The Best Things to do in Pizzo
Pizzo, Italy, is the kind of place that makes you slow down and soak it all in. Perched on the cliffs of Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast, this small town blends history, seaside charm, and boasts some of the best gelato in Italy. Whether you’re wandering through its historic centre, visiting a castle with a fascinating past, or indulging in the famous tartufo, there are plenty of things to do in Pizzo.
It’s a spot where narrow streets lead to panoramic views, where seafood is always fresh, and where dessert isn’t just a treat—it’s a tradition.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Pizzo.
Why Visit Pizzo, Italy?
Pizzo is one of Calabria’s best-kept secrets—a seaside town with incredible views, rich history, and a dessert so famous it’s become a tradition. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, it’s the perfect place to soak in a sunset while enjoying fresh seafood or a tartufo gelato.
Despite its small size, Pizzo is full of character. It has just one hotel (Piccolo Grand Hotel), a handful of beaches, and a working fishing harbour, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. The town is home to 10 churches and more than 15 gelato shops, all selling its famous tartufo gelato. It also marks the starting point of Calabria’s famous Coast of the Gods, a stretch of coastline known for dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear water.
Pizzo is also steeped in history and legend. Dating back to the 1300s, some say Odysseus himself once came ashore here. Its most famous moment came in 1815, when Joachim Murat—Napoleon’s brother-in-law and the King of Naples and Sicily—was captured and executed in what is now known as Castello Murat. Just outside the town, you’ll find Chiesa di Piedigrotta, a grotto church carved into the rock by shipwrecked sailors. Filled with hand-carved stone statues, it’s one of Pizzo’s most unique and fascinating sights.
And best of all? Pizzo is easy to reach, just a short drive from Lamezia Terme Airport, making it a perfect stop on any Calabria itinerary.
Top Things to Do in Pizzo
For a small town, Pizzo packs in a surprising number of historical sites, coastal views, and foodie experiences. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, there’s plenty to explore—from castles and cave churches to scenic piazzas and, of course, tartufo gelato.
1. Wander the Old Town
Pizzo’s Old Town is made for wandering. Its cobblestone lanes, winding streets, and hidden piazzas are perfect to explore at a slow pace. Flower-filled balconies, souvenir shops tucked into tiny doorways, unexpected sea views at the end of winding streets, and unusual sights, like a large anchor that’s perfect for little kids to pose on – this is the magic of Pizzo’s streets.
At the heart of the town is Piazza della Repubblica, the main square and the centre of local life. It’s surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and small family-run shops selling everything from fresh produce to local cheeses and seafood. Whether you need a quick snack, a pharmacy or a souvenir to take home, you’ll sure to find it here. The square is also the perfect spot to take a break, grab an espresso, relax at an outdoor table and soak in the lively atmosphere.
2. Visit Castello Murat
Pizzo’s historic fortress, known as Castello Murat, is best known as the place where Joachim Murat—Napoleon’s brother-in-law and the former King of Naples—was captured and executed in 1815. While the story behind the castle isn’t exactly kid-friendly, the site itself is still worth a visit for its history and stunning coastal views.
The fortress is small, and while there isn’t much inside beyond a few exhibits on Murat’s life and imprisonment, the terrace offers impressive views over the sea. Entry is €5 per person, with free admission for kids under 6. If you’re also visiting Chiesa di Piedigrotta, a combo ticket for both sites costs €6.50, making it a good deal.
If you happen to visit in October, you might catch the annual re-enactment of Murat’s capture and execution, an interesting event that is the focal point of a popular multi-day festival in Pizzo.
3. See Chiesa di Piedigrotta (The Cave Church)
Chiesa di Piedigrotta is one of Calabria’s most intriguing and unique sites—a church carved directly into the coastal rock, blending natural beauty with human craftsmanship.
According to legend, in the mid-17th century, a ship from Naples encountered a violent storm off the coast of Pizzo. The crew prayed before a painting of the Madonna di Piedigrotta, vowing to build a church in her honour if they survived. When the ship sank, the sailors—and the painting—washed ashore safely. True to their promise, they carved a small chapel into the seaside grotto and placed the painting inside.
Over time, local artists expanded the cave. In the late 19th century, a local sculptor began carving intricate staues out of the rock, and his son continued the work. Then, in the 1960’s, a Canadian descendent of the sculptor – I love the Canadian connection here – returned to Pizzo and restored the site.
Located about 1 km from Pizzo’s town centre, it’s not a long walk to the cave church. Along Via Riviera Prangi, opposite the Aquarium Bar, you’ll see signs on the left side of the street to a steep staircase that leads down to the beach. It’s an incredible sight to see, and worth the walk down the steps (and back up).
4. Visit Chiesa di San Giorgio (Church of St. George)
One of Pizzo’s many historic churches, Chiesa di San Giorgio dates back to the 17th century and stands out for its beautiful Baroque architecture. The ornate façade is worth admiring, and inside, you’ll find frescoes, paintings, and intricate details that showcase its long history.
It might not be the most exciting stop for kids, but it’s still worth a quick visit—especially in the heat of summer, since the cool interior makes it a great place to duck into for a break from the sun.
5. Try Tartufo—Pizzo’s Famous Gelato
If there’s one thing you absolutely must try in Pizzo, it’s tartufo. This indulgent gelato dessert was invented here, and with more than 15 gelato shops in town, everyone has their own version. You could easily spend your time tasting them all to find your favourite, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
The classic tartufo features a solid ball of chocolate in the centre, surrounded by chocolate and hazelnut gelato, then dusted with cocoa powder. While you’ll find variations—like white chocolate, pistachio, and even fruit flavours—the original remains the favourite.
With plenty of options to try tartufo in Pizzo – I heard there’s more than 15 gelato shops serving this famous desert – everyone has their own recipe. If you have time, you can sample a few and decide for yourself which one is best. But if you’re short on time, our top recommendation is Bar Ercole. A friend who has a house in nearby Tropea suggested it, and it more than lived up to the hype.
6. Relax at Pizzo’s Beaches
Pizzo isn’t just about its historic centre, castle, and charming streets—it also has some great beaches. Sitting along the Coast of the Gods, it’s no surprise that Pizzo’s shoreline offers clear turquoise water, soft sand, and beautiful views.
Most beaches in Pizzo are free to access, though you’ll need to bring your own umbrella and chairs. Some serviced beaches, with sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, are available in the summer months.
The best beach in Pizzo is Pizzo Marina, located right in town. It’s a small, unserviced beach, meaning you’ll need to bring your own towel and umbrella, but it does have a public shower, which is rare for a free beach. It’s also close to bars and restaurants, making it easy to grab a drink or a seafood lunch between swims. With its sheltered location by the pier and views of the cliffs above, it’s one of the most scenic spots to relax, especially at sunset.
Just outside town, Piedigrotta Beach is another great option, especially for families. The calm, shallow water makes it perfect for little kids, and since it’s right next to Chiesa di Piedigrotta, it’s easy to combine both into one visit.
For a serviced beach experience, head to Pizzo Marinella, about 8 minutes from the town centre. Here, you’ll find sunbeds, umbrellas, and lifeguards in summer, making it a convenient choice if you prefer a more structured beach day.
7. Try Fishing Along Pizzo’s Coast
Fishing has been part of Pizzo’s history for centuries, especially tuna fishing, which once played a huge role in the town’s economy. Even today, one of Italy’s largest tuna fishing companies is based here, and fishing remains a big part of life along the coast.
For a more hands-on experience, you can join a fishing boat for the day and head out onto the Tyrrhenian Sea. This fishing tour gives you the chance to try fishing for tuna or swordfish, cruise along the coastline, and even stop for swimming and snorkelling near Chiesa di Piedigrotta. Snorkelling gear and fishing equipment are included, and while dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, the views and experience of fishing off Pizzo’s coast make for a memorable day on the water.
Local Tip: Pizzo’s Weekly Market
If you’re in Pizzo on a Thursday, check out the weekly market. It’s not a major attraction, but it’s a great place to see local life in action. Vendors sell fresh produce, clothing, and household goods, and it’s a good spot to pick up some local snacks or souvenirs.
Where to Stay in Pizzo
Piccolo Grand Hotel
Pizzo’s only hotel, Piccolo Grand Hotel, is a boutique-style stay in the heart of town. Just a short walk from the Old Town and the waterfront, it offers modern, comfortable rooms with balconies and sea views. The hotel is known for its excellent service and rooftop terrace, making it one of the best places to stay in Pizzo.
→ Looking for more accommodation options beyond Pizzo? Check out our guide on where to stay in Calabria.
Where to Eat in Pizzo
Pizzo is known for tartufo, but there’s so much more to try in the region. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss our guide to what to eat in Calabria.
SPQR
Located in the main square, SPQR is a great choice for casual meals and great pizza. There’s the classic Italian options of pizza and spaghetti, as well as seafood options. My kids loved the Tropea pizza, but I have to recommend the mussels – complete with nduja sauce – a local Calabrian staple.
Il Cappero Rosso
Also in the main square, this restaurant specializes in local seafood dishes, including fresh tuna and swordfish. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, and you’ll also find pizza and other regional favourites on the menu.
Piccolo BBB
Run by Piccolo Grand Hotel, this bistro bar on a serviced beach is a great spot for snacks and drinks by the water.
Bar Ercole
One of the best places in Pizzo for tartufo, Bar Ercole is a local favourite for its rich, flavourful gelato. If you’re only trying tartufo once, this is the place to do it.
Bar Belvedere
Another great stop for tartufo, with scenic views to enjoy while you indulge.
How to Get to Pizzo
Pizzo is situated along the coast, about halfway between Lamezia Terme Airport and Tropea. It’s easy to reach by car or train.
By Plane:
The closest airport is Lamezia Terme (SUF), about 30 minutes away by car.
By Train:
Pizzo has two train stations, one closer to town that is best to connect to Lamezia or Tropea, and another further from the centre of town that offers fast intercity trains to other areas of Italy.
- Pizzo Station – About 1 km from the town centre, this smaller station serves local trains from Lamezia, Tropea, and Reggio Calabria. Some direct trains from Rome run in the summer. From here, it’s an easy walk into town.
- Vibo Valentia-Pizzo Station – Located about 5 km from the center of town in the hills, this larger station has fast intercity trains from Naples, Rome, Florence, and Venice, as well as connections to other towns in Calabria and Sicily. However, there are no taxis at the station, so arrange a ride in advance if you’re staying in Pizzo.
Trains from Rome take 4–5 hours, while from Naples, it’s about 3–4 hours.
By Car:
Pizzo is about 30 minutes from Lamezia Terme and is easily accessible from the A2 motorway. If you’re arriving at Lamezia and going to Tropea, Pizzo makes a great stop along the way.
FAQ About Visiting Pizzo
When is the best time to visit Pizzo?
The best time to visit Pizzo is May through October, when the weather is warm and perfect for swimming, sightseeing, and enjoying the outdoor cafés. July and August are the busiest months, while May, June, September, and October offer fewer crowds but still great weather.
How long should you stay in Pizzo?
Pizzo can be visited as a day trip from Tropea or Lamezia, but it’s also a quieter alternative to Tropea if you’re looking for a more relaxed stay. Spending one or two nights lets you fully explore the town, enjoy the beaches, and soak in the slower pace and authentic Calabrian lifestyle.
Is Pizzo worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely! Pizzo has historic charm, stunning sea views, great food, and some of Calabria’s best gelato. Whether you visit for a few hours or stay overnight, it’s a worthwhile stop on any Calabria itinerary.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Pizzo
While we thought Tropea was worth visiting, we also really enjoyed Pizzo and felt it offered a more authentic Calabrian experience. It was the perfect quiet break from the busier streets of Tropea while still offering stunning coastal views, great food, and plenty to explore. Whether you’re wandering the Old Town, relaxing by the sea, or visiting the famous cave church, Pizzo has a laid-back charm that makes it easy to enjoy.
Even if you’re just stopping in for a tartufo on the drive from Lamezia, it’s well worth the visit.
Planning more adventures in Calabria? If you’re exploring the region, you might also want to check out the best places to visit in Calabria to help plan your itinerary. Looking for more coastal towns? Our guide to things to do in Tropea covers Calabria’s most famous beach destination. And if you’re deciding where to base yourself, here’s a guide on where to stay in Calabria with options for every type of traveller.
