The best road cycling routes around Cardinale

There are over 35 road cycling routes around Cardinale, offering a diverse range of experiences for cyclists. These routes traverse hilly inland roads, forested areas, and some coastal sections, with options for various skill levels.

While Cardinale's terrain is generally characterized by hilly inland roads, making many routes moderate to difficult, there are options that can be approached by beginners with some fitness. Currently, there are 10 moderate routes available, which might be suitable for those looking for a less intense challenge compared to the more difficult options.

The road cycling routes around Cardinale vary significantly in length and duration. For example, the Chiaravalle da Serra San Bruno – loop tour on the Ciclovia Parchi Calabria is about 27.7 miles (44.5 km) and takes around 2 hours 13 minutes, while the From Serra San Bruno to Soriano Calabro – loop tour covers 35.4 miles (56.9 km) and typically takes about 3 hours 18 minutes.

Yes, Cardinale offers plenty of challenging routes for experienced road cyclists. With 28 difficult routes available, you can find significant elevation changes and longer distances. An example is the From Serra San Bruno to Soriano Calabro – loop tour, which features over 1350 meters of elevation gain.

Road cycling routes around Cardinale offer diverse scenery, from winding through natural parks like the Ciclovia Parchi Calabria to exploring hilly inland roads and connecting historic towns. You can expect views of dense forests, such as the Monte Coppari Beech Forest and Serre Forests, and glimpses of local architecture.

Many of the road cycling routes around Cardinale are designed as loops, offering convenient circular tours. Examples include the Fabrizia da Serra San Bruno – loop tour and the Gagliato from Torre di Ruggiero – loop tour, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.

Along the road cycling routes, you can discover several points of interest. Notable attractions include religious buildings like the Chapel of the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria nel Bosco. Nature lovers might enjoy the serene San Bruno Pond or the unique Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The road cycling routes in Cardinale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from more than 10 reviews. Over 300 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic views and the challenging yet rewarding climbs.

While Cardinale itself is inland, some routes extend towards coastal sections, offering a change of scenery. For example, the Soverato seafront – Soverato Promenade loop from San Vito sullo Ionio provides a coastal experience, though it is a more difficult route.

The best time for road cycling in Cardinale is typically during the spring and autumn months when temperatures are milder and the natural landscape is at its most vibrant. Summers can be hot, especially in the inland areas, while winters might bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain, making some routes less ideal.

Yes, some road cycling routes in the Cardinale area traverse natural parks. The Chiaravalle da Serra San Bruno – loop tour on the Ciclovia Parchi Calabria is a prime example, offering scenic views as it winds through a protected natural area.