Holiday apartment in Gambarie: Nature, trails and winter sports

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 run through pine, fir and beech forests and offer views of the Strait of Messina. This gives the town an unusual combination of alpine landscape, wide horizons and experiences in nature at this altitude.

Forests, panoramic views and geological traces

The trails around Gambarie also open up varied landscapes. The section of the Sentiero Calabria from Gambarie to Montalto offers views of Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands, and the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. Another hiking section from Gambarie to Polsi leads to Montalto and opens up views from eastern Sicily to the Sila as well as from the Ionian to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The section from Reggio Calabria to Piazza Mangeruca passes Monte Basilicò and beech forests.

The Superfici Terrazzate di Gambarie comprise marine deposits, volcanic layers and prehistoric archaeological remains. These are connected with the land rising from the sea during the Quaternary period. This makes it a destination where forest landscapes, panoramic views and geological history can be experienced together.

Hiking, cycling and winter experiences

The section of the Sentiero Calabria from Gambarie to Montalto is 14.22 kilometres long, takes around four hours and is classified as a moderately difficult hike with an E rating. 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.

Those looking for a sporting alternative will find the Cycle Path of the Calabria Parks from Gambarie to Reggio Calabria. The route is 31.8 kilometres long and classified as challenging. Another route leads through the valley of the Fiumarella River towards Cucullaro and reaches Santo Stefano via internal unpaved roads and grazing areas. The different lengths and classifications help you organise your daily plans between a shorter hiking section, a longer trail connection and a challenging cycling tour.

In winter, snowtubing is one of the special activities: it involves riding on an artificial track using inflatable tubes.

Discover nature and enjoy activities together

The Osservatorio per la Biodiversità in Cucullaro is located near Gambarie and provides information about the flora, fauna, habitats and ecosystems of Calabria, particularly those of the Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte. The observatory includes a bilingual botanical trail with eight stations presenting 21 tree species.

The Lago Rumia, a small artificial lake at an altitude of around 1,300 metres, is also nearby. It is a destination for hikers and is equipped for trout fishing. The ASPROPARK adventure park is five minutes away in a natural setting and is designed for adults and children. This allows you to choose between quiet nature observation, a trip to the lake and an activity for different age groups.

History in the town centre

Gambarie was founded around the 1920s; the first settlement consisted of woodcutters and shepherds. A characteristic stone fountain stands in the centre of Piazza Mangeruca. The Chiesa del Sacro Cuore dates from the mid-19th century. Between the 1930s and 1960s, the first holiday villas, the first hotels and the first ski slope were built in Gambarie. The first chairlift was built in 1956. These historical milestones connect the town's development with its role as a winter sports and mountain destination.

Your holiday apartment in Gambarie to suit your travel plans

When choosing a holiday apartment in Gambarie, you can consider which experiences should be the focus of your trip: hikes with panoramic views, cycling tours, winter activities, observing nature or excursions to the lake and adventure park. The routes compiled by Gambarie Trekking are not specifically marked. Use the GPX tracks provided and check the actual accessibility and state of maintenance before setting out.

A connection from Reggio Calabria to Gambarie runs along the SS 184 and passes through Gallico, Sambatello, Laganadi, Santo Stefano and Mannoli. ATAM is the point of contact for further information and timetables for this connection.

Other destinations in the region: Locri, Oppido Mamertina, Polistena, Santa Domenica, Portigliola, Marina di San Lorenzo, Cosoleto and Agnana Calabra.

To the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.