Calabria by bike: cycle paths and routes

The easiest way to cross the whole of Calabria by bike is to plan an itinerary in stages along the picturesque Ciclovia dei Parchi (Bikeway of the Parks): a wonderful 545 km route passing along the Western Apennine Ridge and cutting through Calabria's three national parks.

The Ciclovia dei Parchi bikeway spans approximately 350,000 hectares and offers scenic views of a unique landscape that combines the region's biodiversity and endemic Calabrian species with the charm of ancient mountain settlements, their traditions, and typical products. Would you like to plan your itinerary along the Ciclovia dei Parchi? Follow our leg recommendations step by step: from Pollino National Park to the Sila National Park, then from Serre Regional Park to the Aspromonte National Park, discovering aspects of Calabria you never expected.

We take the Bikeway of the Parks northwards, exploring the Pollino National Park, which comprises 32 municipalities in the province of Cosenza and is symbolised by the Loricato pine tree.

Starting from Laino Borgo, we reach Morano Calabro along the route that passes through the Valle del Lao from the rocky gorge of the Viadotto Italia and the ruins of the Lombard fortress of Laino Castello. From here, after visiting the unmissable Grotta del Romito in Papasidero (one of Europe's most important Palaeolithic sites), we continue towards Mormanno, with a sample of its fine legumes (Mormanno lentils and Mormanno Poverello white beans).

Finally, along the route of the former Calabro-Lucana Railway, we arrive at Morano Calabro, one of Italy's most beautiful historic towns. Also known as the "Pollino Nativity Scene", the town is built around the ruins of the Castle. Originally erected by the Normans, it was enlarged between 1515 and 1546 by Neapolitan architects for Prince Sanseverino, who chose it as his residence. Worthy of note are the dome and bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena; decorated in yellow and blue majolica, they are a symbol of the locality and do not go unnoticed. A stroll through the historic centre reveals the beauty of the 18th- and 19th-century noble palazzi, often fortified. Did cycling along the Bikeway of the Parks make you hungry? Order the typical Morano Calabro dish: Stoccu e pateni (stockfish and potatoes).

Having quelled our hunger, we mount our bikes again and return to the Ciclovia dei Parchi bikeway, heading towards the Catanzaro side of the Sila National Park. Once we reach Lake Cecita, one of several artificial reservoirs dotted around the park, we cycle along its banks and arrive at Campo San Lorenzo, with its little wooden church reflected in the water, almost reminiscent of the country atmosphere of old America.

After passing the Casa Cantoniera (Km 13.6), the Ciclovia dei Parchi climbs to Camigliatello Silano through fields cultivated with the delicious Patata della Sila IGP – the PGI Sila Potatoe. From there, it's a short stretch to the Riserva dei Giganti della Sila – the Giants of Sila Nature Reserve – home to monumental centuries-old trees. Descending towards the province of Catanzaro, the Ciclovia dei Parchi bikeway takes us to the point where it is possible to see both of Calabria's "two seas", the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian: we are at the highest point of the historic town of Tiriolo, famous for its traditional costumes and fabrics. These include the "pacchiana dress" that women wore on special occasions, such as the Festivity of Our Lady of the Snows, and the precious vancàli, long stoles that remain to this day as examples of the finest craftsmanship.

In the historic centre, you can visit the Castle Ruins, the palazzi and churches, the Monument to Ulysses, the Gianmartino Archaeological Park with the mosaic floor of the Palazzo dei Delfini, then the Antiquarium, which exhibits artefacts from local excavations, and the unmissable Costume Museum.

Heading for Vibo Valentia, from the province of Catanzaro, we cycle towards the Parco Regionale delle Serre and its "mountain capital" – the Baroque gem of Serra San Bruno.

We are immersed in a natural area of great value, which uniquely combines spirituality and art with a precious "slow tourism" experience. Serra San Bruno is, in fact, the "town of stonemasons" and of Saint Bruno of Cologne, founder of the Carthusian Order. In the year 1000, the Order founded the beautiful Certosa dei Santi Stefano e Bruno (one of the few still inhabited) with its adjoining Certosa Museum, and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Bosco.

The historic centre of Serra San Bruno is a gem of Calabrian Baroque: enriched by the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows and numerous other churches, it represents the highest expression of a craft tradition of master stonemasons, carpenters and blacksmiths that, until modern times, constituted a "Serrese" school in its own right. 

The Bikeway of the Parks ends in the Aspromonte National Park, in the province of Reggio Calabria. Pedalling over the Passo del Mercante first and then the Zomaro, we reach the beautiful ski resort of Gambarie d'Aspromonte, the only ski slope with a sea view.

The bikeway guides us to the park's natural wonders: from the Mundu and Galasia waterfalls to the Piani dello Zilastro, until we reach the unmissable Aspromonte Geosites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (the gigantic monoliths of the Valley of the Great Stones). In this area, you cannot refuse a sampling of typical Aspromonte cuisine, which is essentially based on high-quality Aspromonte goat meat, Calabrian black pork, and other exquisite Slow Food Praesidia produce, such as the tasty Caprino d'Aspromonte goat's cheese in its traditional forms, with an artistic oriental touch.

The Val di Neto cycle‑pedestrian shared‑use path is the perfect green infrastructure for those who want to discover the municipalities of the Val di Neto. The river that gives the valley its name flows through the provinces of Cosenza and Crotone, also giving its name to a fineIGT (Typical Geographical Indication) wine.

The Val di Neto cycle‑pedestrian shared‑use path winds for a total length of 38 km, touching 6 municipalities in the province of Crotone and combining the charm of the valley that reaches the Ionian Sea with the splendour of archaeological sites, ghost towns, castles and some of the Most Beautiful Historic Towns in Italy. Opened in March 2024, the Val di Neto cycle‑pedestrian shared‑use path flanks the Neto River, passing through areas of great natural beauty: Sites of Community Importance (SCIs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).

The Val di Neto cycle‑pedestrian shared‑use path passes through the heart of the Marchesato Crotonese, connecting the six municipalities that contributed to its creation and allowing cyclists and walkers to appreciate the historical, archaeological, and religious heritage that distinguishes them, including castles, caves, sanctuaries, and hermitages.  The route rejoins the Parks of Calabria bikeway near Lake Ampollino and was created by converting an old mule track into an eco-friendly bikeway to minimise environmental impact.

Another compelling proposal for cycling enthusiasts is the Ciclovia della Magna Grecia, the Magna Graecia Bikeway.

The route starts in Basilicata and ends in Sicily, in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks and the rich archaeological heritage that still amazes today. Departing from Lagonegro (Potenza) and arriving in Pachino (Syracuse), the Magna Graecia Bikeway covers a total of 1,130 km, of which over 800 km in Calabria (from north to south, from the Ionian to the Tyrrhenian Sea), along coastal and seaside areas, national archaeological parks, museums, the Most Beautiful Historic Towns in Italy and the ancient Magna Graecia capitals that have now become cities of art and culture.