The best road cycling routes in Calabria

Calabria offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find a mix of challenging climbs and descents, particularly along the Apennine ridge and within the national parks. While there are moderate routes like Between Tropea and Capo Vaticano via Zungri — ring tour, many routes are classified as difficult, such as Calabria Parks Cycle Route - Stage 7, which features over 2000 meters of elevation gain. Overall, the region has over 760 difficult routes, making it ideal for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge.

Yes, Calabria is home to the renowned Ciclovia dei Parchi (Parks Cycle Route), a 545 km route that traverses the region from north to south, connecting its four main national parks. This route is divided into 12 stages and offers an immersive experience through wild landscapes and ancient villages. Another significant route is the Magna Graecia Bikeway, which spans over 800 km along coastal areas.

Calabria's road cycling routes offer a stunning variety of natural landscapes. You can expect rugged mountains, ancient forests of larch pine and silver fir, glittering lakes like Lake Arvo and Lake Ampollino, and breathtaking coastal views along both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. Routes often pass through national parks such as Pollino, Sila, and Aspromonte, providing diverse scenery from snow-capped peaks to impressive rock formations.

Calabria is rich in history and culture. Along your cycling routes, you might encounter charming medieval villages like Gerace, with its Norman cathedral, or Stilo, known for its Byzantine architecture. Morano Calabro, often called the 'crib village of the Pollino,' is another picturesque stop. You can also explore historical fortifications such as the Murat Castle of Pizzo Calabro or the Ruffo Castle of Scilla.

Yes, Calabria features several beautiful waterfalls. The most notable is the Marmarico Waterfall, the highest in the southern Apennines, located within the Serre Regional Natural Park. Other waterfalls you might encounter include the Galasia Waterfall and the Maesano Waterfalls, offering scenic detours during your ride.

The road cycling experience in Calabria is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 900 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's varied terrain, from coastal paths to mountain passes, and the extensive network of routes through national parks. Over 20,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Calabria's diverse landscapes.

While Calabria is known for its challenging terrain, there are nearly 100 routes classified as easy, and over 690 moderate routes available. These routes often feature less elevation gain and can be found in flatter coastal areas or around lakes. For example, the Between Tropea and Capo Vaticano via Zungri — ring tour is a moderate option offering coastal views.

Calabria is home to three national parks and one regional natural park, all offering extensive road cycling opportunities. These include Pollino National Park in the north, Sila National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient forests and lakes), Aspromonte National Park at the southern tip, and the Serre Regional Natural Park with its deep forests and significant altitude gains.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Calabria are designed as circular tours, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the popular Between Tropea and Capo Vaticano via Zungri — ring tour, the From Diamante to Scalea along the Tyrrhenian coast and the Path of the Sun — ring tour, and the Strada delle Vette and Lake Arvo Loop in Sila National Park.

Calabria generally offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are often considered ideal, with milder temperatures and less tourist traffic. Summers can be hot, especially in coastal areas, but higher elevations in the national parks offer cooler temperatures. Winters are generally mild along the coast but can be cold with snow in the mountains.

Absolutely. Calabria is bordered by the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, providing numerous routes with breathtaking coastal views. Popular areas for sea-view cycling include Tropea, Capo Vaticano, and Scilla on the 'Coast of the Gods.' Routes like From Bagnara Calabra to the Punta Pezzo Lighthouse along the coast of the Strait of Messina and From Paola to Amantea along the seafront are excellent choices for coastal cycling.

Yes, particularly within Sila National Park, you can find beautiful road cycling routes that pass by or around glittering lakes. Notable examples include Strada delle Vette and Lake Arvo Loop and Lake Arvo and Lake Ampollino Loop. These routes offer stunning natural scenery and a refreshing change from coastal or mountain climbs.