The best cycling routes around Celico
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1,838
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Touring cycling around Celico offers diverse landscapes, from the mountainous Sila plateau to the shores of Lake Cecita. The region is characterized by significant elevation changes, dense forests, and rural districts. Situated at an average altitude of approximately 800 meters, Celico provides access to a network of routes that traverse varied terrain.
Best touring cycling routes around Celico
- The most popular touring cycling route is Lake Cecita – Lago di Cecita loop from Fiume Mucone, a 24.3 miles (39.1 km) trail that takes 2 hours 34 minutes to complete, offering views around the lake.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Lake Cecita – Lake Cecita loop from Campo San Lorenzo, a difficult 27.3 miles (44.0 km) path. This route provides extensive views of Lake Cecita and its surrounding natural features.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Spezzano della Sila – Montescuro Pass loop from Spezzano della Sila, a 31.1 miles (50.1 km) trail leading through mountainous terrain, often completed in about 4 hours 20 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Celico is defined by mountainous roads, the Sila plateau, and routes around Lake Cecita. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate to difficult.
- The routes in Celico are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 100 reviews. More than 1000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Celico's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
5.0
(5)
28
riders
62.3km
04:25
1,260m
1,260m
Embark on the Sila Road of the Peaks Loop, a challenging touring cycling route that spans 38.7 miles (62.3 km) and features a significant 4136 feet (1260 metres) of elevation gain. This demanding journey typically takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes to complete, offering a substantial physical test through the heart of Sila National Park. As you pedal, you will wind through dense pine forests and airy valleys, often called the "Calabrian Alps," with opportunities to see artificial lakes like Lorica and Lake Arvo. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Etna from certain high points along the Strada delle Vette.
Planning your ride on this route is best from spring through autumn. Winter cycling is not advised due to the likelihood of frequent snowfalls and temperatures near freezing. The trail is part of a well-marked network, and you will find that most of the surfaces throughout the loop are paved, making for a consistent touring bicycle experience.
This loop takes you through the Sila National Park, an area renowned as the "green lung of Calabria" for its rich, verdant landscapes. The route's path along the "Strada delle Vette" highlights the region's unique blend of soft hilly ridges and impressive vistas. You will experience the natural beauty of this protected area, characterized by its extensive pine forests and the serene presence of its large artificial lakes.
5.0
(2)
22
riders
67.0km
04:31
1,110m
1,110m
Embark on a difficult touring cycling loop through the heart of the Sila National Park, often called the "green lung of Calabria." This 41.6-mile (67.0 km) route, with its 3632 feet (1107 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 4 hours and 31 minutes to complete. You will cycle through extensive woodlands of beech, white fir, and black pines, experiencing enchanting landscapes with soft hilly ridges and airy valleys. The trail offers stunning views of artificial lakes like Lorica and Lake Arvo, providing a rewarding experience for those seeking a challenging ride on mostly paved surfaces.
Starting from Camigliatello Silano, a recognized tourist destination, this loop is a favorite among local touring cyclists. The Sila National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a significant natural area to explore. While the park offers routes for all abilities, this specific trail is rated difficult, requiring very good fitness due to its significant climbs. Plan your visit between spring and autumn, as winter cycling is not recommended because of frequent snowfalls and near-zero temperatures.
This route leads you directly through one of Italy's most important biosphere reserves, known for its rich water resources and historical designation as the "Great Forest of Italy." The region's commitment to cycling is evident, with Camigliatello Silano having hosted stages of the Italian Cycling Tour in the past. As you ride, you will discover why the park's diverse landscape, featuring a vast plateau and rolling hills, earns it the nickname "Calabrian Alps."
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4.6
(5)
22
riders
Embark on a difficult touring bicycle loop around Lago di Cecita, starting from Camigliatello Silano in the Sila National Park. This challenging route spans 25.9 miles (41.6 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1812 feet (552 metres), requiring very good fitness. You will cycle through the "green lung of Calabria," experiencing dense pine forests, soft hilly ridges, and airy valleys, with views of the region's largest artificial lake and passing by the small wooden church at Campo San Lorenzo.
Plan for a duration of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete this demanding tour. The route primarily uses paved surfaces, but be ready for some unpaved sections, mud, or gravel, especially in poor weather. You will encounter significant climbs with gradients up to 13%, particularly as you ascend towards Camigliatello Silano through cultivated fields. Winter cycling is not advised due to frequent snow and near-zero temperatures; the best time to ride is from spring to autumn.
This loop is a segment of the extensive Ciclovia dei Parchi, a 545-kilometer bikeway connecting Calabria's national parks. The Sila National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and ancient mountain settlements. Lake Cecita itself holds archaeological importance, with recent discoveries including ancient mammoth remains, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.
5.0
(12)
95
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
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35
riders
65.8km
04:14
880m
880m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Lorica, in the heart of the Sila National Park, on Lake Arvo
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Lake Cecita, in the splendid panorama of the Sila
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Lake Cecita is one of the artificial basins that has adapted best to the Sila landscape
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If you’re looking for Calabria off the beaten track, Lorica offers a completely different experience – mountainous, cool and relaxing.
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Temperatures here are up to 10°C lower than on the coast, making Lorica a natural air conditioner. The region offers dozens of kilometres of trails, from family walks to technical single-track mountain biking. It lies within the Parco Nazionale della Sila, a UNESCO biosphere reserve with endemic plants and animals. There are a surprising number of modernist hotels and villas from the 1960s (a legacy of the ambitious plan to make Lorica Calabria’s Alpine resort) and a modern gondola that takes tourists up the Botte Donato ridge (for skiers in winter, for the views in summer). The lack of mass tourism means that even in August you can find peace and quiet.
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Lorica is one of those places that effectively destroys the stereotype of Calabria as a region of beaches and lemons only. Situated at an altitude of around 1,300 m above sea level in the Sila massif, it offers a landscape more reminiscent of the Alps than southern Italy – with dense larch forests, a cooler climate and a peace that is hard to find by the sea.
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After a ride around the lake... time for some serious charging. The local Patate della Sila IGP is not only legendary in taste, but also fuel, which grows thanks to the same water you just passed. Grown right next to the trail, it ends up on your plate before you even have time to take off your helmet😅. Perfect after the kilometers you've racked up.
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The Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria runs around the lake. Although the entire Ciclovia is considered a route for experienced cyclists due to the significant elevation gain, the lake section is characterized by a more accessible profile. The sections are dominated by flat or gentle climbs, making it suitable for cyclists with average physical fitness. The surface is mixed, alternating between asphalt and gravel sections (natural surfaces and dirt roads), typical of cycle routes immersed in nature. For this reason, a trekking, gravel or mountain bike is most suitable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Celico?
There are over 130 touring cycling routes in and around Celico. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from challenging mountain climbs to scenic loops around Lake Cecita.
What are the general difficulty levels for touring cycling routes in Celico?
The routes around Celico cater to various skill levels, though many are quite challenging. You'll find approximately 7 easy routes, 29 moderate routes, and over 100 difficult routes, often featuring significant elevation changes characteristic of the mountainous Sila plateau.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Celico?
Touring cycling in Celico is defined by its diverse terrain. You can expect mountainous roads, sections traversing the Sila plateau with its dense forests, and picturesque routes circling Lake Cecita. The region's average altitude of 800 meters means many routes include notable climbs and descents.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Celico?
Yes, many routes in the Celico area are designed as loops, offering a complete circular journey. For example, the popular Lake Cecita – Lago di Cecita loop from Fiume Mucone and the more challenging Lake Cecita – Lake Cecita loop from Campo San Lorenzo both provide extensive views of the lake and its surroundings.
What natural features can I see along touring cycling routes in Celico?
The region is rich in natural beauty. Many routes will take you past stunning natural features such as Lake Cecita, the vast I Giganti della Sila Nature Reserve with its ancient trees, and various viewpoints offering panoramic vistas, including a high-altitude section in the Sila park. You might also encounter other lakes like Lago Ariamacina and Macchialonga Pond.
Are there any historical landmarks or cultural sites accessible by touring bike in Celico?
Yes, while cycling, you can encounter several historical and cultural sites. Within Celico itself, you might pass the San Michele Parish Church (dating back to the ninth century) and the Mother Church of S. Nicola di Bari (from the 16th century). The Church of the Assumption, built on the birthplace of Abbot Gioacchino da Fiore, is also noteworthy. The Museum of Rural Traditions of the Silano Plateau offers insight into the area's heritage.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Celico?
Celico's mountainous location means that spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling. These seasons provide milder temperatures and less chance of snow, allowing full access to the Sila plateau and its diverse routes. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Celico?
While many routes are challenging, there are a few easier options. Approximately 7 routes are classified as easy, offering less demanding terrain and elevation. These are ideal for those new to touring cycling or looking for a more relaxed ride through the scenic landscapes.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about touring cycling in Celico?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 150 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the serene lake views to the challenging mountain passes, and the immersive experience within the Sila plateau's natural beauty.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. Celico is known for its challenging routes, with over 100 classified as difficult. An example is the Spezzano della Sila – Montescuro Pass loop from Spezzano della Sila, which covers over 50 km with significant elevation gain, leading through mountainous terrain. Another demanding option is the Montescuro Pass – Water!! loop from Rovito, offering over 66 km and substantial climbing.
Are there routes that connect Celico with nearby towns and villages?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in the region connect Celico with charming nearby towns and villages. These include places like Camigliatello Silano, Spezzano della Sila, Spezzano Piccolo, Pedace, Serra Pedace, and Rovito, allowing cyclists to experience local culture and architecture as part of their ride.
Can I find routes with significant elevation changes for a good workout?
Celico is situated in a mountainous region, so routes with significant elevation changes are common. For instance, the Spezzano della Sila – Montescuro Pass loop from Spezzano della Sila features over 1600 meters of ascent, providing an excellent challenge for those seeking a strenuous workout amidst beautiful scenery.
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