Gambarie: Winter Sports, Hiking Trails and Aspromonte Nature

Gambarie in Aspromonte

Gambarie lies at around 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 of Gambarie run through pine, fir and beech forests and offer views of the Strait of Messina. In Gambarie, winter sports and the characteristic forest landscape of Aspromonte thus come together directly.

Hiking with Panoramic Views

One stage of the Sentiero Calabria leads from Gambarie to Montalto. The route is 14.22 kilometres long, takes around four hours and is classified as a moderately difficult hike with an E rating. The stage from Gambarie to Montalto offers views of Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands, and the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. The Sentiero del Brigante also begins in Gambarie; the trail is more than 140 kilometres long and is recognised in the Mibact hiking trail atlas.

The Sentiero Calabria stage from Reggio Calabria to Piazza Mangeruca leads past Monte Basilicò and through beech forests. Another hiking stage from Gambarie to Polsi leads to Montalto and offers views from eastern Sicily to the Sila and from the Ionian to the Tyrrhenian Sea. One path leads through the valley of the Fiumarella River and onwards towards Cucullaro, before reaching Santo Stefano via internal unpaved roads and grazing areas.

Routes for Cyclists and Navigation on the Way

The Cycle Path of the Calabria Parks from Gambarie to Reggio Calabria is 31.8 kilometres long and classified as challenging. When planning hikes, it is important to note that the routes compiled by Gambarie Trekking are not specifically marked. The GPX tracks provided can be used for orientation; before setting out, you should check their actual accessibility and state of maintenance.

Nature and Geological History

The Superfici Terrazzate di Gambarie comprise marine deposits, volcanic layers and prehistoric archaeological remains. These remains are connected with the emergence of the terrain from the sea during the Quaternary.

The Osservatorio per la Biodiversità in Cucullaro is located in the immediate surroundings of Gambarie. The Osservatorio provides information about the flora, fauna, habitats and ecosystems of Calabria and, in particular, of the Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte. The Osservatorio also includes a bilingual-signposted botanical circuit with eight stations presenting 21 tree species.

Lago Rumia, a small artificial lake at an altitude of around 1,300 metres, is located in the immediate surroundings of Gambarie. Lago Rumia serves as an excursion destination for hikers and is equipped for trout fishing.

Local History and Places of Interest in the Centre

Gambarie was founded around the 1920s. The first settlement consisted of loggers and shepherds. Between the 1930s and the 1960s, the first holiday villas, the first hotels and the first ski slope were built in Gambarie; the first chairlift was constructed in 1956.

In the centre of Piazza Mangeruca there is a characteristic stone fountain. The Chiesa del Sacro Cuore church in Gambarie dates from the mid-19th century. Thus, in addition to the paths and winter sports areas, individual squares and historic buildings also form part of the townscape.

Further Activities

The ASPROPARK adventure park is located in the immediate surroundings of Gambarie d’Aspromonte, five minutes away in natural surroundings, and is designed for adults and children. Snow tubing involves using a synthetic track with inflatable tubes.

Getting There from Reggio Calabria

A connection from Reggio Calabria to Gambarie runs via the SS 184 and passes through Gallico, Sambatello, Laganadi, Santo Stefano and Mannoli. Further information and timetables for the connection can be found at ATAM.

Further places for planning your trip: Benestare, Sant'alessio In Aspromonte, Acquacalda.

To the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.