New adventures await on EuroVelo 7 – Sun Route in Italy

In the summer of 2024, the 545km-long Calabria Parks Cycle Route was included as a full-fledged part of EuroVelo 7 – Sun Route, which connects the North Cape to Malta crossing 9 countries for a total of 7,600 kilometres. More than one fourth of the entire route runs in Italian territory, from San Candido in Alto Adige/South Tyrol to Pozzallo in Sicily.

The Calabria Parks Cycle Route has quickly emerged as a well-established and popular project since starting up in 2020. The route crosses the green and mountaneous interior of the Calabrian peninsula. Starting from Laino Borgo in the Pollino National Park, the route follows the Apennine ridges through ancient forests with ancient trees, waterfalls, lakes and rivers, with the mountain peaks as a stunning backdrop. From these mountains, you can even see the sea, but you will only get a chance to dip your toe in once arriving at the seafront in Reggio Calabria, called ‘The most beautiful kilometre in Italy’ by the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.

The name of the route derives from the four national parks it passes on the route, Pollino, Sila, Serre and Aspromonte, which cover an area of around 350,000 hectares combined. This part of Italy is still off the beaten path, and the ideal place to enjoy cycling in nature away from busy tourist hotspots. Even so, there's no reason to worry about a lack of services along the route, as it passes more than 60 small cities and villages, perfect spots to savour hearty cuisine, engage with local traditions and benefit from the famous hospitality of the people of the region.

With more than 9,000 metres of altitude gain the EuroVelo 7 – Sun Route in Calabria does include a fair share of climbing. The route is largely on asphalted, low-traffic roads, but there are also greenway sections, such as the old railway line in Pollino, and along the lakes of La Sila. The route is fully signposted with the Calabria Parks Cycle Route signs, and EuroVelo signage is currently being installed. All along the route you will find typical services for cycling tourists such as water fountains, bike centres, rest areas and accommodation.

EuroVelo 7 in Calabria previously followed the coastline. The re-routing along the Calabria Parks Cycle Route was proposed to improve the touristic experience while exploring this beautiful Italian region and was led by the Italian National EuroVelo Coordination Centre, FIAB, in close contact with the Region of Calabria, which is investing in cycling tourism as a promotional tool.

Download the GPX track of this newly developed section of EuroVelo 7 – Sun Route from the EuroVelo website and discover all details of the Calabria Parks Cycle Route on cicloviaparchicalabria.it.