Southern Italy Route?
 

I am planning a trip this spring that will take me from central to southern Italy through the Appennini, ultimately to Sicily. I've plotted my route using the TCI maps (green shaded provincial roads). I lived in the Napoli area for three years with lots of local riding there, and a couple Tuscany tours, so I'm comfortable with the Italian riding environment. I would like to hear from others with knowledge/tips on the southern area, particularly from Benevento to points south, to Catanzaro and along the southern coast to Reggio. When in the spring do the resorts/hotels begin to open back up after the winter? Will the prevailing winds be from the north and west? I won't be camping as this is a credit card trip. Thanks for the help!

Hi,

Welcome to Bikeforums!

Can you chart the route on Map-my-rides or provide a copy of the route you are planning? My wife has family in Calabria and I know parts of the area well. As you already know, the region is very mountainous with plenty of steep climbs. Traveling along the coast will keep you on flatter routes. Finding safe an affordable hotels will not be much of a problem. Local people are nice and helpful but few speak English.

I'm going to send this to the Touring forums with a redirect. You will find additional help at the Touring Forum.

This is an overnight route from the coast to the highest point in Calabria;

http://www.mapmyride.com/it/amantea-...route-77847504

Thanks for the info, and for putting my message on the 'Touring Forum' which I did not know existed. I will see about putting my route on Map-My-Rides and re-post later. I want a more rural riding experiance so that is one of the reasons I chose the mountains.

My wife was born in Calabria and her parents still live there. They are a block from the sea in Amantea. I've driven the roads on the route I posted, but have not done much cycling, except along the coast. Calabria has steep roads just about everywhere. One road between the the coast and Cosenza climbs from the beach to 3600 ft above sea level in about 9 miles.

The spine of Calabria is mostly National Park, including Sila National Park. The area is mostly forest. There are several rural and tourist villages. The highest mountains are Mt. Botte Donato (1,928m), in Sila Grande, and Mt. Gariglione (1,764m) in Sila Piccola; there are several torrential rivers, with clear and fresh waters, and artificial lakes used for various purposes.

I've been to both Sila Grande and Sila Piccalo. It's quiet and should be great cycling.

I also find the Tyrrhenian Sea coast to be very scenic. The beach at Tropea is fantastic and the town is very nice. This video provides a great fly-by of the region: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwjma537FD0