4.4
(39)
754
riders
90
rides
Touring cycling around Varapodio offers diverse routes at the foot of the Aspromonte mountain in Reggio Calabria, Italy. The region features a blend of mountainous terrain, fertile plains, and proximity to both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coastlines. Cyclists can explore the Aspromonte National Park with its forests and varied landscapes, or traverse the scenic Plain of Gioia Tauro, known for its ancient olive and citrus groves. This geographical variety provides a range of experiences from challenging mountain ascents to leisurely…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
1
riders
29.4km
02:33
1,000m
1,000m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
33
riders
74.6km
05:32
1,650m
1,650m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.0
(1)
22
riders
30.9km
02:06
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
26
riders
48.6km
03:32
910m
910m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
72.9km
05:30
1,830m
1,830m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Cozy rifugio run by a nice couple.
5
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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👵 😊👋👋
2
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We were received very warmly by Marie-Thérèse and Antonio in their refuge. We felt like home. Very good address.
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there is a closed gate
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Beautiful sanctuary, the Madonna of the Poor
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The arches of Rosia represent the old walls (fortifications) of the ancient Seminara. They take the name of Rosia from an old spring nearby
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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.
3
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There are over 90 touring cycling routes available around Varapodio, offering a wide range of experiences from challenging mountain ascents to more leisurely rides through agricultural areas.
The region offers a diverse landscape for touring cyclists. You can expect mountainous terrain at the foot of the Aspromonte mountain, fertile plains in the Gioia Tauro area with ancient olive and citrus groves, and routes that provide glimpses of both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coastlines.
While many routes in the area are challenging, there are a few easier options. The fertile Plain of Gioia Tauro offers more gentle terrain, ideal for leisurely touring through scenic agricultural landscapes. You can find 3 easy routes and 15 moderate routes in the area.
Yes, Varapodio is an excellent base for challenging touring cycling. The Aspromonte National Park, at the foot of which Varapodio lies, features routes with significant elevation changes. For example, the Rifugio Il Biancospino – Aspromonte loop from Reggio Calabria is a difficult 46.3-mile (74.6 km) path with over 1600 meters of elevation gain.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Varapodio are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Monte Tre Pizzi Loop from Ciminà, which is a difficult 18.2-mile (29.4 km) trail offering panoramic views.
The routes often pass through or near significant natural features. You can explore parts of the Aspromonte National Park with its varied forests, or encounter the impressive Galasia Waterfall. The Stone Bridge and Panoramic View of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Tracciolino Trail) also offers spectacular vistas.
Yes, the Galasia Waterfall is a notable natural spectacle within the Aspromonte area, near Varapodio. It's found in a water-rich region and can be accessed via a path through beech and pine forests, making it a rewarding destination on a touring bike ride.
Varapodio benefits from mild winters and balmy summers, making it suitable for touring cycling for a significant part of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for longer rides, avoiding the peak summer heat while still enjoying good weather.
Absolutely. The region is rich in stunning vistas. The Tracciolino Trail, for instance, offers spectacular panoramas of the Aeolian Islands, Mount Etna, and the Strait of Messina. Another notable spot is the Three Crosses Viewpoint, Monte Sant'Elia.
The touring cycling routes around Varapodio are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from the challenging mountain terrain to the serene agricultural plains, and the stunning views of both the mountains and the coastlines.
Yes, Varapodio's unique geographic position makes this possible. It's approximately 20 minutes from the Tyrrhenian coast and also within reach of the Ionian Sea, allowing for diverse routes that can incorporate both the dramatic mountain scenery of Aspromonte and picturesque coastal views.
Yes, the fertile Plain of Gioia Tauro, where Varapodio is located, is renowned for its ancient olive trees and fragrant citrus groves. Many routes offer scenic rides through these agricultural landscapes, providing a different, more leisurely cycling experience compared to the mountain trails.


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