On Foot in Calabria

Set at the southern tip of Italy, Calabria is an unforgettable land of long sandy beaches washed by two seas and a rugged interior of dense forests and mountaintop villages whose traditions, culture, and language reflect the legacy of the ancient Greeks who colonized this coast in 750 BC. On this delightful hiking adventure, we’ll delve into Calabria’s fascinating past and experience its ever-lively present as we hike to villages where the famed Tarantella is still performed, to exquisite 10th and 11th century Byzantine churches, and to charming towns perched on cliffs by the sea. Throughout we have a chance to sample the local cuisine and, of course, the strong, full-bodied Calabrian wines. Join us for an experience of a wild, untouched corner of Italy where few tourists ever set foot.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-5
Reggio di Calabria / Villages of the Aspromonte

When the Greeks arrived on what is now the Calabrian coast, they brought with them their sense of culture and beauty, and Magna Graecia flourished for centuries until its defeat by the Romans. After exploring Reggio di Calabria, the earliest of the ancient Greek settlements on Italy’s mainland, we head to the thickly forested massif of the Aspromonte, the last spur of the Appenines that sprawl into the “toe” of Italy’s boot. Now a national park, the Aspromonte is home to villages whose distinctive heritage seems a world apart from the rest of Italy. From the mountaintop village of Bova, we hike to the top of Monte Grosso, with its splendid views of Mount Etna on the island of Sicily. A hike with stunning views of the hills and valleys framed by the backdrop of the turquoise sea brings us to our charming agriturismo accommodation in Amendolea. From here we hike to Galliciano, known as the most “Greek” town in Italy, and enjoy a festive celebration with spirited music played on traditional instruments and dancers performing the famous Tarantella. Another hike brings us through a landscape of unusual rock formations.

Days 6-7
Serra Regional Park / Stilo and Bivongi / Locri

In Serra Regional Park, we explore the village of Stilo, home to a 10th century jewel of a Byzantine church, and Bivongi, with its narrow streets, archways, and high stone walls. Nearby is San Giovanni Theristis, a Greek Orthodox church built in the 11th century with a mix of Arab, Byzantine, and Norman styles. Heading to the Ionian coast, we explore Locri Epizefiri, an important archaeological site dating from the 7th century BC. In its heyday, Locri was a rich and large city of 30,000 people and had a reputation as a stronghold along the coast.

Days 8-9
Coastal Calabria / Tropea

Exploring along the Tyrrhenian coast, we hike in the hills above the picturesque seaside town of Tropea and enjoy a dinner at a working farm with an opportunity to taste some hearty regional specialties. While here we also visit Tropea’s bustling Saturday market and take an afternoon cruise along Calabria’s gorgeous Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods). Depart on Day 9.

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What the Trip is Like

The hiking on this trip is rated Level 3, Moderate. We enjoy day walks and hikes of 2-6 hours over variable terrain, including forest paths and dirt roads. Sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots are definitely necessary for some of the rural trails of this area, though walking shoes may be suitable for some days. Along with the hikes we enjoy many cultural experiences and visits to historic towns and villages in the company of an expert local guide.

Calabrian food is what Americans think of as “Italian”: spicy hot red peppers, thick, slow-cooked tomato sauces, fresh cheeses, and salami. The antipasti—starters—are usually enough for a main meal! The wines are rich and full-bodied. The meals included in the itinerary will be taken at the hotels where we are staying, at local farmhouses, or at restaurants in town, with some picnic lunches. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the U.S. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 PM.

Our accommodations vary from rooms with private baths in a simple Agriturismo in Amendolea to village apartments in Bova to a four-star hotel near Tropea.

Explanation of Trip Levels