This is also where a large part of life takes place, at least in terms of tourism. Famous seaside resorts include Tropea and Capo Vaticano. But behind the marvellous beaches there are also historic towns such as Cosenza and more or less isolated mountain regions such as the Pollino massif and the Sila high plateau.
Character:
Calabria is still a pioneering cycling region and is also very mountainous in places. A certain basic level of fitness and touring experience is therefore advisable. There are virtually no signposted cycle paths. You cycle on side roads with little traffic.
Tour tip:
Cosenza - Tarsia - Sibari - La Sila Grande - Cosenza - Fiumefreddo Bruzio - Lamezia Terme (week tour with approx. 265 km)
Best time to travel:
The weather is pleasant from mid-September to mid-November. But in mild winters, you can still enjoy cycling later.
Journey:
The quickest way to get to Lamezia Terme is by plane, in summer directly by holiday jet, otherwise with Alitalia via Milan or Rome (from approx. 250 euros). Bicycle luggage for 25 to 50 euros.
Overnight stay:
There is a relatively large selection on the coast, especially in summer. In the hinterland there are generally only simple hotels and guesthouses. Tips e.g. under http://www.sprachcaffe-kalabrien.com and http://www.montagne-mare.com
Organiser:
DRF Rad & Aktiv (http://www.radreisecenter.de),
Radissimo (http://www.radissimo.de),
Sprachcaffe Italy holidays (http://www.sprachcaffe-kalabrien.com),
Baumeler Travel (http://www.baumeler.de),
Natours (http://www.natours.de)
Package deal:
1 week individual cycle tour "Calabria - Land between the seas" (approx. 265 km) with accommodation/breakfast in a double room, luggage transport, maps etc. costs from 578 euros at DRF Rad & Aktiv without travelling from Germany.
Maps/literature:
Unfortunately, there is no cycling guide to Calabria in German (yet). General map of Italy sheet 13 "Calabria" for 7.50 euros. The comprehensive travel guide: Reise Know-How "Calabria - Basilicata", 450 pages, 19.90 euros.
Information (general):
Italian Tourist Office Enit, Kaiserstr. 65, 60329 Frankfurt/M., Tel. 00800/00482542 or Tel. 069/237434, Fax 069/232894, http://www.enit.it
The article from issue 6/2006 is available as a free PDF download.
