Discovering the Trails of Calabria
5 minutes
Eager to explore Calabria on foot? You'll be spoiled for choice, no fewer than 12 Cammini in Calabria mapped and recognised by the Ministry of Culture and the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), as well as by the dedicated Regional Register of Cammini in Calabria. The Cammini di Calabria are designed for those seeking an introspective and emotional experience, to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. What can you expect along the Cammini in Calabria? Landscapes surrounded by unspoilt nature, historic sites, culture, tastings of local products, encounters with welcoming communities, and much more. Choose the Cammino in Calabria that's right for you from the 12 options available!
History and nature trails
Calabria Coast to Coast
Among the Cammini in Calabria designed for lovers of nature and the hinterland, the Kalabria Coast to Coast is a true adventure! Stretching over 55 km with 3 intermediate stages, it offers walkers the thrill of crossing Calabria from the Ionian Sea to the Tyrrhenian Sea at the narrowest point in Italy. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy sunrise and sunset over both seas: the route starts in Soverato (Province of Cosenza), on the Orange Tree Coast, and ends in Pizzo (Province of Vibo Valenzia), on the Coast of the Gods, passing through a rich and bountiful hinterland.
Cammino del Normanno
Nature and mediaeval history intertwine along the stages of the Cammino del Normanno, one of the most fascinating Cammini di Calabria for enthusiasts of the history of southern Italy: linked to the figure of Roger II, Grand Count of Calabria, a member of the Altavilla royal family, the Cammino del Normanno passes through the provinces of Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria, traversing the Parco Regionale delle Serre and connecting the Norman town of Mileto, the seat of the court at the time, with the town of Monasterace. This 141-kilometre route, divided into 8 stages, combines history, culture and spirituality.
The Magna Graecia Way
One of the Cammini di Calabria aimed at rediscovering the region's historical and archaeological heritage, the Cammino della Magna Grecia is designed as a circular route, starting from Crotone and returning to the same town after 14 stages rich in archaeological attractions, beginning with the Capo Colonna National Archaeological Park, as well as historical and natural sites and places associated with the iconic figure of Pythagoras.
The Brigand's Trail
Retracing the history of banditry in Calabria in the footsteps of the famous brigand Musolino: the Sentiero del Brigante is the route that connects the Aspromonte National Park (Reggio Calabria) with the Serre Regional Park and the town of Serra San Bruno (Vibo Valentia), covering a distance of 140 km in 7 legs. It allows hikers to relive the historical allure of a pivotal period in the history of the Mezzogiorno, in an area that still retains an almost primordial character.
Sentiero dell'Inglese
Inspired not by a bandit but by the famous English writer and Grand Tour traveller Edward Lear, the Sentiero dell'Inglese (Englishman's Trail) is one of the Cammini di Calabria, crossing Aspromonte National Park over a total of 7 stages and 110 km, stopping at ghost villages with a timeless charm, such as the unforgettable village of Pentedattilo (a hamlet of Melito Porto Salvo, Reggio Calabria), nestled in the rock.
Sentiero Calabria Italia (CAI) Trail
In addition to the Cammini in Calabria recognised by the Regional Register, there are also the trails listed in the CAI Calabria Regional Trail Register, and in particular the Sentiero Calabria Italia: an extraordinary nature-focused journey through the hinterland, covering 654 km divided into 34 stages, which runs along the Western Apennine Ridge, linking the three national parks (Aspromonte, Sila and Pollino) and the Serre Regional Park.
Faith Trails
The Way of St Francis of Paola
Among the Ways in Calabria dedicated to faith and the experience of pilgrimage, the most important is undoubtedly the Way of St Francis of Paola, the route that retraces the footsteps of St Francis, the patron saint of Calabria. Starting in Paola, in the province of Cosenza, the Way retraces the stages of the Pauline saint's journey through the entire province, culminating in front of the grand Sanctuary of St Francis, the final destination of the pilgrimage. A mystical, cultural and naturalistic experience, taking in the key sites associated with the veneration of St Francis, along a 112-kilometre route with three variants: 'La Via del Giovane', 'La Via dell'Eremita' and 'La Via dei Monasteri'.
The Cammino Basiliano
Among the Cammini di Calabria, the Cammino Basiliano is the hiking route that brings together the region's two cultural and geographical souls: East and West. The Basilian Way weaves together history, art and spirituality, traversing Calabria from north to south over a total of 1,390 km, divided into 73 stages. This itinerary follows in the footsteps of the Italo-Greek monks known as the Basilians, followers of the Order founded by St Basil the Great (330–379), who played a crucial role in the development of monasticism in the West. Alongside hermitages, the Basilian monks are also responsible for a number of monuments and places of worship that are true works of art, such as the Catholic Church of Stilo and the Monastery of San Giovanni Theristis in Bivongi, to name but a few.
Pollino Marian Way
Some of the Cammini di Calabria pass through some of the region's most important Marian shrines. The Pollino Marian Way is one of these: a 400-kilometre walking route from Alessandria del Carretto to the Sibari Plain, passing through the Cosenza towns in the Pollino National Park until reaching the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pollino, and visiting the four main sanctuaries in the area, as well as several food and wine producers.
The Way of St James the Greater
Also known as the Via Jacopea in Calabria, the Way of St James the Greater is a historic and symbolic route that passes through several places of devotion to the Apostle St James the Greater. It starts in Fuscaldo (Province of Cosenza) and ends in Cicala (Province of Catanzaro), covering a total of 141 km divided into 9 legs and spanning two provinces.
The Way of the Holy Friars
A short religious pilgrimage with 3 waypoints, the Way of the Holy Friars is one of the Ways of Calabria dedicated to local saints to whom the communities are deeply devoted. This is the case for Sant'Umile da Bisignano, whose route passes through two important places of faith in the municipality: the Santuario di Sant'Umile and the Grotta della Preghiera, both surrounded by greenery and tranquillity.
Cammino della Santa Spina
Finally, rounding off the list of faith-related Cammini in Calabria, we have the Cammino della Santa Spina (Way of the Holy Thorn): a short religious route that winds around the sanctuary of the same name in Petilia Policastro, which also originated as the Convent of the Franciscan Friars Minor. Here , a relic is kept which, according to tradition, belonged to Jesus' crown of thorns.
