Gambarie: Mountain scenery, panoramic views and trails in Aspromonte

Gambarie lies at about 1,350 metres above sea level in the heart of the Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte and is an important winter sports resort. The ski slopes run through pine, fir and beech forests and offer views of the Strait of Messina. In Gambarie, mountain scenery, winter sports and trails through Aspromonte thus come together.

Hiking with panoramic views

On the Sentiero Calabria, the 14.22-kilometre stage from Gambarie to Montalto takes about four hours; it is rated E as a moderately difficult hike. The route offers views of Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands, and the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. Gambarie is also the starting point of the Sentiero del Brigante, a trail more than 140 kilometres long that is recognised in the Mibact hiking trail atlas.

Another hiking stage from Gambarie to Polsi leads to Montalto and, with its views, extends from eastern Sicily to Sila and from the Ionian to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The stage from Reggio Calabria to Piazza Mangeruca runs along Monte Basilicò and through beech forests. For cyclists, the Cycle Path of the Calabria Parks from Gambarie to Reggio Calabria is marked as challenging and measures 31.8 kilometres. One route runs through the valley of the Fiumarella River towards Cucullaro and reaches Santo Stefano via internal unpaved roads and grazing areas.

Nature and attractions around Gambarie

The landscape includes the Superfici Terrazzate di Gambarie, with marine deposits, volcanic layers and prehistoric archaeological remains. These are linked to the uplift of the terrain from the sea during the Quaternary period. Nearby, in Cucullaro, the Osservatorio per la Biodiversità provides information about Calabria's flora, fauna, habitats and ecosystems, particularly those of the Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte. The observatory includes a bilingual botanical trail with eight stations presenting 21 tree species. Also nearby is Lago Rumia: a small artificial lake at an altitude of about 1,300 metres, equipped as an excursion destination for hikers and for trout fishing.

Piazza, church and the development of the town

At the centre of Piazza Mangeruca stands a characteristic stone fountain; the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore dates from the mid-19th century. Gambarie was founded around the 1920s, with the first settlement consisting of woodcutters and shepherds. Between the 1930s and 1960s, the first holiday villas, the first hotels and the first ski slope were built; the first chairlift was constructed in 1956. The ASPROPARK adventure park near Gambarie d’Aspromonte is designed for adults and children; it is five minutes away in a natural setting. Snow tubing takes place on a synthetic track using inflatable tyres.

Getting oriented and travelling there

The routes compiled by Gambarie Trekking are not specifically marked. Use the GPX tracks provided and check the actual walkability and state of maintenance before setting out. A connection from Reggio Calabria to Gambarie follows the SS 184 and passes through Gallico, Sambatello, Laganadi, Santo Stefano and Mannoli.

More destinations for your travel planning: Caulonia, Palizzi, Ardore Marina, Acquacalda, Siderno, Pozzi, Seminara and Varapodio.

For the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.