The mountain landscapes of Calabria
A day in nature. Rivers and mountains near Santa Maria del Cedro
Beyond the strip of beaches, Calabria quickly gains height. Around Orsomarso, the forest slopes down to the River Argentino; near Papasidero, the rocks hide traces of prehistoric life. Spend a day hiking, see the valley on a river trip or take a short walk through a mountain town.
Across the Cedromare guide
Orsomarso and the Argentino valley
In the Argentino valley, wooded slopes replace the open sea horizon. The river flows through the greenery, and mountains also surround nearby Orsomarso. The reserve is part of the natural surroundings of Pollino Park.
The reserve has an arboretum, a medicinal plant garden and the Ficara waterfall. Simply looking at the river and vegetation is a pleasure too. Before setting off, check which stretches are accessible; for a longer walk, it is worth making arrangements with a local guide.
In Orsomarso itself, the clock tower stands out above the houses. Visit the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista too, and stay in town for a meal. Our Orsomarso day plan includes a walk through the centre and, for those who wish, an outing into the valley.
Cascata della Ficara
Ficara is a waterfall in the Argentino reserve. The woodland around the waterfall invites you to pause. Check the access and starting point for the walk before your trip; we do not give driving directions to the waterfall itself.
Rafting on the River Lao
Near Papasidero, the River Lao cuts through a mountain landscape. Its valley lies within the Valle del Fiume Lao reserve. On a river trip, you see the area from water level, much closer to the rocks than when travelling by road.
Arrange your rafting trip with an organiser who will choose a stretch suited to the participants’ experience. Before booking, confirm the meeting point, the equipment provided, participation requirements and cancellation rules for unsuitable conditions.
If you prefer to stay on land, choose Papasidero and Grotta del Romito. Time passes differently beside the prehistoric carving of an aurochs than it does on the river. After your visit, walk through the town and sit down to a late lunch.
Our guide to rafting on the Lao compares four organisers, their bases and ways to plan the day.
Mountains between beach days
The Pollino mountains make you want to come back. For a first outing, one valley or a walk around a chosen town is enough. Check current local information for the starting point, route and access; the season matters here.
In the evening, return to the Cedromare holiday home in Santa Maria del Cedro, then head to the sea in the morning. With such different landscapes so close together, the next day does not have to look like the one before.
If you would like to go further into the mountains, read our guide to Orsomarso and Pollino. It covers valleys, the Novacco forests, the Malvento panorama and named peaks, distinguishing shorter walks from full mountain outings.
Diving and snorkelling
You can explore beneath the sea even on your first visit to Calabria. Operators in Scalea and around Praia a Mare offer introductory dives, courses and snorkelling. Our beach guide has links to their websites and a few tips to help you choose an activity that suits you.
Islands, a cave and sweeping views
Grotta del Romito. Rock and prehistory
The outline of an aurochs can still be seen on the rock at Grotta del Romito. Among the rocks surrounding the cave, this mark left by human hands draws the eye: the landscape here also bears witness to life thousands of years ago.
At the site: You can see the engraving and learn about the archaeological site during your visit. Arrange a guided visit using the latest information from the municipality of Papasidero.
Later in the day: It is worth staying in Papasidero after visiting the cave. The route to Santuario Madonna di Costantinopoli includes steps and a bridge, so consider everyone’s abilities before choosing this walk.
Isola Dino. Caves and rocky shores
From Punta Fiuzzi, Dino looks like an enormous rock rising straight out of the sea. Only from the water does its shoreline reveal its caves and changing contours. The view of the island alone, though, is reason enough to linger on the beach.
At the site: The island lies off the coast of Praia. Grotta Azzurra is one of its best-known caves; whether you can visit it on a boat trip depends on the route and sea conditions.
Later in the day: Spend the rest of the day at Punta Fiuzzi or take a walk around Praia. Book boat trips and dives directly with the operator, who will give you the meeting point.
Monte San Biagio. Maratea from above
From Monte San Biagio, the coastline stretches far beyond the buildings of Maratea. A basilica stands beside the Cristo Redentore statue, but your gaze keeps returning to the sea. The view alone is worth a little extra time here.
At the site: You can also explore the area around the Basilica of San Biagio beside the statue. The municipality directs visitors to the Madonna degli Ulivi car park, with a shuttle bus (navetta) for the final stretch. Check the service before setting off.
Later in the day: After the hilltop views, it is pleasant to wander among the houses of the historic Borgo and end the day at Maratea’s harbour. Set aside a separate day for the whole trip.
Vesuvius. A day further afield in Campania
On Vesuvius, the sea gives way to the stark volcanic landscape. This is a trip to plan during a stay in Campania, perhaps before continuing from Naples to the Riviera dei Cedri.
At the site: The visitor trail leads towards the crater, with views across the bay when visibility is good. Before you go, check tickets, current restrictions and directions to the car park designated by the park.
Later in the day: It is worth setting aside a separate day of your stay in Campania for the volcano. That leaves enough time to explore Naples and Pompeii and enjoy a rest at Cedromare.
Places on the map
Check where the places described are located and choose your next outing.
Parks, nature reserves and a riverside picnic
Pollino National Park covers the Orsomarso mountains and the higher parts of the massif. You can also explore the separate Argentino and Lao state nature reserves in the surrounding area. The Abatemarco valley is also protected as a Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation (ZSC). Each area has its own landscape and rules for visitors.
For a meal surrounded by greenery, try Rifugio Montano in the Argentino valley, which lists riverside tables, toilets and a bar among its facilities. Contact the venue to book and check the current access route.