From Sapri along Maratea to Rotonda - BCPT
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Discovering southern Italy from the sea to the mountains, along the route from Sapri to Rotonda
The regions of southern Italy hold some of the country’s most captivating and lesser-known treasures. Campania, long celebrated as a “paradise on earth,” was once the heartland of Roman villas and Greek temples. South of Salerno, the coastline curves into the rugged and unspoiled territory of the Cilento, a mountainous landscape of forests, hidden beaches, and ancient villages, now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s largest national parks.
Beginning your journey in Sapri, the last village in Campania, you’ll travel along a coastline that is both dramatic and serene, where towering cliffs meet the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. As you cross into Basilicata, you’ll discover Maratea, known as the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian,” a town of winding alleys, Baroque churches, and breathtaking panoramas crowned by its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
From here, the route leads south into Calabria, a land shaped by centuries of history and an ever-present connection to nature. This is a region of striking contrasts—between sea and mountain, past and present. The journey takes you inland, away from the coast and into the wild heart of the Pollino National Park, Italy’s largest, where high peaks, forested valleys, and ancient rock formations create a sense of timelessness.
As you cycle through this untamed landscape, you’ll pass through forgotten villages and fertile valleys carved by rivers, following routes that reveal Calabria’s raw and authentic character. With each climb and descent, you’ll experience a land that resists modernity, where traditions survive in the quiet rhythm of daily life and nature remains dominant.
This journey is more than a ride—it is an immersion into the deep south of Italy, where three regions reveal their shared histories and distinct identities. The final destination in Rotonda, nestled at the edge of the Pollino mountains, offers a fitting end to this adventure: peaceful, panoramic, and profoundly connected to the landscape around it.
Please note: this is a moderate tour, suitable for all those who have some experience of bicycle touring and are in a good general physical condition. Some of the inland stretches haver some steeper climbs. Average cycling times: approx.. 5-6 hours each day.
Day 1
After an early breakfast in Sapri, your journey will take you along one of the most spectacular coastal routes in southern Italy, where dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea create an unforgettable cycling experience. Leaving Sapri, you begin pedaling along the coastal road, where every turn reveals breathtaking views of the deep blue sea and rugged cliffs. The route features gentle climbs and thrilling descents, with Mediterranean vegetation and historic watchtowers lining the way.
As you continue, you pass through Acquafredda, the first village in the Basilicata region. Nestled between steep cliffs and lush forests, Acquafredda is known for its secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters—an ideal spot for a short break. From here, the road winds through tunnels carved into the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Policastro.
Approaching Maratea, often called the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian,” the landscape becomes even more striking.
Before reaching the town center, a detour to Monte San Biagio rewards you with a visit to the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of Italy’s tallest statues, standing atop the mountain with breathtaking views of the coastline below. Arriving in Maratea’s historic center, you find yourself in a town rich in Baroque churches, stone-paved alleys, and hidden piazzas. This enchanting destination invites you to explore its cultural heritage or simply relax with a well-earned meal at a traditional trattoria, savoring local seafood and Basilicata’s renowned wines.
Hotel Donne Monache
Distance: 30 km – Cycling time: approx. 2h – Ascent & descent: +600 m – 300 m
Day 2
Leaving Maratea, your journey continues along one of the most scenic coastal stretches in all of southern Italy. This ride offers a perfect blend of sea, sky, and stone, with the Tyrrhenian Sea shimmering beside you and forested hills rising inland. The route begins with a gentle descent through lush Mediterranean vegetation, passing through quiet coves and dramatic cliffs. As you follow the winding coastal road, each turn reveals panoramic views over the Gulf of Policastro, with small pebble beaches and hidden inlets nestled below the cliffs.
Cycling through the village of Praia a Mare, you’ll spot Dino Island, just offshore, a striking natural formation that adds to the area’s charm. Here, you can take a short break along the seaside promenade or stop for a refreshing granita before continuing your ride.
The road rolls onward through olive groves and open countryside, offering a series of gentle climbs and thrilling descents. You cross into Calabria, where the landscape becomes wilder. Stone farmhouses and watchtowers from centuries past punctuate the journey.
Eventually, you reach Scalea, a lively seaside town with an ancient soul. Its medieval old quarter, perched on a hill above the modern town, is a maze of narrow alleys, stairways, and stone houses overlooking the sea. You can explore the ruins of the Norman castle or simply unwind by the beach. You could end the day with a sunset walk or a relaxed dinner with local seafood and Calabrian wine.
Hotel ***
Distance: 30 km – Cycling time: approx. 2h – Ascent & descent: +200 m – 100 m
Day 3
Leaving behind the Tyrrhenian coastline, today’s ride leads you inland, following a quieter, more contemplative route through the Calabrian hills. You begin by pedaling through the countryside north of Scalea, where olive trees and fig orchards mark the transition from coast to interior. The ascent toward Santa Domenica Talao is steady but scenic, with wide views over the sea slowly giving way to forested ridges and deep valleys.
Further inland, the route passes near Santa Barbara, where rural life unfolds at a slower pace. Here, the scent of wild herbs and the occasional sound of goat bells accompany your ride. The road narrows and winds through the highlands, offering tranquil moments surrounded by nature.
As you descend into the Lao River valley, the terrain becomes more dramatic. Towering cliffs and lush woodlands guide your final approach to Papasidero, a small village perched above the river. Before reaching the village center, a short detour takes you to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Grotta, a medieval hermitage carved into the rock, offering a serene stop steeped in history.
Arriving in Papasidero, you’re welcomed by the quiet charm of this mountain retreat. A well-earned dinner featuring local specialties and the sounds of the Lao below make the perfect end to a day.
Agriturismo “Azienda Agricola La Fontanella” – Papasidero
Distance: 30 km – Cycling time: approx. 3h – Ascent & descent: +900 m – 500 m
Day 4
Today’s stage carries you deeper into the core of the Pollino National Park, through a route that blends wilderness and tradition. Departing Papasidero, the road gently climbs through forested hills, tracing the path of the Lao River and offering glimpses of the rugged peaks above.
You pass near Bivio Avena and skirt the slopes of Monte Cavalcavia, where panoramic viewpoints open onto a vast landscape of mountains, valleys, and remote farmland. The scenery is untamed and majestic, a fitting prelude to the inner heart of Pollino.
The route continues toward Laino Castello and Laino Borgo, two towns rich in medieval heritage and strategically positioned on the edge of deep gorges. These villages bear witness to the ancient role of this region as a crossroads of cultures, religions, and trade.
As you ride into the final stretch, the road gently rises again, delivering you to Rotonda, a gateway town nestled among high peaks. Here, dramatic ridges and green valleys surround a center of quiet elegance and cultural significance. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal of lagane e ceci or gnocchi al sugo di capra, and toast the journey with a glass of local red wine.
Hotel *** Rotonda
Distance: 30 km – Cycling time: approx. 3h – Ascent & descent: +750 m – 600 m
Day 5
Take your time to rest in Rotonda by wandering through the old town, checking out the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, or stopping by the Pollino Geopark Museum to learn about the area’s rugged landscapes and unique biodiversity.
For those feeling adventurous, there are options for short hikes into the nearby Pollino peaks, or a visit to the Valle del Mercure, rich in wildlife and ancient history.
For a laid-back afternoon, grab a hearty local meal—think lagane e ceci (pasta with chickpeas), wild boar ragù, or caciocavallo cheese—then relax in a quiet piazza with a view of the mountains.
Hotel *** Rotonda
Genius Loci Travel Walking Hiking Kayaking Cycling Trekking Italy Tour holiday
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
All nights are spent in nice hotels or agriturismo’s (generally 3-star). All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Dinner is included on day 1 in a local restaurant in Papasidero. No picnic lunches are included in the tour price, but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders, or materials for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying.
INCLUSIONS:
- 4 nights accommodation – BB
- 1 night accommodation – HB
- 1 night in Hotel in Sapri– BB
- 1 night in Hotel in Maratea– BB
- 1 night in Hotel in Scalea– BB
- 1 night in Agriturismo in Papasidero– HB
- 1 night in Hotel in Rotonda– BB
- Luggage transfers according to programme
- Private transfers as specified
- Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
- Maps at 1 : 50.000 scale (or better)
- GPS waypoints & tracks
- 24/7 h assistance
NOT INCLUDED:
- Departure taxes & Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional additional tours or activities
- Local train
- Tips
- Items of personal nature
- Bicycle rental (available on request – genius-loci.it/tour/rental-bikes )
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
The tour starts in SAPRI, which can easily be reached by train from either Naples or Salerno. Naples has an international airport. From Rome (and many other cities) Naples and Salerno, and thus Sapri, can easily be reached.
Departure
The tour ends in ROTONDA. A short transfer can bring you to the closest town in order to reach the next destination; in alternative you can also continue cycling from rotonda
N.B. For those who transport their own luggage (E-bikes/hybrid bikes only) a discount is available.
 | You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person. |
 | There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended. |
 | Availability and prices on request. |
- Prices are per person and based on the season within which the first night of the tour falls.
- Prices are based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation. Single rooms (double rooms – single) are available on most trips however the supplements listed apply.
- If you are travelling alone then on some trips (which include taxi transfers) a ‘Solo Traveller Supplement’ will be applied instead of the normal single supplement.
- Prices are expressed in Euro’s. There will never be a currency surcharge.
- Actual exchange rates: GB £ - US $ - CAN $ - CHF - DKK - SEK - NOK - Other currencies.
It is possible to link this Cilento tour to the ‘Ciclovia dei Parchi’ in Calabria, passing through the canyon of the Lao River and at beautiful Rotonda, on the slopes of the Pollino National Park.
