I love gelato, but I do overdo it on occasion.
I'm told that every meal in the summer doesn't require a gelato afterwards. Such advice is obviously deeply flawed, so I ignore it.
They say, "What about your weight?" I say, "What's a few pounds on the hips for the taste of heaven on your lips?"
Anyway, I've gone along just fine for years with my gelato eating, but Pizzo was a step too far.
It was the Tartufo that did it!
They invented tartufo (chocolate truffle) here in Pizzo, and they still make the best ones.
I had to verify that though...
Scientific research for this article. I am sure you can understand that one needs to be thorough. And, boy, was I thorough. In the end, it overwhelmed me. But I did find the best tartufo in Pizzo.
I'll get onto that later. First, let's explore Pizzo...
Near the beach, there is a lovely little hotel called the Piccolo Grand Hotel that I can highly recommend. However, should you prefer to base yourself in the old town, the B&B Casa Angeleri is a better option. Their little "secret garden" is simply too wonderful for words - have a look at the photos here.
Eating is one of the greatest pleasures of Calabria, and in Pizzo, the food is delicious, with the cherry on top being the tartufo gelato. Of course, gelato comes after the meal, so let's start with lunch or dinner, and for that, I can highly recommend At Comera na Vota, they have all the traditional dishes of this corner of Calabria, and prices are really reasonable. This is the closest you can get to eating with a Calabrian family: the dishes are all traditional recipes made the way that nonna (granny) makes them at home.
Now it's Tartufo time, and where to go is so confusing—there are literally dozens of places claiming to offer the best tartufo. I tried a good number of them as part of my research, and I am pleased to announce the winner is... L'Angolo del Gelato! You will love it as much as I did.
Pizzo is a short train ride north of Tropea, so it makes a good day trip if you're based in Tropea.
If you're staying in Pizzo though, here's how to get there:
By plane: fly into Lamezia Terme airport; buses or taxis will take you the 2 kms to the station, or you can pick up a car rental at the airport - best is to book it beforehand. The train journey takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on the train.
By car: If you're driving, Pizzo is easily accessible via the A3 motorway, which connects the town to other cities in Calabria and beyond. The journey from Lamezia Terme takes around 30 minutes by car.
By train:
From Rome: You can take a high-speed train from Rome's Termini station to Lamezia Terme Centrale station, which is the closest train station to Pizzo. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on the train you take.
From Naples: You can take a high-speed train from Naples' Centrale station to Lamezia Terme Centrale station, which takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the train.
From Florence: You can take a high-speed train from Florence's Santa Maria Novella station to Lamezia Terme Centrale station, which takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the train.
From Milan: You can take a high-speed train from Milan's Centrale station to Lamezia Terme Centrale station, which takes around 7-8 hours, depending on the train.
Once you arrive at Lamezia Terme Centrale station, you can take a regional train to Pizzo, which takes around 20-30 minutes. Be sure to check the train schedules and purchase tickets in advance, as train services may be limited in certain seasons.
Q: What is the best time to visit Pizzo?
A: The best time to visit Pizzo is during the spring months (May to June) or in September. The weather is warm and sunny then, and the beaches are at their best without the crowds and heat of July and August.
Q: What is the nightlife like in Pizzo?
A: Pizzo is not known for its nightlife, but there are a few bars and restaurants that stay open late. The town is more suited to those looking for a relaxed, low-key vacation.
Q: What is the history of Pizzo?
A: Pizzo has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. The town has been inhabited by various civilizations over the centuries, including the Greeks, Romans, and Normans.
Q: What is the local cuisine like in Pizzo?
A: The local cuisine in Pizzo is typical of the Calabrian region, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and local specialties such as the aforementioned Tartufo di Pizzo. Visitors can also enjoy locally produced wines and liqueurs.
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