Day 8 — Return to Reggio Calabria by train or Minibus
After breakfast and a free morning to enjoy the white sandy beaches of Capo Vaticano, return to Reggio Calabria in the afternoon.
Those who have never been there cannot imagine that inland Calabria hides lush green forests, streams and waterfalls, and unique panoramas with views of Mount Etna and Stromboli.
This itinerary leads from the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian coast to the deep forests of Aspromonte, then toward the wooded plateaus of the Serre Calabresi, before descending again to one of the most beautiful coastlines in Italy: Capo Vaticano.
Between hilltop villages, breathtaking landscapes, ancient traditions, and the silence of the forests, this journey offers a complete immersion in a region that remains authentic and unspoiled.
The quiet roads, ideal for cycle touring and e-bikes, allow you to savor every climb and descent, enjoying gastronomic breaks and unforgettable encounters with local people.
Get ready for an experience where effort, discovery, and nature intertwine—a unique itinerary between sky, sea, and mountains, in the wild heart of Southern Italy.
Departure from the coastal village of Scilla, with its fishermen’s houses right on the water and the characteristic atmosphere of Chianalea.
The road quickly begins to climb inland.
The ascent is gradual but steady, with frequent views of the sea and the Strait of Messina.
The air becomes cooler; olive trees give way to chestnut trees and then to beeches.
Arrival in Gambarie, in the heart of Aspromonte National Park, offers a complete change of atmosphere: altitude, silence, and mountain freshness—a sharp and very pleasant contrast after starting from the sea.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel
A steady climb into the heart of Aspromonte National Park.
The road winds through beech and pine forests in a calm and peaceful environment. Rifugio Il Biancospino welcomes riders in a simple and authentic atmosphere, ideal for resting and enjoying the silence of the mountains.
Day ride to the Forgiarelle waterfalls. A mix of forest tracks and more technical sections leads to this isolated and refreshing natural site.
An ideal break at the foot of the waterfalls, followed by the return to the refuge for a second night immersed in nature.
A long, steady climb leads into the forested mountains of the Serre range.
Chestnut trees, firs, and small mountain villages line the route.
The stage finishes in Serra San Bruno, a town known for its spiritual character and the famous Certosa di Serra San Bruno.
A calm atmosphere makes it an ideal place to rest.
A gradual descent leads through more rural landscapes.
Fields, meadows, and olive groves signal the approach to the plains.
In Zambrone, a warm welcome awaits in an agriturismo, with local cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere—perfect after several days of travel.
Final stage along the coast.
As you approach Tropea, the view opens onto the famous clifftop town and its seaside sanctuary—a true balcony over the Mediterranean.
After visiting Tropea, the route continues to Capo Vaticano, where the stage ends at an agriturismo near the sea.
After breakfast and a free morning to enjoy the white sandy beaches of Capo Vaticano, return to Reggio Calabria in the afternoon.
Every day in June, July, September and October
In these authentic places, you won’t just find traditional hotels, bed and breakfasts, refuges, or farmhouses.
The inhabitants, who remained to preserve these lands, have chosen to revive the many abandoned houses, transforming some into welcoming accommodations.
Here, travelers can sleep in the ancient homes of farmers and shepherds, enjoying a unique experience, immersed in the history and simplicity of times gone by. On this journey, we will experience the widespread hospitality of the village of Antonimina.
This is a moderately physically demanding tour, taking place entirely on paved roads. A good level of fitness is required.
Recommended for those who are not particularly fit by e-bike.
