The best road cycling routes around Cicala

There are 4 dedicated road cycling routes available around Cicala, offering a variety of experiences through the region's mountainous terrain and ancient woodlands.

Road cycling around Cicala features mountainous terrain with varied elevation changes. You'll ride through centuries-old oak and chestnut woods, characteristic of the Sila plateau, and can expect scenic views of the Calabrian Apennines.

While many routes in the Cicala area are considered difficult due to significant elevation gain, there is at least one moderate option. The Lake Ampollino – Lago Ampollino Dam loop from Villaggio Racise is a 33.4-mile (53.7 km) trail that leads through the Sila plateau and past Lake Ampollino, offering a less strenuous ride.

For experienced cyclists, routes like the Calabria Parks Cycle Route - Stage 7, a 50.3-mile (80.9 km) trail with significant elevation, or the Passo Acquabona – Soveria Mannelli Town Center loop from Marcellinara, a 50.5-mile (81.2 km) path with multiple passes, offer demanding rides through the region's mountains.

The Sila plateau, where Cicala is located, offers a cooler climate, making spring and autumn ideal for road cycling. While specific summer vs. winter conditions vary, the region's mountainous nature suggests pleasant temperatures for cycling outside of peak summer heat or potential winter snow at higher altitudes.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. Examples include the Passo Acquabona – Soveria Mannelli Town Center loop from Marcellinara and the Lake Ampollino – Lago Ampollino Dam loop from Villaggio Racise, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.

Beyond the natural beauty of ancient oak and chestnut forests, routes may take you past charming settlements like Taverna or Tiriolo. You might also encounter serene lakes such as Lago di Passante or the scenic Loop around Lake Passante.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 9 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the challenging climbs, and the immersive experience of riding through the region's natural landscapes.

Cicala, known as the 'Village of Smile,' offers a historic center with stone-paved streets. You can visit the Baroque-style Mother Church of St. James the Greater or the deconsecrated Church of the Immaculate Conception, dating back to 1200. The village also hosts an annual Chestnut Festival.

The broader Calabria region is developing its cycling infrastructure. Nearby Taverna, which is part of the 'Parchi Calabria' cycle route, provides a charging station for electric bicycles and tools for bike maintenance, indicating growing support for cyclists in the vicinity of Cicala.

While specific family-focused road cycling routes are not detailed, the Sila Grande Loop, which winds through dense forests and serene lakes like Lago Cecita and Lago Arvo, is generally described as having flat to gently rolling terrain, making it suitable for family biking in the broader Sila region.

The duration of routes varies significantly based on distance and elevation. For example, the moderate Lake Ampollino – Lago Ampollino Dam loop from Villaggio Racise typically takes around 2 hours 31 minutes, while more difficult routes like the Calabria Parks Cycle Route - Stage 7 can take up to 4 hours 45 minutes.