In recent years, Calabria has undertaken a series of initiatives aimed at developing and strengthening its cycle network, transforming itself into an increasingly attractive destination for cycle tourists. With a particular focus on sustainability and the valorization of natural and cultural heritage, the region has launched ambitious projects.
The interventions not only improve accessibility and safety for cyclists, but also promote active and environmentally friendly tourism, consolidating Calabria as a point of reference for two-wheel lovers.
Cycling projects in Calabria: the Parks Cycle Route
In recent years, Calabria has integrated natural and protected areas, the Aspromonte National Park, the Sila National Park, the Pollino National Park and the Serre Regional Park, developing a complete cycle network. This is how the Calabria Parks Cycle Route was born.
L’investment in services for cycle tourism, the creation of new job opportunities together withintegration of political and economic institutions are some of the keys to project success. A project that was able to also include training courses well structured for the local population and a structured communication plan and spread throughout the year.
Designed in 2017 and launched in 2020, the Ciclovia dei Parchi is today one of the most popular cycling destinations. The route has in fact increased cycle tourism flowstaking them from 7% in 2019 to 17.4% in 2022.
The Calabria Parks Cycle Route offers cyclists the opportunity to explore one of the most pristine and fascinating regions of Italy, with landscapes ranging from mountains to coasts, passing through forests and valleys. The Parks Cycle Route represents a fundamental initiative to promote sustainable tourism and enhance the natural resources of Calabria.
Current projects: the section from Mormanno to Campotenese
One of the most ambitious projects is the creation of a new stretch of exclusive cycle path that extends from Mormanno to Campotenese. This segment completes the route along the former Calabro Lucana railway to Castrovillari, creating a vital connection for cyclists wishing to explore the Calabrian hinterland.
The works to ensure safety along the five tunnels of the Campotenese-Morano Calabro section are nearing completionwith the prospect that the entire route is accessible already this summer. This project not only improves the safety of cyclists, but also enhances an area of great historical and landscape interest.
The Val di Neto cycle/pedestrian path
Thanks to regional funding (POR Funds 2014/2020), it was created the Val di Neto cycle path, an extraordinary infrastructure 38 kilometers long.
This route approaches the Ciclovia nella Sila, near the suggestive Lake Ampollino, offering cyclists the opportunity to immerse themselves in uncontaminated nature and enjoy breathtaking views along the way. It extends through the green heart of the Marquisate, connecting six municipalities: Caccuri, Belvedere di Spinello, Santa Severina, Rocca di Neto, Scandale and Strongoli. Among the points of interest not to be missed: the Thesaurus Mausoleumthe rock caves of Rocca di Neto and the archaeological site of Acherenthia. Another naturalistic attraction are the pools of sulphurous water in Bruciarello.
The route is long an ancient mule trackenriched with informative signs and equipped rest points, allowing visitors to appreciate the surrounding nature and explore the historical, archaeological sites and places of worship of the Val di Neto.
The creation of the pedestrian and cycle path was oriented towards sustainability, with particular attention to reducing environmental impact through the use of eco-compatible materials and the minimization of anthropogenic loads. This approach ensures that the project not only promotes cycle tourism, but also contributes to the conservation of the natural environment.
The Val di Neto cycle path rose to the second step of the podium of the 2024 Cycle Tourism Oscar, an award that confirms the excellence of the project and its significant contribution to the promotion of cycle tourism in Italy.
Scheduled: the project from Soverato to Chiaravalle
Another important connection that will start is already in the planning phase from Soverato and will reach Chiaravalle, always along the Parks Cycle Route. This new trait will allow you to recover another part of the former Calabro-Lucana railway, which runs along the picturesque Ancinale river.
The route will offer cyclists a unique experience of nature and history and aims to become a major attraction, as it passes through picturesque landscapes.
Cycling in Calabria is a driver for tourism
Continuous investments in cycling and cycle tourism in Calabria represent a winning strategy to promote sustainable tourism and improve the quality of life of residents. The projects currently underway, such as the stretch from Mormanno to Campotenese, the Val di Neto cycle path and the new connection from Soverato to Chiaravalle demonstrate the region’s commitment to creating a high-quality cycling infrastructure.
These developments not only make Calabria a more accessible and attractive destination for cycle tourists, but also help to preserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
