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History and tradition along Calabria's greenest trail
Campotenese – Serragiumenta – Bisignano – Camigliatello
Cycling along the Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria means crossing one of Italy’s most authentic and surprising regions. From Campotenese to Serragiumenta, from Bisignano to Camigliatello Silano, the route winds through majestic mountains, beech and fir forests, and gentle hills dotted with ancient villages. It’s a journey that blends nature, culture, and gastronomy—an ideal itinerary for those who love cycle tourism and want to experience the truest side of Calabria, far from the most crowded tourist routes.
The PARKS CYCLE TOUR connects the great green lungs of the region—from the Pollino National Park to the Sila National Park—offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. But Calabria is not just nature: it’s also a land rich in history and traditions.
Along the way, you’ll encounter castles, monasteries, and medieval towns that tell the stories of ancient civilizations—Greek, Roman, and Norman—that have all left their mark here.
At Serragiumenta, you can breathe in the atmosphere of noble country estates from centuries past, while Bisignano surprises visitors with its artisan heritage and traditional workshops. And, as in every Calabrian journey, food is a central character. From wild herbs gathered in the Pollino pastures to local cheeses and the famous ’nduja, every dish reflects the rural culture and passion for authentic flavors.
The Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria is the perfect itinerary for those seeking an active and sustainable travel experience, combining nature, sport, and the discovery of a magnificent land.
Daily program of the 8 day tour
Arrive in the small village of Campotenese, the gateway to the Pollino National Park, the largest in Italy. Here your journey begins with an introductory meeting at La Catasta, the cultural center and official information point of the park.
This charming wooden structure is much more than just a building: it is a place for encounters and discovery, where exhibitions, maps, and local products tell the story and soul of the territory. It is the ideal starting point to get to know the landscapes, traditions, and authentic spirit of Calabria.
Today you explore the Pollino Massif, the green heart of Calabria, choosing between a shorter circular route or a longer one. Both trails climb along the mountain slopes, passing through forests, valleys, and vast panoramic landscapes. Along the way, stop at the Lavender Park, where the hills turn purple during the blooming season and the air is scented with natural essences. It is also a place of rich biodiversity, featuring workshops on sustainable cultivation and essential oil production.
In the afternoon, return to Campotenese, accompanied by stunning views of the Pollino mountains that unfold at every turn.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Campotenese
Distance: 25km/ 15,5 mi or 40 km/25 mi
Elevation Gain: +462m -491m o +782m -784m
Leave Campotenese cycling along a section of the Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria, the great route connecting the national and regional parks of the region.
Today’s highlight is Morano Calabro, one of the most charming medieval villages of the Pollino. Perched on a hillside, its stone houses seem to blend seamlessly with the rock. The cobbled streets climb up to the remains of the Norman castle, offering spectacular panoramic views of the valley. After exploring this maze of stone and history, continue along quiet roads to Serragiumenta, where you spend the night in a historic estate surrounded by the Calabrian rural landscape.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Serragiumenta
Distance: 52 km/31,5 mi
Elevation Gain: +620m -1301m
Today’s itinerary is a circular route starting and ending in Serragiumenta, exploring the Arbëreshë villages, ancient Albanian communities that have preserved their language, Byzantine rites, and cultural traditions for centuries. Along the route, you can visit the Salt Museum, which tells the story of ancient extraction techniques and the importance of this precious resource for local life. The ride continues to Altomonte, a charming hilltop village known for its medieval architecture and panoramic views of the valley.
In the late afternoon, return to Serragiumenta, with the opportunity to taste traditional Calabrian products right on the estate, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Serragiumenta
Distance: 44 km/27 mi
Elevation Gain: +620m -1301m
Today’s route gradually climbs towards the Sila Plateau, passing through Spezzano Albanese and Tarsia. In Spezzano Albanese, you can still feel the Arbëreshë roots, alive in the local dialect, folk festivals, and religious traditions. In Tarsia, once renowned for its artistic woodcraft, you can visit the Intarsia Museum, where artisans demonstrate how raw wood is transformed into elegant furniture and intricate decorations. In the afternoon, arrive in Bisignano, a lively town famous for its ceramics, wooden pipes, and medieval churches that tell centuries of history. This is the ideal stop before entering the heart of the Sila mountains.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Bisignano
Distance: 53 km/33 mi
Elevation Gain: +916m -909m
Leave Bisignano, cycling towards Acri, a town rich in historic churches and ancient neighborhoods that still retain the atmosphere of the past. Along the route, stop at a mountain cheese producer, where you can learn about traditional production methods and taste the authentic flavors of local cheeses. The road then continues into the Sila forests, reaching the Park Visitor Center, dedicated to the flora, fauna, and environmental protection of this extraordinary plateau. The day ends in Camigliatello Silano, one of Calabria’s main mountain resorts, surrounded by forests and the fresh mountain air of the Sila—perfect for relaxing after a day of cycling.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Camigliatello
Distance: 60 km/37 mi
Elevation Gain: +930m – 535m
This stage fully immerses you in the landscapes of the Sila. Cycle along forest trails, among ancient beech and fir trees, until you reach the famous Gigante della Sila, monumental pines towering majestically above you. Here, the grandeur of nature invites you to slow down and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. If you wish, you can also visit the Migration Museum, dedicated to the Calabrian diaspora and the stories of those who left the region in search of new opportunities. In the afternoon, continue towards Lake Arvo for a more challenging route without major climbs, or choose an easier option around Lorica—both offer spectacular views and a rewarding experience in the nature of the Sila.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Camigliatello Silano
Distance: 35km/21mi or 65km/40 mi
Elevation Gain: +1535m -400m o +1295m -1303m
Your cycling journey through Calabria comes to an end.
From the Sila plateaus to the Arbëreshë villages and the peaks of the Pollino, you carry with you the memory of a land that is both rugged and welcoming, where tradition, nature, and hospitality intertwine and shape every day of your ride.
Impressions of Calabria
Campotenese – Serragiumenta – Bisignano – Camigliatello
level 3
A difficult tour. You cycle in a hilly terrain with average daily distances of 25km/15,5 mi – 65 km/40 mi. It is a tour for bikers with cycling experience and a good level of fitness. Not suitable for children under 16 years.
Total km: 270 km/167mi or 315km/ 195mi
departures
Saturday from 12/04/2026, to 12/07/2026 (last departure), and from 30/08/2026, to 25/10/2026 (last departure)
Other departure days from Saturday available on request with a supplement
participants
2 or more people.
Start / Finish
Campotenese/Camigliatello
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