Tips
Tomás Bryl
June 22, 2025
Cycling
If you are driving or hiking in Calabria and it suddenly becomes quieter, colder, and the signal gets weaker - it is a sign that you are close to the Mucone Valley. You will not find here promenades with ice cream shops or selfie sticks. Instead: a river, forests, a lake, and sometimes wild animals.
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•Tomás Bryl
June 22, 2025
Cycling
Geography is clear: the Mucone Valley lies in the Sila Grande massif, at an altitude of around 1,100 to 1,500 m above sea level. It is crossed by the Mucone River, which not only carved out the valley but also inspired man to dam its waters, creating today the impressive Lago di Cecita, the largest artificial reservoir in Calabria. It has a surface area of around 12 km² and its presence has changed the local microclimate, fauna and landscape. Some say for the better. Others say simply “differently”.
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•Tomás Bryl
June 22, 2025
Cycling
The Mucone Valley, surrounded by the forests of the Sila Grande, was for centuries a key part of the so-called transumanza, the seasonal migration of shepherds and their flocks between the warm valleys of Calabria and the cool mountain pastures. In summer, shepherds would travel to the mountains, where the Sila plateau had lower temperatures and higher humidity, providing fresh, lush grass, ideal for grazing. In winter, they would descend to the lower areas by the Ionian Sea, where the milder climate and warmer conditions allowed them to survive the cold winter months.
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•Nearby routes
Best routes near Lake Cecita
4.9
(9)
58
riders
81.9km
05:33
1,310m
1,310m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Hard
4.6
(7)
36
riders
65.8km
04:14
880m
880m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Hard
10
riders
44.0km
03:10
770m
770m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Hard
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,160 m
Weather
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Tuesday 10 March
12°C
-1°C
36 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h
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