Panoramic trekking on Mount Poro

Lovers of nature and routes that combine mountain, sea and genuine goodness, are you ready to set off on an excursion to Mount Poro?

Mount Poro is the mountain peak of the municipality of Joppolo, in the province of Vibo Valentia, on the side of the Middle Tyrrhenian Sea that laps the enchanting Costa degli Dei. A magical place, perfect for a panoramic sea-mountain trek.

Panoramic hike on Mount Poro

The panoramic excursion to Mount Poro takes place along the so-called "Woodland Path", which starts directly from Joppolo's seafront and the crystal-clear blue water that washes its public beach and climbs up the mountainside above the historic centre, for almost 10 km.

The ascent, at times strenuous, of this evocative "sea-mountain" route covers a difference in altitude of about 700 m from the marina of Coccorino, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, to the summit, passing through the small municipal hamlets that are almost completely uninhabited, such as the centre of Caroniti.

After passing through a typical Mediterranean maritime pine forest, the summit of Mount Poro welcomes us with the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmelo, an important pilgrimage destination and summer celebration.

Besides the municipality of Joppolo, the Poro plateau extends into the territories of Spilinga, Zungri, Rombiolo, Filandari, Tropea, Ricadi, Nicotera and Limbadi. Each of these presents unique peculiarities and is worth a visit to appreciate the many facets of a varied territory.

Those who love the sea cannot miss the crystal-clear splendour of the bays and cliffs of Ricadi, led by Capo Vaticano and the breathtaking view from its promontory; the marinas of Tropea, among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, and Nicotera are no less impressive.

Zungri enchants visitors with the ancient charm of one of the most beautiful rock settlements in the Mediterranean, the Zungri Caves (or site of the Sbariàti).

Mountain flavours: pecorino cheese, 'nduja and onion

Have the mountains whetted your appetite? You are in the right place!

The generosity of Mount Poro also translates to the table, with the excellence of local products at 0 km that evoke strong and ancient flavours.

The king of this area is certainly the renowned Pecorino del Monte Poro PDO, the Calabrian branded cheese that is the pride of the province of Vibo Valentia.

Pecorino del Monte Poro is a sheep's milk cheese, raw and whole, obtained from two milkings (one in the morning and one in the evening), to which kid or lamb rennet is added. The mixture rests for a few days in the special moulds, then is dry-salted and left to mature for different periods depending on taste, whether one prefers it fresh, semi-mature or mature.

Also in this mountainous area, we encounter another symbolic product of Calabrian gastronomy: the spicy 'Nduja di Spilinga, one of the most loved and iconic products of this land.

Spilinga is the production town that aspires to the specification, where the unmistakable spreadable sausage finds the right combination with fresh bread and bruschetta or as an added ingredient to flavour first courses and soups.

Finally, there is the Cipolla Rossa di Tropea Calabria PGI, distinguished by its variety and unmistakable sweetness, which allows it to be eaten even raw, in salads.