yummmm!

The tartufo di Pizzo, whose literal translation is ‘truffle of Pizzo’, was supposedly given its name because of its irregular spherical shape. The traditional recipe calls only for hazelnut and chocolate, but today you can find modified versions with flavors including pistachio and white chocolate.

WHERE TO EAT

There is only one place to have tartufo di Pizzo and that is in Piazza della Repubblica! Gelateria Artigianale Dante Pizzo is where the tartufo had its origins, but there are also three more to choose from. I’ve only eaten at Dante and Bar Gelateria Ercole Pizzo Calabro and found both to be exceptional.

4. Marina di Pizzo & Pizzo Beach

After all that touring, enjoy a nice refreshing beachfront aperitif at Marina di Pizzo or even go for a dip if you’re feeling it! The water at Marina di Pizzo can be quite inviting and the views spectacular… And because most people are headed to more renowned shores, Pizzo Beach can be a quieter alternative to nearby Tropea.

To get to Marina di Pizzo from the main square just make your way down the stone steps that begin at the panoramic terrace mentioned previously – you’ll make your way all the way down to the boardwalk on Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo. It’s about a 5-minute walk down.

OTHER BEACHES IN PIZZO – Although not as pristine as the beaches further south the coast, there are a couple pleasant options in the area if you’re dying to go for a dip.

• Spiaggia Libera Chiesa di Piedigrotta is a good option and is much more secluded than the Marina. Because of its location however, just below the Piedigrotta church (you have to drive to it), I recommend pairing it with your church visit and not heading here solely for the beach.
• Spiaggia Libera Pizzo Calabro (close to Pizzo Train Station) is just a 10-minute walk from the Marina.

*Note that both beaches have no facilities onsite.*

5. People Watch

There is no better way to really grasp the spirit of Pizzo than to people watch. From the quiet hours of riposo (siesta) to the evening aperitivo hour, you’ll see the town come to life when locals of all ages descend in the piazza at dusk!

From carefree kids playing ball, to animated ‘scopa’ or ‘briscola’ card tournaments, there is an overwhelming sense of community that permeates every interaction and conversation. Every moment is a chance to spend time together and to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. It is living the present moment to its purest of forms.

Planning your Visit to Pizzo Calabria

So now that you know exactly what to see, let’s get to the details of planning your daytrip accordingly.

As you plan your visit to Pizzo, I’m sure a thousand logistical questions come to mind. Here is some practical information to help you along with your planning.

How much time do you need in Pizzo Calabro?

How much time you need in Pizzo depends on how many things you want to see.

FULL DAY | Can fit all five sites and activities discussed above.

HALF DAY | If skip the beach, then a half day in Pizzo is sufficient.

Should you Stay Overnight in Pizzo?

Because visiting Pizzo can be easily done as a daytrip, staying overnight is not necessary.

You can still however opt to base yourself in Pizzo for a couple nights as an alternative to busier Tropea. You will still be close to some of the most beautiful beaches of the area (30-min drive to Zambrone and Parghelia).

For suggestions on accommodations, skip to Where to Stay in Pizzo.

When to visit Pizzo Calabria

Pizzo Calabro is a summer destination. Coming off season means finding certain restaurants and landmarks closed and temperatures too low for the beach.

Before booking your trip, it is important you pick the right summer months as peak holiday season comes with swarms of tourists and scorching temperatures.

The good news is, that summer in Calabria is quite long! Here below I’ve summarized what you’ll experience month by month:

• MAY: No crowds, weather pleasant, water temperature chilly (but doable late May depending on year and personal comfort).
• JUNE: Few crowds, weather pleasant, water temperature decent
• JULY: Crowded, hot weather, water temperature pleasant
• AUGUST: Overcrowded, scorching weather, water temperature warm
• SEPTEMBER: Few crowds, weather pleasant, water temperature pleasant
• OCTOBER: No crowds, weather pleasant, water temperature chilly (but doable depending on year and personal comfort).

BEST: Mid-June or Early September

WORST: August

How to get to Pizzo Italy

Before mentioning the various ways to get to Pizzo Calabro, let me first mention that having a car in Calabria is an absolute MUST. Let me repeat that:

It is absolutely vital to rent a car when visiting Calabria!!!

Public transportation is scarce and often unreliable. Although many beach towns have train-stops, getting from the station to downtown can be rather inconvenient without a car.

MY SUGGESTION: Rent a car at Lamezia Terme airport and drive into Pizzo.

Airport: Lamezia Terme International Airport is the closest airport to Pizzo Calabro. Drive time from the airport to Pizzo Town is about 25 minutes.

Car rental is directly outside of the airport.

Train: Although there are several trains that head directly into Pizzo Town or Pizzo Vibo Valentia, getting a rental car in either can be rather complex and taxing. I don’t recommend taking the train directly into Pizzo!

Instead, because having a car is crucial, I suggest taking the high-speed train into Lamezia Centrale Train Station, where renting a car at the nearby airport (5 minutes away) is super convenient. Buses and shuttles depart from the train station for the airport every half hour. Once you have your rental, proceed to drive to Pizzo.

Trip Time to Lamezia Terme via High-Speed Train (no change required):

• Naples to Lamezia |3 hr.
• Rome to Lamezia |4 hr.

*If you’re coming from further north, consider coming via airplane – it’s faster!*

Car: Getting to Pizzo directly by car is extremely easy. You’ll drive in on the A2/E45 (free Autostrada Salerno-Reggio Calabria) and change to the SS18 (if coming from the airport or from the north) or SS522 (if coming from south).

Where to Park – Day Trip to Pizzo Calabro

In peak season parking is extremely limited! Due to narrow streets traffic can also get heavily backed up. Consider arriving in the morning or expect having to search a bit before finding a spot.

!!!RESTRICTED TRAFFIC!!! PLEASE always check for ZTL (zona a traffico limitato). These signs indicate traffic is restricted in the area (usually accessible only to those that have a specific transit permit or residents). Traffic laws change continuously so please be mindful that new ZTL areas could pop up in the following parking areas that weren’t in place at the time of writing. ZTL is strictly enforced (usually via camera footage) and fines regularly administered.

We’ve tried several different parking areas and found the most hassle-free/easiest by far to be the Parcheggio via Salomone (P1 below). Please see map below for parking locations (labeled P1, P2…etc) and click on the GPS coordinates for directions.

OUR RECOMMENDATION: Parcheggio Via Salomone (P1 below)

Here are various parking options if visiting Pizzo on a day trip:

PIZZO (OUTSIDE HISTORIC CENTER):

P1.  Parcheggio Via Salomone (paid & free): if coming from the north, the SS522 road will fork before reaching Pizzo. To your right it descends into downtown Pizzo, to your left you will see signs for Tropea. Turn left and almost immediately you’ll find roadside parking. This street (Via Salomone) runs just above downtown Pizzo and the walk down to the main square takes about 15 minutes (there are quite a few stairs!). This is usually the easiest area to find parking. Its only downfall is the uphill walk to get back to the car (so not ideal if you’re carrying beach gear)!

Exact Coordinates Google Maps: 38.73722973397428, 16.16570167973257

P2. Parcheggio Pitaro – Parrera (paid): Descending towards downtown Pizzo, you’ll find a car park on Contrada de la Parrera (suitable for buses as well). The walk into the main square takes about 5 minutes *(there is no sidewalk part of the way– you will be walking in the street.)

Exact Coordinates Google Maps: 38.733257640910026, 16.160376696302503

P3 – Public Parking Papa Inferiore (paid & free): Descending towards downtown Pizzo on the SS522 (coming from the north and taking the fork to the right towards downtown Pizzo), you’ll find a sign indicating Papa parking on your right. There are more spots compared to downtown and the walk to the main square is about 10 minutes *(there is no sidewalk part of the way

Exact Coordinates Google Maps: 38.73767807103009, 16.164589138631488 

PIZZO HISTORIC CENTER:

Although centrally located I don’t recommend the following parking areas. They can be very hectic and ZTL and limitations can be an issue.

P4 – Piazza Musolino (paid): located right next to Castello Murat, this parking lot is extremely limited and can get very hectic during peak season.

Exact Coordinates Google Maps: 38.73574203509667, 16.16034071754071

P5 – Turnout Via M. Salomone (paid): Heading into downtown Pizzo (from the south) you’ll find a small turnout on the road a couple hundred meters before getting to Piazza Musolino. Capacity is quite limited and there is no sidewalk for the remaining walk.

Exact Coordinates Google Maps: 38.733628, 16.159605 

P6 – Marina di Pizzo (paid): Located right at the marina, the seafront street (Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo) sometimes closes to traffic. To avoid any hassle or getting stuck, I don’t recommend parking here. Parking is also very limited!

Exact Coordinates Google Maps: 38.736195110769074, 16.159325216560642

PARKING MAP

Here below you can quickly see where the 6 parking areas are positioned with respect to the marina and downtown.

Where to eat in Pizzo Calabria

Here are a couple exquisite restaurants to choose from (recommended by locals)

Hedò Ristorante – Modern Calabrian, Seafood  ($$-$$$)

We absolutely loved our meal here! You’ll find a refined menu that puts a modern spin on traditional Calabrian cuisine – truly sublime. From the appetizer to the dessert, we were wholly impressed – we can’t wait to go back to Hedò! *Don’t use Google Maps address! Location is in Piazza Malta 3*

Pepe Nero – Seafood ($$$)

For the freshest and finest seafood in Pizzo look no further than Pepe Nero! Five-star dining at affordable prices, you will never want to leave!

Il Cappero Rosso – Pizza, Italian ($$)

They say that Cappero Rosso is where you’ll find the best pizza in Pizzo. And if you want to throw in a fried seafood platter, the restaurant also serves some stellar seafood. Located in Piazza della Repubblica, you can easily grab a tartufo di Pizzo for dessert next door at one of the world-famous ice cream shops.

Where to stay in Pizzo Calabro

If you wish to base yourself in Pizzo, there are numerous B&Bs right downtown. If you are looking for something more luxurious (perhaps all-inclusive), you need to move a couple kilometers outside of Pizzo.

Although we haven’t personally stayed in the hotels listed below (we had our own long-term apartment), we only recommend accommodations we would happily book for ourselves as well.

Mid-Range: B&B Casa Angelieri

Downtown Pizzo – 5-min walk to main square

An adorable guesthouse with the most stunning sea views (right from your very own terrace), B&B Casa Angelieri is just a 5 minute walk to Piazza della Repubblica! An exquisite morning buffet is served every day by the friendliest of hosts. (No private parking).

High-Range: Resort Tui Magic Life Pizzo Calabria

15-min drive to downtown Pizzo

Although this all-inclusive resort is a 15-min drive from Pizzo, it has its very own private beach, splash park and magnificent outdoor pool. A family favorite, this resort is the perfect place to relax after a day spent touring. Both kids and adults can enjoy various games and outdoor activities. Remember your water shoes, the beach here is pebbly!

Is Pizzo Italy Safe?

And finally, the question I’m most frequently asked… is Pizzo safe?

YES! – Pizzo is perfectly safe. I’ve been numerous times over the years (in different months and by myself as well) and can confidently report that it’s a lovely and welcoming sea-town. Suitable for all, from family travelers to couples, you will not have to worry for your safety in Pizzo.

If there is one recommendation I can make (but this is true for all of Italy and Europe in general) is to not leave valuables unattended at the beach or in sight when leaving your parked car. 

So, there it is guys… everything you should know before heading to Pizzo Calabria. A charming sea-side town with magical sunsets and panoramic views, this is one stop definitely worth adding to your tour around Calabria!

If you have any further questions or would like to share your experience, please get in contact or comment below. I love hearing new stories and am always eager to help as best as I can!

Don’t forget to follow along on my adventures at @ladolcefitvita…

Buona Visita! Happy Touring!

Traveling Around Southern Italy? Check out these guides:

• Matera: Exploring Italy’s Remarkable City of Caves
• Tour Diamante, Calabria’s City of Breathtaking Murals!
• Touring Puglia in 5 Days – Spectacular Beaches and Seaside Towns
• Explore Stunning Punta Bianca– A Hidden Beach in Sicily!
• Calabria’s Stunning Turquoise Shores – 12 Beaches you Can’t Miss
• Discovering Tropea’s Breathtaking Beaches

Pin Me for Later!

This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.