Gambarie - Reggio Calabria
The route starts in Gambarie (1324 m), where the Observatory for Biodiversity is located, and climbs to 1363 m at Colonia S. Antonio. Having taken the Reggio Calabria-Ortì provincial road, the cycle track descends abruptly in altitude on gradients that at times touch 10%. At km 12, the horizon suddenly opens up to Sicily and at the crossroads with the belvedere, we take the road to Ortì on the Sentiero Calabria, a village we reach at km 17. Continuing the descent towards the sea, at Km 29 we cross the road that leads to the Monastery of the Visitazione, from which there is a magnificent view of Reggio, the Strait of Messina and Mount Etna. The journey continues among vineyards and prickly pear plants and the descent becomes steeper with peaks of almost 19%. At km 25, we meet the first houses of Archi, the northern suburb of Reggio Calabria. The coast of the southernmost city on the peninsula is reached at km 30.8 and from here we enter the cycle path that runs along the sea and leads to the Arena dello Stretto, with the profile of Mount Etna on the horizon. The cycle route thus ends on the Falcomatà seafront, 'the most beautiful kilometre in Italy', in Calabria's oldest Greek city, guardian of a millennial history wonderfully recounted by the National Archaeological Museum, which houses the famous and unmissable Riace Bronzes.
ITINERARY AND DESTINATIONS
Download gpx
Places you must visit
Flora and Fauna
The Park has about 1,500 species of flora. In some areas we find the Woodwardia radicans, a relic of the Tertiary Period. The forest formations are: macchia, holm oaks, deciduous oaks and beech woods, sometimes mixed in with silver firs and yew trees. Recently the beech forest of Valle Infernale has become a candidate to join the UNESCO network of beech forests. The wealth of fauna is also impressive. The area’s mammals include the wolf, the wildcat, the forest dormouse, the southern squirrel, the marten, the badger and the Italian hare. The Italian roe deer was reintroduced at the 2011. Among the Park’s reptiles you will find the Hermann’s tortoise. Amphibians include the spectacled salamander and the Apennine yellow-bellied toad.
GAMBARIE AND BIODIVERSITY OBSERVATORY
Gambarie is a mountain resort of the municipality of Santo Stefano in Aspromonte, located at an elevation of 1,350 meters, and the heart of the Aspromonte National Park. It is an important winter tourist resort, famous for its slopes, ski lifts, natural environment and beautiful landscapes. The Observatory for Biodiversity, located in Cucullaro, was established to inform visitors about the Aspromonte flora, fauna, habitats and ecosystems.
NATIONAL REGGIO CALABRIA ARCHEOLOGY MUSEUM
The building that houses the National Museum of Magna Grecia is home to the Riace Bronzes. They are among the most beautiful examples of classical Greek art. The bronze statues depict two nude men, originally armed with a shield and a spear, which have become the symbol of the city of Reggio Calabria. The Museum was built between 1932 and 1941 and is one of the most important museums of that historical period. It houses a vast number of finds from all over Calabria.
Climate
Food, drink and accommodation
Track
Pay attention to the route from Ortì to Archi, as it has a challenging descent and a rather narrow roadway that is also used by cars.
Clothing
-
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.
-
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.
