SERRA SAN BRUNO - CANOLO
The route starts in the centre of Serra San Bruno in the direction of the magnificent Certosa di Santo Stefano. From here the Ciclovia is immediately uphill with gradients close to 10%. At km 5.6, we pass a thousand metres in altitude and a pleasant descent begins, which at km 9.3 lands in Mongiana (920 m). The town is known for the presence of the Royal Bourbon Ironworks, a story admirably recounted in the Arms Factory Museum. Once past Mongiana, the cycle route begins to climb again in a southerly direction through the Cropani Micone State Reserve, amidst beech and chestnut forests. After gentle, repeated ups and downs, at Km 16 we reach Fabrizia, the town of woodland and charcoal traditions surrounded by a magnificent crown of mountains in the Marchesale Biogenetic Nature Reserve. Once past the town, you come to the Marco Marra Fountain amidst beech, chestnut and silver fir trees. From here the Ciclovia proceeds in the direction of Limina, touching 1125 m; it continues towards the Passo di Croce Ferrata (1128 m), tackling a downhill stretch that leads to Valle Gelata (1016 m) and then climbs up to 1137 m on the slopes of Monte Seduto. From here begins a descent of about 12 km that, having passed the delightful Passo della Limina, gateway to the Aspromonte Park, tackles several ups and downs on the SP35, plunging into a thick beech forest, until Km 44.9 when the forest thins out and the last descent of the stage begins. Having passed the magnificent rest area in the Barca locality, the route proceeds slightly uphill to the plateau that leads to the junction for Canolo Nuova (900 m), just 1 km from the cycle route and 5 km from the picturesque village of Canolo Vecchia located in the centre between two canyons on the Dossoni della Melia, from which it dominates the Locri area.
ITINERARY AND DESTINATIONS
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Places you must visit
TYPICAL FOOD AND WINE
The many areas of the Park have typical products that come from pastoral and farming traditions. Traditional foods are capocolli, soppressate and cured meats with chilli pepper and fennel. The huge white Pappaluni, which are Aspromonte beans, are grown in the Mid-High areas of the park. The climate is also ideal for the cultivation of the delicious Aspromonte potatoes. The caciocavallo cheese in Ciminà is quite famous, as is the ricotta and the Pesce Stocco (stockfish), known as “a fish that comes from a place that has no sea”, which has always been very popular in the inland areas of Calabria.
GEOPARK
The Aspromonte GeoPark is part of UNESCO Global Geoparks, the UNESCO World Network of Geoparks, that has 89 geosites, 8 of which are International. The important components of the geological landscape of Aspromonte are the so-called Pietre (Stones), shaped by atmospheric agents, which look like natural monuments. The most spectacular are: Pietra Cappa (one of the largest monoliths in Europe), Pietra Lunga, Pietra Castello, Rocce di San Pietro, Rocca del Drako and Caldaie del latte.
BIRDWATCHING
Aspromonte is one of the privileged spots where we can observe migratory birds at the southern tip of the peninsula. It is a sort of springboard for tens of thousands of diurnal birds of prey and storks which, after nesting in Europe, must cross the Strait and head south to Africa for the winter. Since 2010 the Park has been monitoring and studying post-nuptial migration. Birdwatchers will be able to observe the migratory birds on a 4-metre high viewing platform located in the Aspromonte plains.
climate
Winters can be snowy on the peaks. However, roads and accommodation facilities are open and accessible. The recommended period is from April to the end of October.
Food, drink and accommodation
Hotels, B&Bs and shelters are present in Serra San Bruno, Mongiana and Canolo, where there are also restaurants and trattorias offering local products and typical cuisine. It should be considered that between Fabrizia (Km 16) and Canolo (Km 56) there are no inhabited centres, as the cycle route mostly crosses woods and green areas, where water sources are always available.
Clothing
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It is recommended to use a bike suitable for long distances, a gravel or mountain bike, also with pedal assistance. It may be appropriate to fit off-road (or mixed) tyres in the case of gravel. Although the route is on asphalt, it is a good idea to provide a set-up that allows you to safely tackle sections in the woods that may have mud and gravel in bad weather.
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If you want to travel with a tent, you can stay in tent camping sites or campsites, agritourism and bivouac areas. To learn more please visit the Parks’ websites.
