Pizza Fest 2024: Take a pilgrimage to the home of the Pizza masters in Napoli Napoli is the birthplace of pizza, so it’s fitting that it’s also home to the biggest and most delicious pizza festival in Italy. The world’s most rad and talented pizza masters will be at the helm, dishing out tons of […]
Pizza Fest – Napoli Pizza Village 2024 Lungomare Caracciolo, Via Francesco Caracciolo, 80122 Napoli NA, Italy Napoli NA ItalyNapoli is the birthplace of pizza, so it’s fitting that it’s also home to the biggest and most delicious pizza festival in Italy. The world’s most rad and talented pizza masters will be at the helm, dishing out tons of wood-fired, classic Italian, freestyle, and even gluten-free pizzas. Napoli Pizza Village is one of Italy’s biggest events, there are over 30,000 pizza-loving people gathering around town for bite after bite.
That’s not all, in between all the munching, Pizza Fest has a fully-loaded program to keep you learning and entertained. There are workshops teaching crowds on how to make authentic pizza, live concerts to dance to and burn off all those calories, interesting exhibits, exciting contests, and much more. Then just add WINE! You’re in Italy, after all. Pizza Fest is about celebrating la dolce vita, and we all know that pizza is what makes life truly sweet.
‘Meet the world’s most talented pizza makers and indulge in everyone’s favourite comfort food at Pizza Fest in Napoli.’
You better believe it, you’re going to be eating so many different delicious variations of pizza for several days during this event The festival takes place in the Naples Pizza Village, 30,000 square meters which are spread out along the whole side of the stunning coastal promenade.
You’ll be in pizza heaven, as each large marquee holds entertaining competitions and events that encourage crowd participation. In some tents, you can vote for the winners by holding up cards.
Interestingly, renowned pizza makers from all over the world come to the Pizza Village to compete against the best Italian pizza makers, some whose families have been making pizza for centuries.
Whether it’s tossing dough correctly, making delectable tomato sauce, or learning how to bake pizza in a scorching-hot oven, there’s no better place to learn than in Naples.
When not busy stuffing your face, there’s live music entertainment to tide you over until the next glorious slice.
The festival is animated by the presence of over 50 Neapolitan pizzerias, there are pizza making workshops, the world pizza championships, and children’s workshops. When you’ve had your fill, there couldn’t be anything more satisfying than walking off the indulgence along the promenade.
Pizza Fest takes place at Naples’ gorgeous seaside promenade, Lungomare Caracciolo. The entire area transforms into a pizza paradise for the duration of Pizza Fest. From Lungomare Caracciolo, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Capri, Vesuvius, and the stunning Castel dell’Ovo. It’s a postcard-perfect image of Naples.
Loose fitting summer clothing with elasticated waistbands
Light sweater for cool evening walks
Supportive footwear for Naples cobblestone streets
An empty stomach
Italian electrical adapter
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Smart outfit and dress shoes – appearances matter in Italy.
The best thing about the festival is that it is absolutely free to attend, you must only pay for pizza and wine. The entertaining events are the toppings on the pizza!
The Naples Pizza Village is opens on June 14 at 6pm and does not close until midnight. From early evening there is live music playing along the promenade. Then there are the workshops and tournaments taking place in each marquee. You can pick and choose from pizzerias on what you would like to eat and drink and enjoy all the free entertainment throughout the evening.
Once the sun sets, the village is lit up with lights and the shoreline is buzzing, alive with activity and the musical entertainment continues. There is plenty of room for dancing, singing and eating with over 30,000 square meters to explore both by day and night!
Dress appropriately: Dress modestly when visiting local churches and religious sites, covering torso, shoulders and thighs.
Watch out for Italian drivers: Drivers in Naples are aggressive and not always willing to yield to pedestrians. Be very, very careful when crossing streets, even at marked crosswalks.
Prepare to tip: Tipping is common in restaurants and cafes, 10-15% of the total bill price will be quite enough.
Neapolitan pizza is said to have gotten its start in the nineteenth century when Raffaele Esposito, an Italian baker, whipped up a pizza pie topped with mozzarella cheese, basil and tomatoes for King Umberto I and Queen Margherita. The Queen enjoyed it immensely, and that inspired its name, Margherita pizza.
The first pizza day was arranged in Naples in 1995, with the Maschio Angioino as the breathtaking backdrop to the event. The first Napoli Pizza Village was erected later in 2011.
This five to seven day event features fifty of the city’s most popular pizzerias, who prepared mouth-watering samples for a sizable amount of guests. Nowadays, Pizza Village welcomes over 1 million visitors annually to enjoy views of the Mediterranean and pig out on 135,000 pizzas.
The Pizzafest’s popularity is such that some towns have now created similar initiatives, although nothing can be quite compared to Naples’ fair.
Naples, the Grande Dame of Europe, is one of the oldest and largest cities in the continent. The juxtaposition of old and new is very much alive in its streets, and history present in every corner. There’s enough to do in Naples to fill up an entire summer, so the hard part is choosing exactly what you’re going to do.
Choose from sunny beaches to laze the days away, immersing in ancient history, discovering the charming streets and alleyways, and eating your weight in authentic Italian food. Oh – and it would be a sin not to have wine every day: you’re in a place where wine is cheaper than water!
Ahhhh… pizza! This is the land of the pizza, Neapolitan-style pizza straight from an authentic Italian brick oven is as delicious as its reputation claims.
The area is full of divine restaurants where you can sample the locally invented cuisine associated with pizza.
For example there is calzone and pizza fritta, which use the exact same dough but are treated differently. The calzone is pizza’s first cousin, it uses the exact same dough, filled with different ingredients like ham, tomato or ricotta, all folded together into the shape of a half moon.
The pizza fritta is served as antipasto in almost every local pizzeria and as street food. Once fried to a crisp, it’s topped with tomato sauce, fresh local fior di latte mozzarella, a generous pinch of Parmesan cheese and a handful of basil.
For dessert, a delectable sponge called Babà has to be tried. Daydream right now about a classical Italian sponge, but more bubbly and then soaked in limoncello rum, and topped with whipped cream, custard, and seasonal fresh fruit. Top all meals off with a shot of espresso and you’re done.
How can anyone resist going to where it all began? Naples is 225 kilometers south of Rome and overlooks the world-famous Mount Vesuvius, which is situated right beside it. If you’re coming in from overseas, you can book a flight direct to Naples International Airport, although you can expect some stopovers in other major European cities if you’re coming from North America.
Naples has a fantastic selection of affordable and mid-range hotels throughout town. Your best bet is to stay as close to Lungomare Caracciolo as possible.
Stay in a fabulous Renaissance-style home called Terrazza Duomo, complete with an authentic rooftop terrace. Originally built in 1490, you can easily feel the wonderful classical vibes the moment you step inside, it feels more like a palace than an overnight stop.
The true flavors of Italy can be brought to life anytime the mood strikes you in it’s tantalisingly fully equipped European kitchen. From the medieval style wood-plank ceilings to the beautiful Renaissance paintings, it will all take you back to a historical era of Italy. Find it on AirBNB.
If you need help booking a hotel during Pizza Fest, check out Rad’s map for some awesome deals.
Naples has a wide array of public transportation options for efficiently getting around the city. The main touristy areas of Naples are pretty compact, which makes walking the most convenient and scenic mode of transportation. The Metro system and the Funiculare Centrale are ideal for getting to longer distances. Otherwise, consider taking the buses or trams, particularly if you intend to stay within the city center.
Do you enjoy culinary events? Read more about the Lemon Festival in France and the Gilroy Garlic Festival in the United States.
Plan ahead: Book your perfect trip with our Italy travel guide and destination information. Does Italy require a visa? Check the visa requirements before you get caught up during your travel.
Spend money wisely: Take public transport and dine in from time to time are common saving tips during traveling. How to spend money wisely in Italy? Make use of technology. There’s an app for everything.
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Rad Season is providing you with rentals and hotels at the lowest prices available online. Book your stay for Pizza Fest – Napoli Pizza Village 2024 using the map below!