Aspromonte National Park: A Sea of Flowers

21^st – 28^th March 2020

ASPROMONTE NATIONAL PARK IN SPRING:

A Sea of Flowers

In Spring the Aspromonte National Park near the coast is a sea of flowers. Hike in the footsteps of the Greeks through almost dry river beds, roam bergamot plantations, follow the paths of the goats! Our hikes last between 3 and 6 hours and let us every day discover a new piece of the scenic diversity in Aspromonte. Under expert guidance, you will not only discover nature, but also learn a lot about the cultural life and traditions of Calabria. We are accommodated in two agriturism farms, where we are spoiled with Calabrian specialties.

1^st day: Arrival

Arrival at the airport and drive south to the extreme tip of Italy. Here we get our first accommodation in an agritourism farm in the area where the old people still speak Greek today.

2^nd day: In the footsteps oft he Greeks

We drive to Bova, the main town of the “Area grecanica”, the area in which the old people still speak Greek today, and on to the plateau above. Here our hike takes us to breathtaking viewpoints with a view of the Amendolea river, abandoned villages and the wild landscape of the Ionian side of Calabria and the sea. After a cozy picnic we go back to Bova, where we take a tour of the town. (Hike time: 4,5 hours, elevation gain: 450 m)

3^rd day: The Amendolea River

From a bergamot plantation in Amendolea we descend into the river bed and hike upstream through an impressive stone desert. A narrow goat path leads us to the remote village of Gallicianò, which today has only around 40 inhabitants. At a typical lunch we let ourselves be spoiled again, visit the ethnographic museum, the orthodox church and enjoy breathtaking views. And back it goes down on goat paths. (Hike time: 5,5 hours, elevation gain: 500 m)

4^th day: Monte Cerasia

Today it is time to say goodbye to the “Area grecanica”. We drive to the village of Staiti, which seems to be glued to the mountain slope, start at over 500 m above sea level and come on comfortable, wide paths for once a bit higher, namely to the top of Monte Cerasia at 1013 m above sea level, which offers, in clear weather, an almost incredible view of the southern tip of Calabria, Sicily, the Etna, the rocks of Bova and Pentidattilo and the surrounding mountains. A nice picnic area is ideal for a rest and lunch. Then we continue to our second accommodation, an agriturism farm at Ciminà. (Hike time: 4,5 hours, elevation gain: 450 m)

5^th day: The Valley of the Big Stones

Our today’s hike starts a few kilometers south of our accommodation, in a small village and leads up to pastures and around Pietra Cappa, the most spectacular monolith in the “Valley of the Big Stones” and the largest in Europe. During the hike we come across special rock formations that were once hollowed out by Basilian monks and used as a refuge, known under the name “Rocche di San Pietro”. The area is not only extremely mystical and surrounded by legends, but also geologically very interesting. (Hike time: 4,5 hours, elevation gian: 420 m)

6^th day: Monte Tre Pizzi or the three sisters

Today we hike from the village of Ciminà to the summit of Monte Tre Pizzi, three prominent mountain peaks that are also called “The Three Sisters”. From here we enjoy a wonderful view of the Ionian coast and the high peaks of the Aspromonte. After the descent and a well-deserved shower, there is enough time to make a detour to the picturesque town of Gerace with its alleys. (Hike time: 4 hours, elevation gain: 400 m)

7^th day: 7 Waterfalls in one day

On our last day of hiking we drive to the border area between the Serre and Aspromonte mountains and walk a beautifully laid out path with many small wooden bridges along the Levadio torrent, which forms numerous waterfalls and canyons. There are six waterfalls to admire here, and brave hikers can swim under the last waterfall. We take a break at a nicely arranged picnic area and then hike back on a wide path with a wonderful view of the coast. (Hike time: 3,5 hours, elevation gain: 300 m)

8^th day: Departure

Transfer to Lamezia Terme Airport and departure.

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