Day Trip to Pizzo Calabro

Pizzo is a small and quaint fishing village built on the cliffs overlooking the sea.

pizzo calabro calabria

I’ve wanted to visit Pizzo for awhile, so I was more than pleased when a friend suggested heading out there for the day. The weekend promised the perfect weather for a Spring trip to the seaside.

One of the great things about Pizzo is it’s not too far from Cosenza. The traffic was light and we made it to Pizzo in just under an hour. Given that it’s a small town, parking can be a bit tricky and since it was the first weekend of higher temperatures and sun we opted to park at the top of the town on Via Salomone. If you don’t mind walking a bit, it’s not too far from the historic centre and its main square.

pizzo

We followed one of the small streets down towards Corso Garibaldi, which is one of the main streets lined with shops that leads you to the town’s main square, Piazza Della Repubblica.

pizzo

As the square opens up before you, you are instantly drawn to the Chiesa dell’Immacolata. Its exterior must have recently been restored as its crisp and clean look sticks out amongst the backdrop of the other historic buildings around it.

We made our way through the busy square and headed to the overlook known as “Spuntuni” which offers an incredible view of the coastline looking out towards Vibo Marina.

pizzo calabro calabria

The incredible blue and green colours of the sea below are mesmerizing. You can stand there for hours looking out at this paradise. We chatted and admired the view before heading down towards the beach. As we made our way down, we passed by the Murat Castle.

pizzo

Castle Murat isn’t actually a castle, it’s more of a fortress. Although the castle was built by Ferdinand I of Aragon in the 15^th century, its name comes from Gioacchino Murat. He was the King of Naples and was executed by firing squad in the main hall of the castle in 1815.

pizzo

We didn’t go inside this time around, as the view from the castle terrace is pretty much the same as the one from Spuntuni. I have heard the castle is well preserved and tickets aren’t too expensive. I’d like to check it out the next time I’m in Pizzo. But, this time around we just admired the castle from the outside.

pizzo castle murat

We continued our way down a small street, Vico Vittorio Emmanuele, which took us to the marina. As we made our way closer to the seaside you could see just how crystal clear it was and being closer we could see schools of fish swimming around the rocks.

There were a few people taking advantage of the nice day to get a head start on their golden glow. Along the beach, there were some stands selling trinkets and toys to passers-by.

pizzo

We make our way back up to the main piazza via the SS522 and took the steps leading to an interesting wire sculpture called ‘Il collezionista di venti‘.

After all that walking, we worked up an appetite, but instead of having a traditional lunch, we opted to have a Tartufo instead. I’ve eaten Tartufo in restaurants before, but this is the first time eating one in Pizzo. We went to the historically well-known gelateria, Bar Ercole, because it was highly recommended by a number of friends. There was an extensive menu with so many delicious and appetizing desserts to choose from, but since it was my first time in Pizzo and my first real official Tartufo, it was only right that I get the Tartufo Originale.

pizzo tartufo bar ercole

Bar Ercole is perfectly located for people watching and enjoying a glimpse of the seaside in the distance. The hustle and bustle of the people coming and going was energizing. Everyone was out enjoying this gloriously sunny day.

After the Tartufo, we headed back to the car, because we had one more stop we wanted to make in Pizzo before going back to Cosenza.

Check out my YouTube video and join me for an afternoon of exploring this village.

Stay tuned to the blog for the second part of my day trip to Pizzo and to find out where we went next! In the meantime, you can see more photos from Pizzo over on the Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page – and give it a like while you are there!

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LuLu

Originally from Toronto but currently living in Calabria, blogging about my life and love for all things Italian!

Rose DeFazio Dancu
May 3, 2021 at 9:29 pm

Pizzo!! I finally get to see the place where my Mamma e Papa and the family used to go on holiday every year. They were born In Platania! Grazie Mille Lulu
1. LuLu
  May 12, 2021 at 6:23 am
  
  It’s my pleasure to bring Pizzo to you! Can’t wait to visit there again!
Lyanna Soria
February 7, 2020 at 2:46 pm

All those photos look absolutely amazing. Definitely a great place to visit with the family and explore.
Lene Andersen
February 6, 2020 at 6:09 pm

That sculpture is fascinating! I immediately started googling and looked at the photos from other angles. Together with yours, they give an incredible view of it. How to translate the name of it to — the Collector of Winds, is that correct? Hits me as really poetic.
1. LuLu
  February 7, 2020 at 8:21 am
  
  I agree the sculpture is quite interesting and I love how the Collector of Winds (yes that’s how it would translate) looks out on the sea “collecting” the breezes that come up off the shores! It really is poetic!
Alexandra Christensen
February 6, 2020 at 3:11 pm

I have to say I learn so much from your blog posts about these amazing places that I have never heard of. That sculpture was amazing! I really couldn’t appreciate the Tartufo because all I kept thinking about were the calories, sugar content, and fat content. I so miss being a kid when you could take pleasure out of eating such sweet desserts!
1. LuLu
  February 7, 2020 at 8:17 am
  
  Thanks, Alexandra! I’m so happy you can take something away from my posts about Calabria! The Tartufo is a sugar bomb for sure, we “justified” it by looking at how much walking we did! Definitely not something I could indulge in every day.
Kelly Martin
February 6, 2020 at 6:03 am

You’re so lucky to be able to explore all of these cute little coastal villages. I’d love to check out Pizzo. It looks great.
1. LuLu
  February 7, 2020 at 8:15 am
  
  You are right, Kelly! I’m so grateful to live in a place that has so many beautiful places to discover and explore! And, I’m so happy to be able to share these wonderful Calabrian destinations with the world! 🙂
Aryanne Padilha
February 5, 2020 at 11:37 pm

Lulu, I was literally SCREAMING through your post! Hahaha I went to Pizzo last year and OF COURSE ate at Ercole and had the famous Tartufo! It’s just heavenly and we had so much fun. I remember so well how beautiful the day was and our visit to the castle! So nostalgic, you described it beautifully!
1. LuLu
  February 7, 2020 at 8:14 am
  
  I’m so glad I could bring back some fun memories of your time in Pizzo, Aryanne!! I absolutely adore this town and can’t wait to visit again soon! If you ever find yourself in Calabria again, you’ll have to let me know! 🙂
Britt K
February 5, 2020 at 8:44 pm

You’re right, that view IS absolutely incredible. I would be tempted to bring a mug of coffee or tea and literally just stand there looking at that beautiful blue water for hours on end. I loved all the little shops lining the streets, perfect opportunity to shop while still enjoying the amazing weather.
1. LuLu
  February 7, 2020 at 8:12 am
  
  That’s exactly what I would do, too!! My first trip to this town I stood on the terrace overlooking the sea for a long time. I never get tired of admiring the sea!
Julia
February 5, 2020 at 4:19 am

Hi LuLu,
What a wonderful day trip to Pizzo Calabro you had! The town looks very cozy and beautiful. The seashore is fabulous and inviting. Thank you for the beautiful photos. I only wish you had mentioned what country this was in. I guessed that it was in Italy, which unfortunately can’t be a day-trip for me. I’d certainly prefer to sit by the sea eating Tartufo in Pizzo right now rather than at the computer in cold Boston, MA
Warm regards,
~ Julia
1. LuLu
  February 7, 2020 at 8:08 am
  
  Hi Julia! Thanks for your comment and feedback! Pizzo is a really lovely town – I hope to get back there soon! If you ever plan a trip to Italy, you should include Calabria and make Pizzo Calabro your home base or choose to visit on a day trip! A Tartufo is waiting for you! 🙂
Dreams Abroad
February 5, 2020 at 2:10 am

I have never heard of a Tartufo before today. It looks delish. I am very happy your day trip to Pizzo Calabro was a success and the photos look wonderful. I will add it to my bucket list.
1. LuLu
  February 6, 2020 at 7:21 am
  
  You absolutely must try a Tartufo in Pizzo when you visit! It takes gelato to a whole other level! 🙂
Scott DeNicola
February 4, 2020 at 7:23 pm

I can’t get enough of your posts and looking at all these beautiful sites and towns like Pizzo. The Piazza Della Repubblica looks like a place I’d want to go sit with an espresso and a pastry or tartufo! It is amazing how different the Tartufo in Italy is versus the ones in the states. THIS is the real deal! Ocean views and beautiful architecture (and Tartufo) is all I would need. I’d never leave!
1. LuLu
  February 6, 2020 at 7:21 am
  
  I’m so glad you are enjoying my posts about Calabria! 🙂 I love people watching and the Piazza Della Repubblica in Pizzo is the perfect place to do it!
Samantha
June 22, 2018 at 11:14 pm

What a place! It looks like a cute Italian town, with all the charm and beautiful blue waters!
1. LuLu
  June 23, 2018 at 8:12 am
  
  It really is! The best time to visit is late Spring, in the summer months it can get a bit busy with tours and locals! 🙂
Clair
June 22, 2018 at 8:52 pm

I have now added another place to visit on my bucket list!! What a fun and great place to visit!!
1. LuLu
  June 23, 2018 at 8:10 am
  
  Thanks for your comment! I’m so glad I could share a little hidden gem from southern Italy! 🙂
Luci
June 22, 2018 at 5:42 am

That is a beautiful place. I didn’t know water could be that blue. I just added this place to my bucketlist of places I need to visit.
1. LuLu
  June 22, 2018 at 8:31 am
  
  The different shades of blue and green are unreal! It’s hard to believe even when you are looking at it in person! I’m glad I was able to help you discover a new place, I’ve got some others I’m sure you can add to your list! 🙂
Diana Tidswell
June 22, 2018 at 5:15 am

I have never been in this place but this little town looks so beautiful, it is really worth a trip in this place and the food looks really delicious.
1. LuLu
  June 22, 2018 at 8:22 am
  
  It’s definitely worth including in your travel plans as a day trip!
Marcie
June 21, 2018 at 11:29 pm

Whoa! That sculpture of ‘Il collezionista di venti is crazy cool! This post makes me miss Italy and now I want to book a trip asap!
1. LuLu
  June 22, 2018 at 8:44 am
  
  It’s an interesting art piece. He certainly found the perfect spot to admire the sea!
Megan
June 21, 2018 at 9:32 pm

This looks so beautiful and like you had such a great time! That Tartufo looks delish!
1. LuLu
  June 22, 2018 at 8:13 am
  
  It was so great to finally visit this town, I had been wanting to go for a while! I really enjoyed it and the tartufo was the best ever!!
Rachel Cossette
June 21, 2018 at 9:30 pm

What a beautiful post, I would love to visit Pizzo and your writing is so good!
1. LuLu
  June 22, 2018 at 8:09 am
  
  Thanks so much! I really appreciate you stopping by and checking out my blog! 🙂
Brittany Nicole
June 21, 2018 at 8:19 pm

What a beautiful little town, I would LOVE to visit someday! xo, Brittany Nicole | http://www.theblistblog.com
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 8:35 pm
  
  It is so charming! I’m glad you liked it! 🙂
Aysha Tayab-Ratsep
June 21, 2018 at 7:34 pm

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! I’ve never even heard of this place but it’s now on my never ending travel list! Beautiful photos as well.
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2018 at 8:29 pm
  
  Thanks for the comment! This world is full of so many beautiful places, I’m glad I could add another to your list 🙂
Bellissimamma Carmela
May 2, 2018 at 5:36 pm

Looks so gorgeous! I would love to go there. The dessert looks delicious.
1. LuLu
  May 4, 2018 at 7:40 am
  
  If you are in Calabria in the Spring and Summer months, I highly recommend Pizzo is on the itninerary! And you certainly can’t go to Pizzo without having a Tartufo! 🙂
Image Earth Travel
April 29, 2018 at 11:51 am

Looks like a gorgeous place to visit and will have to get there soon – no excuse for me living in Calabria. 😉
You tried Pizzo’s famous Tartufo! Looks amazing and can’t wait to indulge. It’s worth a trip to Pizzo just for this delightful dessert, which I’ve heard so much about…
1. LuLu
  May 1, 2018 at 10:38 am
  
  It really is a nice place. If you liked Scilla than you’ll like Pizzo and the Tartufo is the perfect excuse to go! 🙂
KareninCalabria
April 28, 2018 at 10:38 pm

What a gorgeous day with such beautiful colors of the sea! And your photos of the tartufo are tantalizing! The castle is worth a visit – it was just a couple of Euros when I checked out the interior, which is interesting to see, particularly in light of its history.
1. LuLu
  May 1, 2018 at 10:37 am
  
  The colours of the sea were mesmerizing! I will check out the castle the next time I’m in Pizzo for sure!! 🙂
Tony Staffaroni
April 28, 2018 at 4:21 pm

Absolutely beautiful! What a great town, I hope to see it for myself someday and experience the Tartufo Originale as well…it looks amazing!
1. LuLu
  May 1, 2018 at 10:36 am
  
  I highly recommend it, if you ever get the chance. It’s best to go in the Spring and Summer.
  1. Kayleigh
    February 8, 2020 at 2:07 am
    
    Ok what is Tartufo made of? It looks delish but have never heard that word before! And the town looks lovely!
    1. LuLu
      February 8, 2020 at 9:02 am
      
      Pizzo is one of my favorite towns in Calabria – so far, I still have so many places to explore! As for the Tartufo, nowadays it comes in all flavors, but the original Tartufo is a round-shaped ball of homemade hazelnut and chocolate gelato with a chocolate center. The Tartufo is then dusted with cacao powder! It is so good!