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Great place to stop and eat

Beautiful view from below of the village from the cycle path

The best time to visit Saracena is in spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is mild, perfect for hiking and cycling around the area – temperatures are usually between 15-25°C. The landscape is at its most beautiful then – in spring, olive groves and fruit trees bloom, in autumn the area takes on warm colours and the grape harvest begins. In winter, it can be cold and rainy, and there can be snow in the mountains around Saracena, making it difficult to move around. Summer, on the other hand, can be hot (even well over 30°C), which can make longer cycling trips or sightseeing difficult.

The cuisine of Saracena clearly shows traces of Arab influence. Local ingredients include almonds, figs, cinnamon, anise, dried grapes and honey. An example is the traditional cannariculi cake, fried in olive oil and seasoned with cloves and citrus peel.

Here Moscato di Saracena is made - a wine that was included in the list of traditional products of the Calabria region in 2010. It is made in small batches according to a local technique that combines the fermentation of fresh must (from the Guarnaccia and Malvasia varieties) with the addition of dried grapes (Moscatello di Saracena and Addoraca). This process has no equivalent in other regions of Italy. The grapes are dried traditionally on mats or grills. The entire production is done by hand, without industrial techniques. The wine has an intense aroma of dried apricots, spices and honey.

Saracena is a mountain town in northern Calabria, located at an altitude of about 600 m above sea level, in the province of Cosenza, at the foot of the Pollino massif. The name of the town comes from the Saracens - Arab settlers who came to Calabria in the 9th century. The town is built in the "kasbah" system - dense development, narrow streets, irregular plan, houses placed wall to wall. This is a structure characteristic of Islamic cities, adapted to climatic and defensive conditions.

In the heart of the Pollino National Park, in one of the most authentic areas of Calabria, lies Baita Malieni, a small refuge nestled among the woods and uncontaminated views of the Contrada Cultura, in the territory of San Donato di Ninea. This peaceful corner is ideal for those who love to immerse themselves in the wildest and most genuine nature. The simple and welcoming hut is perfect as a stopover or base for exploring the many hiking trails that wind through the area. From here, itineraries start that go through beech forests, water sources and panoramic points overlooking the Esaro valley. If you love authentic places, far from mass tourism, Baita Malieni is one of those hidden gems to mark in red on the map. A true oasis for those seeking nature, tranquility and a deep contact with the Calabrian territory. Baita Malieni is also the ideal place to recharge your e-Bike and earn DINAclub points. Find out how at https://dinaclub.repower.com/ To discover the territory, an itinerary ready to pedal: https://www.komoot.com/it-it/tour/2282302595?share_token=aj5Hs7Ei4si5ng4oMZjwF8Mz3i7oB3MEZmccOfPeLzgbwAbSfs&ref=wtd

It can be seen by passing by on the cycle path