This circular tour invites you to discover Calabria’s inner soul, tracing a route that connects the Crati Valley to the Tyrrhenian Sea, climbs through mountain roads overlooking forested peaks, and finishes in the heart of the region in Cosenza.
Starting and ending at the Torano Castello railway station, it’s the perfect launchpad for a multi-day cycling adventure that blends coastal beauty, mountain charm, ancient sanctuaries, and unforgettable food and wine experiences.
Across five unforgettable days, you’ll ride through historical towns, glide along cliff-hugging coastal roads, push your legs up mountain passes, and coast down into one of the south’s most storied cities. From Paola to Potame, from Guardia Piemontese to Fiumefreddo Bruzio, this tour invites you to explore Calabria’s most authentic and contrasting landscapes.
Torano Train Station (Cs)
09:30 am
Available year-round, depending on weather conditions.
Our tour begins in Torano Train Station (Cs)
If the group requires a pick-up and transfer service, we will be happy to arrange it upon request for an additional cost, ensuring maximum convenience for all participants.
✅ Booking Confirmation: A 30% deposit is required to confirm the tour. The remaining balance is due 50 days before departure.
❌ Cancellation Policy:
💳 Payment Methods: Bank transfer or credit card.
Your journey begins in the Crati Valley, following gentle back roads that wind northward through fertile fields and olive groves. The first town you reach is San Marco Argentano, one of Calabria’s oldest settlements, crowned by a Norman tower and a historic center full of medieval charm.
From here, the road descends steadily along the scenic Terme Luigiane highway, flanked by chestnut woods and rocky ravines. After one final turn, the Tyrrhenian Sea opens up before you, and the descent brings you to Guardia Piemontese Marina, a unique seaside village founded by Waldensian exiles from Piedmont in the Middle Ages, with a preserved cultural and linguistic heritage.
You’ll spend the night at the Hotel Meridian, a modern seafront property. Dinner is served at Lido Carnevale, a beachside institution famous for its spaghetti al cartoccio—a seafood pasta baked in parchment and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
After breakfast overlooking the sea, you set off along the legendary SS18 Tirrena Inferiore, a coastal road offering spectacular sea views and charming towns along the way. You’ll pass through Fuscaldo, known for its thermal waters, Paola, home to one of Calabria’s most revered saints, and San Lucido, perched dramatically above the sea.
Your destination is Fiumefreddo Bruzio, recognized among Italy’s most beautiful villages, famous for its noble palaces, sweeping coastal views, and timeless atmosphere. Your group will stay at Borgo Fiume, a historic residence lovingly restored for guests. Dinner will be served at Il Convivio, a wine-focused restaurant where Calabrian tradition meets modern creativity, paired with a curated selection of local wines.
Today is the tour’s most challenging stage—but also one of the most rewarding. You leave the coast behind and climb inland, riding along roads that skirt towering mountains like Monte Cocuzzo, Monte Cozzolino, and Monte Serratore, offering incredible views over both the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Pollino mountain range.
You’ll pass through Potame, a peaceful mountain hamlet, before arriving in Paterno Calabro, a town nestled on the edge of the Sila foothills. Here, you’ll stay at the Albergo Diffuso Paterno, a collection of restored homes that offer a warm, local experience. Dinner is hosted at Ristorante Alessandro Magno, where you’ll enjoy hearty mountain fare—grilled meats, mushroom stews, rustic soups, and chestnut-based desserts.
A must-see on this day is a visit to the Sanctuary of San Francesco di Paola, the second of two sanctuaries built by the saint himself. Surrounded by forest and infused with sacred calm, it’s a highlight of the route.
After breakfast, you ride southward through the villages of Dipignano and Laurignano, crossing undulating hills dotted with orchards, stone houses, and ancient mills. The pace slows, preparing you for arrival in Cosenza, one of southern Italy’s most intriguing and historic cities.
Your stay is at the Royal Hotel, centrally located and perfect for exploring the city. In the evening, you’ll dine at Cantina Cosentina, a beloved spot where Bruzi culinary traditions are celebrated—stockfish, pepper sauces, handmade pastas, walnut desserts, and excellent regional wines.
The final morning of the tour features a leisurely ride across the Crati plain, retracing your path back to Torano railway station, where the journey began. It’s a calm and reflective stretch, perfect for soaking in the last views and conversations before boarding your train home.
Farewells are exchanged, photos are taken, and memories are sealed—until next time, Calabria.
