Attractions and Places To See around Ciminà - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ciminà are found within the Aspromonte National Park in Reggio Calabria, Italy. This municipality is characterized by its natural beauty, including forests, waterfalls, and scenic trekking routes. The area also features historical landmarks and unique tuff-carved houses, offering a blend of outdoor exploration and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Ciminà
- The most popular attraction is Aspromonte National Park, a forest and natural monument that offers diverse landscapes and rich vegetation. It features gentle slopes and high-altitude trails among beech and fir forests, providing extensive routes for exploration.
- Another must-see spot is Galasia Waterfall, a natural spectacle located at 645 meters above sea level. A short path through beech and pine forests leads to three waterfalls with rock pools, suitable for swimming in summer.
- Visitors also love Passo del Mercante, a mountain pass connecting Cittanova and Gerace. This viewpoint offers scenic vistas and is known for stalls selling local specialties.
- Ciminà is known for its natural monuments, historical sites, and religious buildings. The area offers a variety of attractions, from extensive national parks to significant churches and unique geological formations.
- The attractions around Ciminà are appreciated by the komoot community, with 21 upvotes and 38 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Aspromonte National Park
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Galasia Waterfall
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Passo del Mercante
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Church of San Francesco
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Cathedral of Gerace (Duomo di Gerace)
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Tips from the Community
There are no water points and I recommend suitable shoes.
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On the Passo del Mercante, my father told me, that my grandfather met my grandmother. My grandfather was a young woodcutter who climbed the pass from Cittanova; and my grandmother was a shepherdess from Canalo Vecchio. They met by chance, and immediately argued: it seems that she didn't like the woodcutters, because they were too noisy and scared the cattle... But my grandfather, evidently made the difference, "maybe he was cute and she was very beautiful" and after the argument they made peace and fell in love.... Every time I'm in the area, I always go to the Pass to greet the memory of my grandfather 👴 and my grandmother👵 😊👋👋
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The Cathedral of Gerace, Basilica Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is a Norman symbol of great importance in Calabria and one of the largest religious buildings in the region, declared a national architectural asset. Built in the 11th century, it boasts a rich history and extraordinary architectural and artistic elements, such as the Baroque high altar and the Norman crypt with artistic and sacred treasures. Its imposing structure and precious internal works of art reflect the mixture of Byzantine, Norman and Romanesque influences.
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The Church of San Francesco is a significant structure of the mendicant orders in Southern Italy, dating back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries. It consists of a rectangular hall and a quadrangular presbytery, which houses the sarcophagus of Nicola Ruffo of Calabria from 1374. The baroque altar in inlaid marble, from the 1660s, is also notable. The structure overlooks the Three Churches Square, formed in the 1980s after the destruction of a vegetable garden of the ancient monastery of San Giovanni Chrysostom.
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The Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo (also known as 'San Giovannello'), internally presents the Pròthesis and the Diaconicon and an ancient cistern, and has two doors, one for the faithful and one for the nearby monastery. Elevated to a Byzantine parish in the 1990s, it respects the Byzantine tradition with the apse facing east.
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The Galasia Waterfall, located at 645 m above sea level. in Aspromonte, it represents an exciting natural spectacle in an area rich in water and suggestive waterfalls. The path to reach it is short but suggestive and breathtaking. The path, crossing beech and pine forests, leads to three waterfalls that have formed pools in the rock, in which, in summer, it is a must to take a bath as a reward for the journey.
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Mandatory stop at the stall, for a sandwich, a glass of wine, a dessert or a coffee. The owner is very nice.
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Mandatory stop at the Zomaro crossroads stall. The lady's sandwiches are famous throughout Aspromonte, exceptional!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Ciminà?
Ciminà is nestled within the stunning Aspromonte National Park, offering diverse landscapes with forests, conifers, and ancient water mills. A must-see is the Galasia Waterfall, where a short path through beech and pine forests leads to three waterfalls with rock pools perfect for a summer swim. You can also discover the unique geological formations of Timpe di Mutolo (Southern Dolomites), known for its impressive rock towers.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Ciminà?
Yes, Ciminà boasts several significant historical and cultural sites. The Church of San Francesco is a notable structure dating back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries, featuring a sarcophagus from 1374 and a Baroque altar. The 17th-century Church of San Nicola di Bari, founded by Greeks and Albanians, houses works by local artists. Additionally, the Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo (San Giovannello) adheres to Byzantine tradition and was elevated to a Byzantine parish in the 1990s.
Where can I find the best viewpoints around Ciminà?
For breathtaking views, head to Passo del Mercante, a mountain pass connecting Cittanova and Gerace, known for its scenic vistas. Hiking on Monte Tre Pizzi, located downstream from Ciminà, also offers stunning panoramic views overlooking the Condoianni and Gerace rivers, extending to the Gelsomini coast and even to the summit of Montalto.
What outdoor activities, such as cycling, can I do near Ciminà?
The area around Ciminà is excellent for cycling. A section of the Ciclovia Parchi Calabria passes through Aspromonte, offering an exciting journey with giant ferns and ancient firs. You can find various cycling routes, including challenging mountain biking trails and scenic road cycling options. For more details, explore the cycling guides around Ciminà.
Are there hiking trails suitable for families or those looking for an easy walk?
Within Aspromonte National Park, you'll find paths with gentle slopes among beech and fir forests, suitable for various fitness levels. The path to Galasia Waterfall is described as short and suggestive, making it a rewarding option for families. While specific 'easy' trails aren't detailed, the park's diverse terrain offers options for less strenuous exploration.
What is Ciminà known for gastronomically?
Ciminà is renowned as one of the oldest homelands of Caciocavallo cheese, a true gastronomic excellence with Balkan origins that has been awarded Slow Food Presidium status. The production of this cheese is a deeply held tradition among Aspromonte shepherds. The town's name itself is believed to originate from the cumin plant (kyminà in Greek), which was abundant in the fertile land and known for its therapeutic and culinary properties.
Can I go wild swimming near Ciminà?
Yes, the Galasia Waterfall offers rock pools where, in summer, it is a must to take a refreshing swim as a reward after the short hike through the forest. The Aspromonte area is rich in water and features other exciting waterfalls like the Mundu waterfall near Villagio Trepitò, which also contribute to the area's natural allure.
What makes the architecture of Ciminà unique?
The historic center of Ciminà is characterized by narrow, labyrinthine streets and houses carved into the distinctive purple Ciminà high tuff. This unique architectural style, combined with the town's winding streets, gives it a charming and distinct appearance.
What is the best time to visit Ciminà for outdoor activities?
The region's natural features, including waterfalls and trekking routes, suggest that spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities. Summer allows for swimming in the rock pools of Galasia Waterfall. The diverse landscapes of Aspromonte National Park are enjoyable across multiple seasons, but warmer months are generally preferred for extensive exploration.
Are there any specific cycling routes for mountain biking around Ciminà?
Yes, there are several mountain biking trails available. For example, you can explore routes like the 'Gerace and San Paolo Gorges Loop' or the 'Road to Monte Cucudo – Passo del Mercante loop from Cittanova'. These routes vary in difficulty from moderate to difficult, offering exciting challenges for MTB enthusiasts. You can find more details in the MTB Trails around Ciminà guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Ciminà?
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Many highlight the exciting natural spectacle of Galasia Waterfall and the rewarding swim in its pools. The extensive routes and diverse landscapes within Aspromonte National Park are also highly valued for their exploration opportunities. The scenic vistas from places like Passo del Mercante are also a favorite.
Most popular attractions around Ciminà
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