The best cycling routes in Calabria

Embark on a challenging touring bicycle adventure from Marcellinara to Taverna, traversing the Pentone pass at the foot of the Sila National Park. This difficult 55.8-mile (89.8 km) route demands very good fitness, featuring a significant elevation gain of 7743 feet (2360 metres) and taking around 6 hours and 53 minutes to complete. As you cycle, you will pass through diverse landscapes, including extensive woodlands of beech, white fir, and black pines, rolling hills, and deep valleys, with picturesque views of artificial lakes like Cecita and Arvo. The trail offers an immersive experience in a wild, sparsely inhabited area, often called the "Great Forest of Italy." You will find the surfaces mostly paved, making for a smooth yet demanding ride.

This route is part of the broader "Parchi Calabria" cycle path, connecting the region's main parks. While the trail is challenging, the destination town of Taverna offers practical amenities for cyclists, including an electric bicycle charging station and tools for bike maintenance. Consider starting your ride early to make the most of the daylight, especially given the trail's duration and difficulty. Always ensure you are well-prepared with sufficient water and supplies for this demanding journey.

The trail's connection to the Sila National Park is a major highlight. The Sila region is a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting nine biogenetic nature reserves and a vast plateau situated above 1,000 meters above sea level. The town of Taverna itself holds cultural significance as the birthplace of the renowned seventeenth-century painter Mattia Preti; you can explore his works in local churches and the civic museum. This journey offers a unique blend of natural beauty, challenging cycling, and cultural discovery.

Begin your touring bicycle adventure from Reggio Calabria, tracing the picturesque seafront of the Strait of Messina. This moderate route covers 30.9 miles (49.7 km) and involves an elevation gain of 1099 feet (335 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 59 minutes. You will cycle past the famous Reggio Calabria Promenade, often called the "most beautiful kilometer in Italy," enjoying continuous views of the sea and the Sicilian coastline. The trail culminates in Scilla, where the imposing Ruffo Castle stands guard over the charming fishing village of Chianalea.

This touring bicycle route is largely paved and follows a flat coastal road, making it suitable for a wide range of cyclists. Its gentle inclines mean it is considered suitable for all skill levels, including families with children aged 10 and above. You can easily access the start point in Reggio Calabria, with parking generally available in the city. Plan your visit to enjoy the coastal breeze and the stunning vistas.

This trail is notable for its unique position along the Strait of Messina, offering unparalleled views of Sicily across the water. The journey highlights the cultural richness of the region, from the vibrant Reggio Calabria waterfront to the historic Ruffo Castle in Scilla. It provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical exploration, making it a standout touring bicycle experience in Southern Italy.

This touring bicycle ring tour takes you between Tropea and Capo Vaticano via Zungri, offering a diverse ride through Calabria's "Coast of the Gods." You'll experience dramatic coastal vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea and rolling inland countryside, passing charming villages and fertile vineyards. The route features a mix of asphalt roads, though some segments might be unpaved and difficult, requiring good fitness for this difficult 30.2-mile (48.6 km) journey. Expect significant elevation changes, with 2812 feet (857 metres) of climbing, and plan for a duration of around 3 hours and 20 minutes. From Faro Vaticano at Capo Vaticano, you can enjoy wide views of the Strait of Messina and the Aeolian Islands.

This route is generally classified as a difficult ride, demanding good to very good fitness due to its substantial elevation gain. While much of the route is on paved surfaces, be prepared for some unpaved sections where you might need to push your bike. The estimated completion time can vary, so allow ample time for your journey. Consider starting early to make the most of the daylight and avoid the midday heat, especially during warmer months.

The trail is highly rated by the cycling community for its challenging yet rewarding nature. It provides continuous panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Calabrian coast, especially from Capo Vaticano. You can also immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snow of Zungri or exploring the prehistoric caves and peasant museum in Zungri, adding a historical dimension to your ride.

Embark on a segment of the EuroVelo 7: Sun Route, a touring cycling adventure that offers a taste of Europe's varied landscapes. This particular section covers 26.6 miles (42.9 km) with a moderate difficulty rating, involving an elevation gain of 1209 feet (369 metres). You can expect to complete it in about 2 hours and 38 minutes. As you pedal, imagine the broader route's journey from Nordic fjords to Mediterranean shores. This segment might lead you through scenic woodlands or past historic sites, perhaps even offering glimpses of ancient forests and waterfalls, reminiscent of the Italian sections. Keep an eye out for landmarks like the Norman Castle Ruins of Scalea, which provide a historical anchor to your ride.

When planning your visit, consider that the EuroVelo 7 is still under development in some areas, though many parts utilize established national cycle routes. The best time to experience the route, especially its northern segments, is between May and September for more favorable weather. Be aware that certain sections, particularly in mountainous regions like Calabria, can be unpaved and challenging, potentially requiring you to dismount and push your bicycle. Always check local conditions before you set out.

The EuroVelo 7 is part of a monumental network, stretching approximately 7,000 to 8,000 kilometers from Norway's Arctic Circle all the way to Malta. This ambitious project allows you to explore Europe's diverse climates, cultures, and landscapes. While the full route demands significant time and fitness, even a segment offers a unique insight into this grand cycling vision. The route's continuous evolution means you might encounter new developments or improvements with each visit, adding to its dynamic character.

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle ride along the Calabrian coast with the Capo Colonna Loop from Crotone. This 19.4-mile (31.2 km) route offers a smooth experience on mostly well-paved surfaces, gaining 880 feet (268 metres) in elevation. You can expect to complete the loop in about 1 hour and 55 minutes, enjoying the coastal scenery. The highlight of your ride will be reaching the Capo Colonna Archaeological Site and its iconic lighthouse, where you can see the last standing column of the ancient Temple of Hera Lacinia.

To begin your journey, head to Crotone, a city rich in history, where you can generally find parking to start your ride. The route is designed for touring bicycles, making it suitable for a comfortable coastal exploration. No specific warnings like road closures or permits are mentioned, so you can plan your visit with ease. This loop is a great option for a morning or afternoon outing.

The Capo Colonna Loop takes you to the easternmost tip of the Calabrian peninsula, offering a unique perspective on the region's ancient past. The Capo Colonna Archaeological Site is a powerful testament to Magna Graecia heritage, with the solitary column of the Temple of Hera Lacinia standing as a historical beacon. This route provides a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, setting it apart as a notable cycling experience in the area.

Embark on the Maierà and Cirella Loop from Diamante for a touring cycling adventure along the Tyrrhenian coast. This moderate route spans 13.1 miles (21.1 km) and involves a climb of 1348 feet (411 metres), typically taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. You'll experience unspoiled nature and views of the crystal clear sea, with the iconic Isola di Cirella often in sight, offering a mix of coastal scenery and glimpses of charming towns.

The starting point for this touring cycling route is easy to access, with convenient parking available nearby. You'll find that most of the path is on paved surfaces, making for a smooth ride. However, be prepared for nearly a kilometer of unpaved sections where you might need to dismount and push your bike; this short stretch adds a bit of variety to the otherwise straightforward path.

This loop takes you through the beautiful Parco Marino Regionale Riviera dei Cedri - Isola di Cirella, highlighting the natural beauty of the region. Beyond the sea views, you'll also pass by the vibrant Diamante Murals and its seafront promenade, offering a blend of natural landscapes and local culture. It's a great way to explore both the coastal environment and artistic expressions of the area.

Embark on the Sila Road of the Peaks Loop, a challenging touring cycling route that spans 38.7 miles (62.3 km) and features a significant 4136 feet (1260 metres) of elevation gain. This demanding journey typically takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes to complete, offering a substantial physical test through the heart of Sila National Park. As you pedal, you will wind through dense pine forests and airy valleys, often called the "Calabrian Alps," with opportunities to see artificial lakes like Lorica and Lake Arvo. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Etna from certain high points along the Strada delle Vette.

Planning your ride on this route is best from spring through autumn. Winter cycling is not advised due to the likelihood of frequent snowfalls and temperatures near freezing. The trail is part of a well-marked network, and you will find that most of the surfaces throughout the loop are paved, making for a consistent touring bicycle experience.

This loop takes you through the Sila National Park, an area renowned as the "green lung of Calabria" for its rich, verdant landscapes. The route's path along the "Strada delle Vette" highlights the region's unique blend of soft hilly ridges and impressive vistas. You will experience the natural beauty of this protected area, characterized by its extensive pine forests and the serene presence of its large artificial lakes.

Embark on a difficult touring cycling loop through the heart of the Sila National Park, often called the "green lung of Calabria." This 41.6-mile (67.0 km) route, with its 3632 feet (1107 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 4 hours and 31 minutes to complete. You will cycle through extensive woodlands of beech, white fir, and black pines, experiencing enchanting landscapes with soft hilly ridges and airy valleys. The trail offers stunning views of artificial lakes like Lorica and Lake Arvo, providing a rewarding experience for those seeking a challenging ride on mostly paved surfaces.

Starting from Camigliatello Silano, a recognized tourist destination, this loop is a favorite among local touring cyclists. The Sila National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a significant natural area to explore. While the park offers routes for all abilities, this specific trail is rated difficult, requiring very good fitness due to its significant climbs. Plan your visit between spring and autumn, as winter cycling is not recommended because of frequent snowfalls and near-zero temperatures.

This route leads you directly through one of Italy's most important biosphere reserves, known for its rich water resources and historical designation as the "Great Forest of Italy." The region's commitment to cycling is evident, with Camigliatello Silano having hosted stages of the Italian Cycling Tour in the past. As you ride, you will discover why the park's diverse landscape, featuring a vast plateau and rolling hills, earns it the nickname "Calabrian Alps."

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle adventure from Praia a Mare to Santa Maria del Cedro, a challenging 36.3 miles (58.4 km) route that demands very good fitness. You will encounter a significant elevation gain of 2390 feet (728 metres) over approximately 3 hours and 57 minutes of riding. The trail offers coastal views and beach scenery near Praia a Mare, with mostly paved surfaces, though be prepared for some unpaved and difficult segments where you might need to push your bike. This route is designed for experienced cyclists seeking a demanding ride with a hilly profile. You will experience the diverse landscapes of the Alto Tirreno Cosentino coastline.

To tackle this hard bike ride, ensure you are well-prepared for its demanding nature and the potential for unpaved sections. Given the significant elevation gain and difficult classification, this route is best suited for touring cyclists who are accustomed to long, strenuous climbs and descents. You should plan your ride with sufficient hydration and nutrition, as the duration approaches four hours. Always check your bike and gear thoroughly before setting out, especially if you anticipate encountering rougher terrain. This trail is not recommended for beginners or those looking for a leisurely ride.

The Praia a Mare from Santa Maria del Cedro trail is an integral part of the larger "Greenway dei Cedri" project, an initiative focused on creating a cycle-pedestrian path that connects various points of interest in the region. This project aims to enhance eco-sustainable mobility and highlight the valuable landscapes, museums, archaeological sites, and historic centers along the route. By undertaking this journey, you are participating in an effort to promote cultural cycling tourism and improve access to the natural and cultural heritage of the Alto Tirreno Cosentino coastline.