NEW! Calabria Cycling Tour

Soverato loop - 12 miles - warm-up ride

Our Calabrian Coast to Coast bike tour begins in Soverato, a charming seaside resort town known for its sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

Soverato sits on the Ionian Sea, in the Gulf of Squillace, surrounded by a string of coastal villages like Montepaone, Davoli, and Isca Marina, all lining the white beaches of the gulf.

The Lungomare Europa promenade along the Ionian Sea is always lively, especially on hot summer days, where you’ll hear a blend of Calabrian dialect and Italian filling the air.

We’ll start by testing our bikes along the coastal bike path to Montepaone Lido, with free time to explore the beach or wander through the shopping area,  where gelato and pastries are sure to tempt you.

Later, we’ll regroup for a tour overview before coming together for our first group dinner. Welcome to Calabria!  

Soverato - Gasperina loop - 25 miles - Hilly

Our first longer ride takes us into the hills between Petrizzi, Montepaone, and Gasperina. While not particularly long, the route is hilly and scenic, offering sweeping views of the coastline throughout the day.

We pedal along quiet country roads, through peaceful villages and a landscape dotted with olive groves, almond trees, and sunflower fields. For six months of the year, the roadsides are colored by blooming agave, broom, and prickly pear. This cactus, originally from the Americas, was brought to Europe after Columbus’s voyages. Its fruit, called fico d’India ("Indian fig,") got its name because when Columbus saw prickly pears in the New World, he believed he had reached India. These vibrant fruits make a sweet snack, or a perfect margarita mixer (a guide favorite!).

Our first regroup is in Petrizzi. As you enter its historic center, you may feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Some beautifully preserved 18th-century palaces stand in stark contrast to nearby stone houses that were damaged by earthquakes and never rebuilt. We’ll pause at Caffè del Corso, where you can enjoy a refreshing granita or a creamy gelato.

Our next stop is Gasperina, a particularly meaningful place for us. It’s the birthplace of Heather’s grandmother (Heather is one of Tourissimo’s co-founders,) who emigrated to the U.S. in 1934 as a teenager, seeking opportunity and freedom from the hardship and restrictions of Fascist-era Italy. Many Gasperina families settled in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, keeping their traditions alive while embracing a new life abroad. Perched on a hilltop surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the sea, Gasperina holds a special place in our journey.

From here, we enjoy a gentle descent back to Soverato, where we’ll celebrate the ride with a refreshing swim—and later, a seafood dinner at Heather and Beppe’s favorite local spot.

Soverato - Serra San Bruno - 32 miles - Steady Climb

To truly understand Calabria, one must embrace its two souls: the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains with their dense forests.

The Calabrian peninsula is a narrow strip of land, traversed lengthwise by the Apennine mountain chain, creating a diverse landscape that yields an abundance of local products. Its rich folklore is deeply tied to agriculture, the rhythms of nature, and the seasonal ingredients that define its micro-regional cuisine.

The dense forests of Serra San Bruno (2,560 ft above sea level) feel like a world away from the beaches of Soverato and Tropea. Here, mushrooms, sheep’s cheese, cold cuts, and hearty bread are staple foods, while piscistoccu (stockfish) appears frequently on menus, alongside legumes and seasonal vegetables.

With regional and national parks covering much of central Calabria, this area is one of the greenest and least polluted in Europe. Serra San Bruno itself owes its existence to the monastery founded by Saint Bruno, a landmark that continues to shape the region’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Tonight, we’ll dine at a rustic restaurant, savoring the most traditional dishes of Serra San Bruno.

Serra San Bruno - Ciclovia dei Parchi 37 miles - Rolling

Serra San Bruno is a serene village steeped in spirituality and surrounded by lush, fragrant forests. Cycling there feels like entering another world: cool, pine-scented air replaces the coastal heat. Alpine-like landscapes defy Calabria’s typical Mediterranean image. This is a land of quiet beauty, where time moves slowly and traditions run deep.

Cycle tourism is growing in inland Calabria, thanks to Ciclovia dei Parchi, a well-planned bike route that winds through the Aspromonte, Sila, Pollino, and Serre mountain parks, offering cyclists 300 miles of authentic discovery. Our ride will provide a taste of Ciclovia dei Parchi, with free time after to visit the Certosa or enjoy a hike through the surrounding woods.