If you want to go cycling in Italy, there are numerous options. The best-known options are the Dolomites, Tuscany but also the Italian lake district and Emilia Romagna appeal to the imagination. That Italy is much more than just these highlights, we were already aware of that behind. Whether it's gravel or road cycling, Italy has everything it takes to be Europe's cycling destination. One of the least known options is when you go cycling in Calabria. Stefano Nucera, born in Calabria and also known as 'Calamaro', runs his own podcast, the Broomwagon. His story is very inspiring. He has been able to call many places in Europe his home and we have written about. When it comes to cycling in Calabria, we certainly still wanted to use his expertise. After all, would you consider gravelling in Calabria, one of the poorest parts of Italy? Not immediately, but after this story I'm sure it will be different.
Have you never cycled in the mountains before? Then read the tips from our explorer Nynke.
Cycling in Italy: Calabria
The tip of the Italian boot: Calabria. It is a bit of a forgotten area. In terms of tourism, it is snowed under and the infrastructure for it also seems to be lacking. Some will know Reggio Calabria for its opportunities to catch the boat to Messina in Sicily. Villa San Giovani is another such place. Furthermore, Calabria is often at the back of tourist guides. Unjustified? Perhaps. However, if you have an adventurous spirit, this is a region where you can still discover the true Italy. Including the tentacles of the mafia, although they are less visible than you might think.
Are you travelling again? Then never forget what to bring with our basic packing list!
Basecamp Catanzaro
Stefano himself was born in Catanzaro, a town in the sole of the boot. It is the capital of Calabria and, with a population of 95,000, it is quite manageable. From here you can explore the most beautiful parts of the region. You're close to the Parco Nazionale della Silla here. That's the seller of this region, though. Calamaro himself lived in Catanzaro from the age of 12 to 18 and he still describes it as a wonderful place to enjoy the mountains.
Racing bike route to Cascate del Crocchio
One recommendation is the road cycling route from Selia Marina, just south-east of Catanzaro to Cascate del Crocchio. You start here from sea level and climb all the way up to 1,300 metres altitude. A stunning climb. On the way, you stop at a lovely bar-restaurant called 'Il Semaforo Sila' - The Stoplight. According to Stefano, 'an absolute must. The climb itself is quite steep at the beginning, where you encounter percentages of 15-18%. That's not bad and if you've brought the wrong cassette, it's pretty hard to recover from that. On the way, you really should stop at the Crocchio Falls. Superb scenery and, especially in September for example, it is very quiet there. Few cars, few other tourists. You have the road all to yourself.
Alternatives
Eventually you climb through to the highest point, but from there you can go even further into the hinterland, which is really the Granturismo of Calabria. That this route will take you over 3,000 metres altitude should come as no surprise. With start and finish in Catanzaro, you will be on the road for a whole day, but with the small villages, coffee shops and southern Italian atmosphere, that should not be a punishment. In any case, below you will find the beautiful cycling route in Calabria.
Staletti
More tips and variety? That is always possible. How about a nice bike ride towards beautiful Staletti? you can follow the coastline from Catanzaro or move a bit more inland. In any case, it is essential to make a stop at Bar Jolly for a delicious 'Cremolata'. Especially in the hot summers, you don't want to overheat. A delicious Cremolata can then cool you down and prepare you again for the next part of your cycling adventure.
Want even more inspiration to go cycling in Italy? Then head over to our special 'cycling in Italy' page with more information and tips/tricks for perhaps the most beautiful cycling country in the world.
