The best cycling routes around Spezzano Della Sila

Embark on the Sila Road of the Peaks Loop, a challenging touring cycling route that spans 38.7 miles (62.3 km) and features a significant 4136 feet (1260 metres) of elevation gain. This demanding journey typically takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes to complete, offering a substantial physical test through the heart of Sila National Park. As you pedal, you will wind through dense pine forests and airy valleys, often called the "Calabrian Alps," with opportunities to see artificial lakes like Lorica and Lake Arvo. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Etna from certain high points along the Strada delle Vette.

Planning your ride on this route is best from spring through autumn. Winter cycling is not advised due to the likelihood of frequent snowfalls and temperatures near freezing. The trail is part of a well-marked network, and you will find that most of the surfaces throughout the loop are paved, making for a consistent touring bicycle experience.

This loop takes you through the Sila National Park, an area renowned as the "green lung of Calabria" for its rich, verdant landscapes. The route's path along the "Strada delle Vette" highlights the region's unique blend of soft hilly ridges and impressive vistas. You will experience the natural beauty of this protected area, characterized by its extensive pine forests and the serene presence of its large artificial lakes.

Embark on a difficult touring cycling loop through the heart of the Sila National Park, often called the "green lung of Calabria." This 41.6-mile (67.0 km) route, with its 3632 feet (1107 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 4 hours and 31 minutes to complete. You will cycle through extensive woodlands of beech, white fir, and black pines, experiencing enchanting landscapes with soft hilly ridges and airy valleys. The trail offers stunning views of artificial lakes like Lorica and Lake Arvo, providing a rewarding experience for those seeking a challenging ride on mostly paved surfaces.

Starting from Camigliatello Silano, a recognized tourist destination, this loop is a favorite among local touring cyclists. The Sila National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a significant natural area to explore. While the park offers routes for all abilities, this specific trail is rated difficult, requiring very good fitness due to its significant climbs. Plan your visit between spring and autumn, as winter cycling is not recommended because of frequent snowfalls and near-zero temperatures.

This route leads you directly through one of Italy's most important biosphere reserves, known for its rich water resources and historical designation as the "Great Forest of Italy." The region's commitment to cycling is evident, with Camigliatello Silano having hosted stages of the Italian Cycling Tour in the past. As you ride, you will discover why the park's diverse landscape, featuring a vast plateau and rolling hills, earns it the nickname "Calabrian Alps."

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle loop around Lago di Cecita, starting from Camigliatello Silano in the Sila National Park. This challenging route spans 25.9 miles (41.6 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1812 feet (552 metres), requiring very good fitness. You will cycle through the "green lung of Calabria," experiencing dense pine forests, soft hilly ridges, and airy valleys, with views of the region's largest artificial lake and passing by the small wooden church at Campo San Lorenzo.

Plan for a duration of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete this demanding tour. The route primarily uses paved surfaces, but be ready for some unpaved sections, mud, or gravel, especially in poor weather. You will encounter significant climbs with gradients up to 13%, particularly as you ascend towards Camigliatello Silano through cultivated fields. Winter cycling is not advised due to frequent snow and near-zero temperatures; the best time to ride is from spring to autumn.

This loop is a segment of the extensive Ciclovia dei Parchi, a 545-kilometer bikeway connecting Calabria's national parks. The Sila National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and ancient mountain settlements. Lake Cecita itself holds archaeological importance, with recent discoveries including ancient mammoth remains, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.