Italy for me From Italy with love
Pizzo is one of the most famous resorts in the province of Vibo Valentia, on the western coast of Calabria. This charming, authentic town, untouched by mass tourism, is perched on a high coastal cliff. It is renowned for its historic houses, picturesque streets, Baroque churches, sandy beaches, crystal-clear sea, and breathtaking sunsets.
Pizzo is easily recognizable by its majestic Aragonese Castle, unique cave church, and distinctive ice cream.
Visitors stop here for a day or stay for weeks, leisurely savoring a delightful mix of beach relaxation, sightseeing, and culinary delights. To help you experience it all for yourself, I reviewed recent traveler feedback and selected the best hotels in Pizzo for a seaside vacation.
Page Contents
Asterias Residence
The delightful Asterias Residence aparthotel is located just a 3 to 5-minute walk from the seafront (Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo) and the lively town center.
The hotel, built in a modern style, offers accommodations in 14 compact apartments featuring neat interiors, quality furnishings, and a kitchenette. Each morning, guests are invited to enjoy the aroma of freshly baked croissants served alongside a selection of meats and cheeses, yogurts, fruits, and desserts.
At the historic gelateria (Antica Gelateria Belvedere), formerly known as the Black Cat (Gato Negro), you can enjoy excellent coffee and the famous Tartufo di Pizzo ice cream. In the northern part of the square stands the small, beautiful Church of the Immaculate Conception (Chiesa dell’Immacolata), which was rebuilt in an eclectic style incorporating Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic elements.
Villa Primaluce
The cozy Villa Primaluce hotel is located just outside the town, right on the waterfront.
The hotel features a two-story Mediterranean-style building with a well-maintained property that includes an open terrace and an inner courtyard. Guests are accommodated in spacious rooms offering views of the beach and blooming garden.
The pastel-toned interiors are furnished with stylish furniture and bright decorative accents that create a homely atmosphere. The villa’s owners are known for their warmth and attentive care toward guests. A European buffet breakfast is served each morning. Cafés, restaurants, and a supermarket are within walking distance.
Coffee lovers, pastry enthusiasts, dessert aficionados, and cocktail fans should be sure to stop by Gelateria Enrico.
The excellent restaurant-pizzeria (Ristopizza Anema E Core) offers a wide selection of local beverages and traditional dishes, including pizza, pasta, risotto, grilled meats, fresh seafood, and a variety of fish. On your way to Pizzo, be sure to visit one of Italy’s most fascinating attractions — the Church of Piedigrotta (Chiesa di Piedigrotta).
This church was carved into a rocky cave by Neapolitan sailors in gratitude to the Virgin Mary for their miraculous rescue after a shipwreck. Across from the church lies a beautiful beach where visitors can enjoy a swim.
TUI MAGIC LIFE Calabria
The club hotel TUI MAGIC LIFE Calabria opened in May 2019 and has already ranked among the top three in the city.
It offers guests the perfect combination of comfortable relaxation, gourmet dining, sports, and entertainment. The hotel is surrounded by olive and orange groves, located about halfway along the 19-mile (30 km) route from Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) to Pizzo.
A 985-foot (300-meter) path through a unique grove of plane trees, pines, and eucalyptus leads to the sandy-pebble beach.
The complex consists of eight buildings with spacious rooms decorated in a sleek European style. A variety of dining options are provided by five restaurants, four bars, and a coffee shop. Amenities include five swimming pools, including a children’s pool and a heated pool, a landscaped garden, a kids’ club, and a tour desk. The property also features an exclusive adults-only area with two buildings, a private pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
Sports offerings include beach volleyball, soccer, tennis, an extensive fitness program, mountain and flatland biking tours, yoga, dance classes, and water sports. An animation team keeps guests entertained with live music, beach and themed parties, and international evening shows.
TUI MAGIC LIFE is listed among the best hotels in the Calabria region.
Residenza Nausicaa
The luxurious Residenza Nausicaa aparthotel is housed in a historic early 19th-century building in the old town, within walking distance of major tourist attractions and just 165 feet (50 meters) from the beach.
The elegant interiors were designed by talented local architects Antonio Ferraro and Maurizio Gaudente. The apartments feature spacious layouts, excellent natural light, a dining area with a kitchen, and a living area equipped with designer furniture, French windows, and a balcony.
Thanks to its prime location, the windows offer stunning views of the Aragonese Castle, the yacht marina, the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia, and the volcanic island of Stromboli. Each morning, guests are treated to a hearty continental breakfast with excellent coffee. A three-minute walk brings you to Generale Malta Square, home to the city’s best restaurant, Hedo, known for its incredible ambiance and superb Mediterranean cuisine. Nearby stands the richly decorated Baroque church (Chiesa Matrice S. Giorgio Martire), built in 1576.
Sunset Penthouse
The Sunset Penthouse apartments are part of the modern “Borgonovo” residential complex, situated on a hillside in a quiet neighborhood, just a 7-minute walk from the town center.
Guests have access to a spacious living room with a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a lower terrace. The rooftop features another large terrace with a furnished gazebo, sun loungers, a shower, a mini-bar, and barbecue facilities. Guests love to sunbathe and spend their evenings here, enjoying the stunning sea sunsets. Additional amenities include high-speed WiFi, a seasonal outdoor pool, and private parking. Nearby are supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and the beach. The Palazzetto Dello Sport sports complex is just steps away.
On the way to the center, you can grab a bite at the cozy Degli Amici café or, upon reaching the Aragonese Castle, visit the historic Ercole gelateria, which serves the original Tartufo ice cream.
Popilia Country Resort
The Popilia Country Resort is an excellent choice for value and quality.
Located on an elevated site 4.3 miles (7 km) from the sea and a 10-minute drive from Pizzo, the resort is designed in a colonial style, with interiors showcasing impeccable taste and attention to detail. Guests can choose from a variety of comfortable accommodations, ranging from standard rooms in the main building to apartments in cottages and villas. Rooms feature a balcony or terrace, and some include a kitchenette. Other amenities include free WiFi, a seasonal outdoor pool, a nine-hole mini-golf course, a fitness center, and a spa with a hammam, sauna, and Jacuzzi.
The expansive, beautifully maintained grounds feature a landscaped garden with fruit trees, blooming shrubs, flower beds, gazebos, and a picturesque pond.
Each morning, the Antica Crissa restaurant serves continental breakfasts with a wide array of delicious appetizers, pastries, and fruits. The lunch menu offers signature dishes combining regional and German cuisine. The snack bar provides a good selection of refreshing beverages. For hiking enthusiasts, there are interesting trails in the surrounding area.
Piccolo Grand Hotel
The unique, vibrant, and stylish Piccolo Grand Hotel is undeniably the number one city hotel.
Designed by a passionate German architect couple, it is housed in a restored historic palace in the city’s old town. The hotel’s tastefully decorated interiors, each with distinctive Italian charm, leave no guest indifferent. This boutique hotel offers a small yet diverse selection of accommodations, from elegant standard rooms in the main building to luxurious apartments in the beach club.
Guests enjoy a fantastic breakfast featuring a wide range of light snacks, fresh fruits, breads, and pastries. Local liqueurs and classic cocktails can be ordered at the bar or on the sea-view terrace. Additional amenities include a shared lounge, a mini-market, a fitness center, and a beauty salon. The main tourist infrastructure, including the beach, dining spots, and shops, is within a 650-foot (200-meter) radius. The Il Brigantino restaurant is known for its excellent service and outstanding Italian cuisine. From the La Balconata – U Spunduni viewpoint, you can capture panoramic photos of the surrounding area and the sea bay.
Il Terrazzo su Pizzo
The spacious Il Terrazzo su Pizzo apartments are located in the center of Pizzo and include three bedrooms, a living room with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, and a bathroom.
Guests enjoy free WiFi and a local highlight — a cozy rooftop terrace offering beautiful panoramic views. If you prefer not to prepare breakfast, the nearby Chilli Pepper wine bar offers a delicious and varied menu. After a morning meal, take a swim in the warm sea or stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, explore the Murat Castle, and admire the charming Baroque churches. Be sure to visit the Church of San Francesco di Paola (Chiesa San Francesco di Paola) at the top of the town, adorned with frescoes, a beautiful altar, and statues of saints. Don’t miss the incredible sunsets over the bay, followed by dinner at the atmospheric Locanda Toscano restaurant, where traditional Calabrian cuisine is served.
If you need advice or consultation about vacationing in Calabria, I’d be happy to answer your questions in the comments.