Calabria: attractive for active people even in autumn and winter
Active in Calabria: eight highlights for your autumn and winter holidays
If you’re dreaming of endless summer, Calabria, at the toe of the boot of Italy, is the perfect destination for you. With an average of 320 days of sunshine a year and warm temperatures going into November, southern Italy is the ideal destination for all kinds of active holidays, especially in autumn. The sea is still temptingly warm, with temperatures of approximately 20 degrees Celsius, but the beaches are no longer crowded. Romantic coastal cities like Tropea, the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea”, and quaint mountain villages are waiting to be discovered. Mountains, canyons and forests offer hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts countless well-signposted trails for tours through the unique nature of the region. Even in winter, travellers will find plenty to do. In Sila National Park, winter sports enthusiasts can look forward to snow-covered peaks, ski slopes and ice rinks.
Higher, faster, further at Aspromonte National Park
Rugged rocks, thundering waterfalls and brightly coloured autumn leaves: if you want to test your limits surrounded by unspoilt countryside, you can let off steam in Aspromonte National Park. Here, you’ll find a huge network of hiking and mountain bike routes as well as numerous canyons and waterfalls ideal for canyoning. A highlight is the descent through the Furria gorge, which boasts six beautiful waterfalls and a cave created by natural erosion. With a height of almost 2,000 metres, Montalto offers spectacular views in three directions, from picturesque mountain villages to the sea. This is possible due to the Aspromonte Mountains’ central location at toe of Italy’s boot. #CalabriaExperience
From Pizzo to Nicotera: the Coast of the Gods
Calabria boasts an impressive 780 kilometres of coast, but no section is more beautiful than the so-called “Coast of the Gods” (Costa degli Dei). It extends from Pizzo, which is built on a steep cliff, to Tropea, Capo Vaticano and the town of Nicotera. A particularly fun way of exploring the coastline and the turquoise sea is by boat. Even in autumn, the water is still pleasantly warm, with temperatures of 20 degrees. Therefore, boat tours are still possible until late November. Along the way, you can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water. Underwater, you can see colourful fish as well as corals, starfish and even octopuses, while on the coast itself there are numerous bays, caves and the Riaci Canyon to explore. Best of all: you have these attractions almost all to yourself in autumn. #VisitCalabria
Divine bays
The Coast of the Gods can not only be explored by boat, but also on foot or by mountain bike. The mild temperatures in autumn and winter are perfect for increasing your activity level. Although there isn’t an official coastal hiking trail, you can find routes with all levels of difficulty on the well-known hiking portals. These also provide information about guided tours. Whether you hike from Tropea to Capo Vaticano, from Capo Vaticano to Nicotera via the foothills of Monte Poro, or enjoy shorter hikes from the coast up to the lighthouse dating back to 1870 — the highlight is the Belvedere viewpoint, approximately 120 metres above sea level. From here, you have a fantastic view of the coast with its little coves: Grotticelle, Santa Maria, Coccorino, Joppolo and Nicotera. On a clear day, you can see the Strait of Messina, the Aeolian Islands and Sicily in the distance.
Red-hot street art in Diamante
In the mood for some culture? Diamante on the Citron Coast even offers two very special traditions: street art as a treat for the eye, and peperoncino to satisfy your culinary cravings. Over 200 murals adorn the coastal city’s façades. “Operation Murales” started in 1981 when, at the initiative of painter Nani Razetti, 80 Italian and international artists came to Diamante to immortalise themselves on walls and façades. From scenes of the daily lives of local fishermen and farmers, to pop art superheroes and hyperrealistic portraits, all styles are allowed, and new pictures are added every year. A popular motif: peperoncino, the fruity and spicy Calabrian chilli variety that is celebrated in Diamante with the Peperoncino Festival every September. #CalabriaTradition
Wind in the sails
Calabria is a paradise for all types of water sports, but its climate and wind conditions are perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing all year round. Another plus: some of the hotspots are located close to Lamezia Terme Airport. Gizzeria is the largest beach on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria. It also hosted kitesurfing world championships. Just a stone’s throw to the north is Hang Loose Beach, ideal for kitesurfers and windsurfers as well as hydrofoilers who want plenty of space by the sea. In autumn and winter, the Strait of Messina in southwest Calabria is particularly recommended. Here, the thermal winds are reinforced by the special location, so you are well poised to have enough wind. South of Reggio Calabria is Punta Pellaro, a spot that’s particularly popular with local kitesurfers and windsurfers. Winter visitors can enjoy the wind and the sea without the hustle and bustle of summer guests. #flytoCalabria
Wanderlust: the Cammino Kalabria
The “Cammino Kalabria Coast to Coast” (yes, really with a “K”) takes you across the toe of Italy’s boot, from Soverato on the Ionian Sea to Pizzo on the Tyrrhenian Sea. If you hike here in autumn, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views thanks to the clear visibility. The 55-kilometre hike is divided into three well-signposted stages, initially leading through the northern foothills of the Serre mountains and through quaint mountain villages such as Petrizzi, San Vito sullo Ionio and Monterosso Calabro. Along the way, you pass olive groves, vineyards and chestnut woods as well as numerous churches that are worth seeing. The hike also takes you along the shores of beautiful Angitola Lake. If you like, you can have the “Passaporto del Viaggiatore” (Traveler’s Passport) stamped at the three stage goals. Then you’ll get discounts along the way.
Giant paradise: Sila National Park
Sila National Park extends across Catanzaro, Cosenza and Crotone provinces. Not only does it have the (supposedly) cleanest air in Europe — those who visit the park in autumn can also enjoy the famous Sila potatoes, which are grown here at an altitude of 1,200 metres. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from dozens of hiking trails, mountain bike routes and bridleways. A particular highlight is the circular hike around Lake Arvo, which can also be crossed by zipline. Thanks to the mild temperatures, you can still sail, kayak or fish at more lakes in the park in autumn. Those who crave unspoilt nature will love the Valli Cupe Gorge with its waterfalls, also known as “Calabria’s Grand Canyon”. Speaking of “unspoilt”: in addition to the “Giganti della Sila”, 400-year-old, 40-metre-high black pines, there are also still wolves here (or rather, they have returned).
Straight onto the slopes: winter fun at Sila National Park
If you only associate Calabria with warm weather, you are completely mistaken. It’s also worth visiting in winter. In Sila National Park, winter sports enthusiasts will find several ski resorts with numerous slopes of all difficulties, including Lorica and Camigliatello Silano. There are four ski lifts at Loroca and two at Camigliatello Silano. Cross-country skiers can also enjoy the 40 kilometres of cross-country ski trails in the area. Furthermore, you can go ice skating and sledging or explore the unique nature of Sila National Park on a guided snowshoe hike or snowmobile tour. At the stations, cabins and snack bars provide food and drink. Lorica is beautifully located at the foot of Monte Botte Donato on Lake Arvo; the views from the highest peak in Sila Grande are breathtaking. #CalabriaStraordinaria
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