A slow, meaningful, and unforgettable journey: this coast-to-coast cycling tour crosses Calabria from east to west, linking the shimmering Ionian Sea to the stunning Tyrrhenian coast, while passing through the rolling Sibari Plain and the majestic mountains of the Pollino National Park.
In five stages, you’ll discover an ancient soul made of hilltop villages, Arbëreshë traditions, rural flavors, genuine hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes. From Civita to Morano, from Mormanno to Papasidero, and finally down to the sea at Scalea, this itinerary is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and truly experience Calabria—with your legs and with your heart.
Sibari (Cs)
09:30 am
Available year-round, depending on weather conditions.
Our tour begins in the charming village of Sibari, with the meeting point at the Sibari Train Station
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.
The tour begins at the Sibari train station, easily reachable from the Ionian coast and well-suited for travelers with bicycles. After a gentle ride through the fertile Sibari Plain, among olive groves and cultivated fields, the road begins to climb toward Civita, one of the most fascinating villages in all of Italy.
Civita, founded in the 15th century by Albanian refugees, still preserves the language, customs, and architecture of the Arbëreshë culture. Its anthropomorphic chimneys, stone houses, and the dramatic views over the Raganello Gorges make it an enchanting place.
After a light lunch, there will be time to explore the village before a typical dinner at L’Oste d’Arberia, where Arbëreshë cuisine meets local creativity. Overnight stay at B&B La Magara, a cozy and character-filled accommodation in the heart of the village.
After breakfast, the route heads southwest, passing through Castrovillari, gateway to the Pollino National Park. You’ll ride through rolling hills, ancient monasteries, and green valleys, before reaching Morano Calabro, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
Morano impresses with its dramatic layout—houses stacked like an amphitheater around the towering Norman-Swabian Castle, with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
Accommodation is provided at La Locanda del Parco, a lovely mountain lodge where wood, stone, and nature create a welcoming environment. A local dinner will feature specialties from the park: artisanal cheeses, mushrooms, cured meats, wild herbs, and traditional legumes.
After a breakfast of local products, we continue towards Mormanno, following mid-mountain trails through chestnut forests, panoramic ridgelines, and rural hamlets.
Mormanno, known for its heart-shaped historic center and warm hospitality, offers a perfect blend of mountain tradition and quiet authenticity.
Overnight stay is at Rurà, a rustic lodge built of stone and wood. Dinner will be served at Osteria del Vicolo, where every dish tells the story of Calabrian farming life.
This is one of the most scenic and adventurous stretches of the entire trip. After breakfast, the ride heads to Papasidero, following a route through rugged gorges, thick woodlands, and rocky passes, offering postcard-worthy views all along the way.
Papasidero is a hidden gem nestled in the mountains, known for its Sanctuary of the Madonna di Costantinopoli and its proximity to the Grotta del Romito, home to one of Europe’s oldest prehistoric carvings.
You’ll stay at B&B 900, a beautifully restored historic home, and enjoy a dinner at Il Chilometro 0, a restaurant that embraces ultra-local ingredients and traditional preparation with heart and pride.
The final day is pure magic: the descent from the mountains to the Tyrrhenian coast is a feast for the senses. Winding roads, the scent of Mediterranean scrub, and the first glimpses of the blue sea on the horizon.
You arrive in Scalea, a coastal town with a charming medieval old town perched above the shoreline. Here, you’ll be welcomed at the elegant Villa Giordanelli, surrounded by greenery and just a short walk from the sea.
To cap off the tour in style, dinner is served at the renowned Osteria La Rondinella Pop, a local institution known for combining tradition and innovation in seafood cuisine.
