Bike Tour – Calabria Parks Cycle Route
Experience Calabria by bike and let yourself be enchanted by its wild spirit
A ten-day journey, May 23–June 1, 2026, through the extraordinary variety of landscapes in Calabria: from the mountain peaks of Pollino to the forests of Sila, from the hilltop villages of Aspromonte to the sea of the Strait. An itinerary that combines nature, culture, and gastronomy, cycling along the iconic Calabria Parks Cycle Route.
Leading participants along the route will be Fiore Baratti, a passionate guide, tireless traveler, and expert in bike tourism and environmental sustainability. With a degree in Environmental Sciences, Fiore has traveled through wild and fascinating territories: from Scandinavia to North Cape, from the Arizona desert to the Californian coast and to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It will be a journey immersed in the green of the woods, among unspoiled nature, authentic villages, and spectacular views overlooking the sea. A perfect experience for those who love cycling, being outdoors, and experiencing the magic of places at a slow pace full of emotion.
Dates
- Transfer by minibus to Morano Calabro
- Dedicated assistance throughout the trip
- Tour guide
- Kit (bike bag)
- Visits as planned
- Lunches during the tour
- Transfers to/from Calabria (return tickets available on request)
- Bike rental (available on request for the entire duration of the tour)
Day 1 – May 23: Arrival in Morano Calabro
Arrival by train in Paola and transfer by minibus to Morano Calabro. Accommodation at "La Locanda del Parco" farmhouse, dinner with local products, and overnight stay.
Day 2 – May 24: Morano Calabro – Malvito (67 km, +1140 m / -1490 m)
We depart from Morano Calabro, a medieval jewel nestled in the mountains, and follow the Calabria Parks Cycle Route through the Orsomarso area, famous for its historic Arbëreshë communities. The route first leads to San Basile (540 m) and then to Saracena (606 m), renowned for its Muscat wine. After a descent into the Esaro Valley, you reach the fortified village of San Donato di Ninea. The route continues to the “Tenuta Pacelli”, where you can enjoy a tasting of the farm's wines and oils, followed by a dinner based on typical local products.
Day 3 – May 25: Malvito – Agriturismo Biosila (71 km, +1500 m / -650 m)
In the morning, after breakfast, the journey continues towards the Crati countryside, with gentle ups and downs and views that reach the Sila Greca. Along the way, you cycle through hills, vineyards, and ancient farms to Bisignano, a town of potters and luthiers. After a few challenging climbs, a scenic descent leads to Acri. The day ends at “Agriturismo Biosila” with a dinner of local products and moments of tranquility in nature.
Day 4 – May 26: Agriturismo Biosila – Croce di Magara – Lorica (68 km, +1100 m / -840 m)
After breakfast, the day continues with a climb through breathtaking views of the Sila peaks to Lake Cecita, surrounded by coniferous forests. Following the lake's shoreline (1162 m), you will reach the Cupone Visitor Center, the gateway to the Sila National Park. The tour continues towards Camigliatello Silano, up to Croce di Magara, to admire the “Giants of Sila” with a guided tour among centuries-old pine trees over 40 meters tall. Finally, descend towards Lorica and the suggestive Lake Arvo, with accommodation at the “Lorica Suite Lago” and dinner based on local products.
Day 5 – May 27: Lorica – Sorbo San Basile (61 km, +770 m / -1020 m)
We leave Lorica behind and cycle through pine and beech forests until we reach Lake Ampollino, located between Sila Grande and Sila Piccola. The route continues towards Villaggio Mancuso, renowned for its characteristic mountain huts. A short detour takes you to MABOS, the Museum of Art in the Woods. Accommodation, dinner, and overnight stay are provided at the “Park Hotel Il Granaro”.
Day 6 – May 28: Sorbo San Basile – Tiriolo (66 km, +1,400 m / -1,790 m)
The day begins with a climb returning to the Calabria Parks Cycle Route, winding through lush woods and offering panoramic views all the way to the Ionian Sea. A scenic descent leads to Taverna, birthplace of the painter Mattia Preti. From here, a final climb takes you to Tiriolo, the renowned “town of two seas,” where, on clear days, you can even admire the Aeolian Islands. The day concludes with accommodation at the “Residence Due Mari”.
Day 7 – May 29: Tiriolo – Serra San Bruno (76 km, +1700 m / -1570 m)
After breakfast, a long descent leads from Tiriolo to Settingiano, followed by a climb up to the Sella di Marcellinara, the narrowest point in Italy, where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas are separated by just 30 km. The journey continues through Caraffa di Catanzaro, offering splendid views over the Corace Valley, and proceeds towards Girifalco, at the entrance to the Serre Regional Park. The final stretch brings you to Serra San Bruno, dominated by the majestic Certosa di Santo Stefano. Accommodation is provided at “Hotel Conte Ruggero”, and the day concludes with a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 – May 30: Serra San Bruno – Antonimina (67 km, +1160 m / -1410 m)
The journey begins in Serra San Bruno and ascends towards Mongiana, known for its historic Royal Ironworks. The route continues through beautiful beech and chestnut forests, climbing up to the Limina Pass—gateway to the Aspromonte National Park. The route continues through the mountain villages of Canolo and Zomaro, the green heart of the park, to Antonimina. Accommodation and dinner await at the “Magia dell’Aspromonte” farmhouse.
Day 9 – May 31: Antonimina – Reggio Calabria (89 km, +1910 m / -2450 m)
After breakfast at the farmhouse, a short jeep transfer takes you to rejoin the Calabria Parks Cycle Route. You will pass through Passo Cancello, Villaggio Moleti, Sant'Eufemia, and the Garibaldi Mausoleum until you reach Gambarie. From here, a long scenic descent leads to the sea and the Arena dello Stretto, on the Falcomatà seafront, considered “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy”. Hotel accommodation is provided, with dinner at your leisure, and an overnight stay in Reggio Calabria.
Day 10 – June 1: Reggio Calabria
After breakfast at the hotel, you can enjoy a few moments of rest before preparing for your return journey.
Recommended trains for arrival and return:
Departure
May 23: Milan - Paola FR 9583 9:10 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
May 23: Bologna - Paola FR 9583 10:27 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
May 23: Florence SMN- Paola FR 9583 11:14 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
May 23: Rome Termini - Paola FR 9583 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
May 23: Naples Central - Paola FR 9583 2:25 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Return
June 1: Reggio Calabria - Milan FR9588 10:07 a.m.-7:50 p.m.
June 1: Reggio Calabria - Bologna FR9588 10:07 a.m.-6:33 p.m.
June 1: Reggio Calabria - Florence FR9588 10:07 a.m.-5:47 p.m.
June 1: Reggio Calabria - Rome FR9588 10:07 a.m.-3:55 p.m.
June 1: Reggio C. - Naples FR 9588 10:07 a.m.-2:28 p.m.