Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 1. paths of aspromonte. sophie vrignaud. thanks to the guides of the park: aldo rizzo, antonio barca and diego festa.

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 1. paths of aspromonte. sophie vrignaud. thanks to the guides of the park: aldo rizzo, antonio barca and diego festa."

Bruno Harmon
5 years ago
Views:

1 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 1 paths of aspromonte sophie vrignaud thanks to the guides of the park: aldo rizzo, antonio barca and diego festa.

2 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 2 2// national park of aspromonte

3 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 3 // 3 in 1994, the National Park of Aspromonte is one of the youngest European national parks. Situated //Created between the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea, it covers an area just a bit bigger than hectares. The extreme beauty of this park is equal to its history: its name Aspromonte, which means white mountain, comes from the Ionian coast Greek peoples who admired the snow-white mountainous formations of the massif. It is an enormous rock pyramid that reaches metres at Montalto, its highest point: a perfect natural viewpoint by which one can admire the Straits of Messina in all its beauty. It is not easy to cover its paths, although the slopes can appear slight compared to the ones of the Alps. We have chosen, through this guide, to propose six excursions that have been selected by the following criteria: the length of time (one day); the unmissible points of the Park (Pietra Cappa; the Costantine lake, the waterfalls Amendolea-Maesano...); the almost identical level of difficulty; the localisation within the Park: three excursions in the Ionian part and in the Tyrrenian one, to allow the discovery of the extraordinary beauty of the different landscapes and of the natural treasures. But be careful! Most of the proposed paths are not shown because the Aspromonte is still opening itself to tourism. In some cases, therefore you need a good sense of orientation and you have to help yourself with a map. Remember climbing boots are compulsory. To venture on these paths with only sport shoes can be very dangerous. Through the proposed paths that this guide will provide you with and pratical information to make your stay in Aspromonte easier surprises will not be lacking... a Byzantine chapel, the ruins of a castle, an age-old chestnut, worth a detour from the path. There is nothing else to say but have a nice hike!

Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 4 4// summary ionian coast //

Difficulty: E // Natile Vecchio-Pietra Cappa (circular path) Length:

Drop: 150 m Difficulty: E = Touristic (easy).

4 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 4 4// summary ionian coast // Amendolea-Gallicianò 6 (circular path) Length: 6 h Drop: 500 m Difficulty: E // Natile Vecchio-Pietra Cappa (circular path) Length: 6 h Drop: 400 m Difficulty: E 10 // Costantino lake 14 T Length: 5 h Drop: 150 m Difficulty: E = Touristic (easy). E = Escursionistico (easy but a certain level of training is required because of the run of the path).

Drop: 300 m Difficulty: E // Montalto 20 //

5 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 5 // 5 tyrrhenian coast 18// Amendolea/Maesano waterfalls Length: 2h45 Drop: 200 m Difficulty: T (circular path) Length: 4h20 Drop: 300 m Difficulty: E // Montalto 20 // Mundu and Galasia waterfalls ired 24 Length: 3 h Drop: 500 m Difficulty: E

Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 6 6// ionian coast // Amendolea-Gallicianò Through the arid paths of the ionian coast we reach a village, Gallicianò, where the grecanico is still a spoken language.

6 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 6 6// ionian coast // Amendolea-Gallicianò Through the arid paths of the ionian coast we reach a village, Gallicianò, where the grecanico is still a spoken language... To get to Amendolea: on the SS106, when you arrive at Condofuri Marina, make a detour towards San Carlo, then keep on towards Amendolea as far as the farm holidays called Il Bergamotto

7 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 7 // 7 The Amendolea river. 1 Take the path that runs down to the riverbed. Departure/Arrival: Once you reach it, cross the river-bed The farm holidays Il Bergamotto towards the deserted house which is on the in Amendolea. other bank. Drop: About 500 m. 2 Then take the path that goes uphill on the Length: right side of the house. Go round the small 2h30 for the slope, 3h30 for the descent. cement building. Looking up you can make out the rock that you are supposed to reach. On the path, after two pear trees on your right side and a small terrace, turn to the right at the olive tree and take the small rising path. After a few metres turn to the right and pass through the prickly pears. System of signs: None. Map: 1:25 000, n. 615; Bova section + n. 602, section San Lorenzo. Drinking water: Fountain at the end of the slope (on the asphalted Just after the prickly pears path, leave the road just before Gallicianò) main sloping track and cross the olive grove and love fountain at the on your right walking beside the other prickly center of Gallicianò. pears. Keep on your right and go on up to the Reccomendations: rock which is jutting out. Keep climbing to the In some places there is eletric line trellis level which is on the Maradha no sign of path; a strong Mont (463 m). sense of direction is necessary. Wear appropriate shoes for 3 Once reached this level, follow the dug up the several fords and path towards the left. be very careful of the flow of the river. 4 Just a few metres before the end of the track that ends on an asphalted road follow the one that goes towards the houses which you can see on the hill. Follow the track for at least 10 min. and after a bend on the right, leave it and take the rising path on the left towards the houses called /// Suggested period: Spring time (after may) and autumn. What to see: The Rocca del Drago ( The Stronghold of the Dragon ) which is on the confluence of the two ///

Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 8 8// ionian coast /// Le Palazzine. At the end of the path, cross the olive grove and the crops going towards the left to reach a small cement building.

and after a marked bend take the steep uphill path (just before a small cement building). 5 Once you reach the asphaltated road, turn to the right and follow this road until Gallicianò.

8 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 8 8// ionian coast /// Le Palazzine. At the end of the path, cross the olive grove and the crops going towards the left to reach a small cement building. Once you reach it, go beyond it leaving it on your left and then go beside to your left by a fence for about 50 m. where you reach a wide dug up path. Follow it for about 5 min. and after a marked bend take the steep uphill path (just before a small cement building). 5 Once you reach the asphaltated road, turn to the right and follow this road until Gallicianò. 6 For the return take the same road again and at the stoned viewpoint, go down to the left. Following the sloping path, leave the cemetery on your left. On the descent turn to the left at the vineyard. Below: View of the only road that brings to Gallicianò and a specimen of prickly pears that run along the path at times. On the right: The interior of the chapel of Gallicianò in Byzantine style. 4 7 At the end of many hairpin bends, cross the small Oleander wood and follow the course of the river (wading across if necessary) as far as the farm holidays on the left.

Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 9 // 9 5 6 7 /// streams Condofuri and Amendolea that you can make out from the road reaching the farm holiday.

(Byzantine style) and in the immediate vicinity Santa Caterina, San Sebastiano and San Nicola churchs. 4 In Gallicianò: A restored Bizantine style chapel (picture).

9 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 9 // /// streams Condofuri and Amendolea that you can make out from the road reaching the farm holiday. Taking the strong steep sloping road after the farm holiday: the Ruffo castle (XII century), the ruins of the village that surrounds it with the church of the Assunta (Byzantine style) and in the immediate vicinity Santa Caterina, San Sebastiano and San Nicola churchs. 4 In Gallicianò: A restored Bizantine style chapel (picture). To visit it simply ask for Mimmo l artista in the square of the village. 29th august: Saint John day, the saint of the village. 3 Vegetation: Lentisks, euphorbias, acanthus, white and violet cistus, mullein, ferula. 2 1

Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 10 10 // ionian coast // Natile Vecchio -Pietra Cappa Meeting with one of the symbols of the national park, Pietra Cappa.

10 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page // ionian coast // Natile Vecchio -Pietra Cappa Meeting with one of the symbols of the national park, Pietra Cappa. The path allows us to observe it in all its forms... To get to Natile Vecchio: on the SS106 (Taranto direction), right after the exit of Bovalino Marina, go towards Platì (SS 112 direction). After about 10 km, at Natile Nuovo, follow the sign Platì 5 km and take the left just after the first road. After the descent, cross the bridge that passes through the Acone stream and follow the road that rises to Natile Vecchio

11 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 11 // 11 Pietra Cappa (on the left) and the rocks of San Pietro (on the right). 1 From the square, just after the bar, take Departure/Arrival: the small sloping road to the left and follow the The square of Natile Vecchio (do not park on white and red sign. the square which is the About 20 min. after the departure, at the crossroads, only place where the stay on the path following the red and white signs. bus can manoeuvre). Drop: About 400 m. 2 About 1 hour after the departure, on the Length: 6 h. path that goes to Pietra Cappa (a monolith made of stone and sand) it is possible to make a recommended detour to the left to go to the top of San Pietro (the top is accessible) System of signs: Red and white. Map: 1: n. 603, San Luca section. and Pietra Tonda where you can enjoy a wonderful sight of the Ionic coast, of Afrundru tableau and of Pietra Cappa. Later on, go down towards the main path and go on to the slope until you reach a dirt road. 3 Follow it towards the left until you find some wide stairs (on the left) that you must take to reach Pietra Cappa. 4 At about one hundred metres to Pietra Cappa, take the path to the left, leaving out the steps on the right and start the periplus of the rock. 5 After about 40 min., making another detour that takes the path that goes down to the left, it is possible to see the ruins of the Saint George church and to admire an impressive age-old chestnut within the /// Drinking water: At the departure in the square of the village; just before arriving at Pietra Cappa (shortly before point n. 4 on the map), in the picnic area (be careful because there is not always water); making the second detour there is a fountain beside the forest ranger s house; on the return, just before reaching Natile Vecchio. Recommendations: It is suggested not to climb the rock because it is very slippery. Suggested period: The whole year. ///

Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 12 12 // ionian coast /// forest rangers barracks courtyard.

6 Go down and find again the dirt road at the wide steps and follow it descending.

12 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page // ionian coast /// forest rangers barracks courtyard. Later on go back to the crossroads and find again the path which was taken on the way. 6 Go down and find again the dirt road at the wide steps and follow it descending. 7 Passing through the crossroads with the path coming from the San Pietro rocks, keep straight as far as a fountain on the left. Right after, take the paving stones that go down to the right and reach the square of the village. Below: The Indian head rock of Pietra Cappa and the view from Pietra Tonda. On the right: The cave where the Basilian hermits sheltered. 6

Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 13 // 13 7 3 1 /// What to see: Right back the San Pietro rocks you can go down for a few meters and see, after

Making the second detour the Saint George church ruins (byzantin style) and an impressive old-age chestnut which is beside the forest rangers

13 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 13 // /// What to see: Right back the San Pietro rocks you can go down for a few meters and see, after making the first detour, one of the caves (picture) where the Basilian hermits sheltered (oriental monks observing the Saint Basil rule). Making the second detour the Saint George church ruins (byzantin style) and an impressive old-age chestnut which is beside the forest rangers barracks Vegetation: Holm-oaks, heathers, oaks, chestnuts, lentisks, olive trees... Fauna: Wild boar, peregrine (nest on the top of the cliff).

Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 14 14 // ionian coast // Costantino lake The

Even more after going up again the river through a long pebbly path.

14 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page // ionian coast // Costantino lake The presence of a lake in an arid landscape is surprising. Even more after going up again the river through a long pebbly path. To get to San Luca: on the SS106, between Bianco and Bovalino Marina, go towards San Luca (12 km). 1

Because of the plentiful winter and spring rains, almost every year the Bonamico river-bed changes in a spectacular way. The path is therefore almost never the same.

15 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 15 // 15 A view of the Costantine lake from the path that reaches its extremity. 1 The excursion consists of going up the Departure/Arrival: river again as far as the Costantino lake. Because of the plentiful winter and spring rains, almost every year the Bonamico river-bed changes in a spectacular way. The path is therefore almost never the same. In any case, the forest workers take charge of making a path. It is up to you to follow the more visible signs... In 2004 Drop: About 150 m. the path was on the right river bank. Length: 2h30 to go and 2h30 to return. 2 About 2 hours after the departure, you can make out on your left, for those who climb up, a 10 million cubic metres big landslide (picture) that is the origin of the creation /// The retaining wall of the Bonamico river bed that one reaches taking the road that goes down towards the river where it is possible to leave your car. System of signs: Red-white-red only at the departure, on the wall and between points n. 3 and 4 of the map. Map: 1: n. 603, San Luca section. Drinking water: Just a bit before reaching the lake on the right river bank you can find a spring on a Alder grove (picture on the next page) which may disappear in the case of too strong rains. Suggested period: Avoid hot periods because the area is not shady and the flood season when the snow thaws. ///

Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 16 16 // ionian coast /// of the lake in 1973. It still takes about half an hour of walking to get to the lake.

Another half an hour to get to the beach where it is possible to have a swim. 4 To return take the same path you used on the way.

16 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page // ionian coast /// of the lake in It still takes about half an hour of walking to get to the lake. 3 It is possibile to get to the other side of the lake following the path that is on the left, at the level of the small bridge. Another half an hour to get to the beach where it is possible to have a swim. 4 To return take the same path you used on the way. The Constantine lake, a small natural barrage lake, placed in the middle of the Bonamico river, unfortunately doomed to die in the next decades because of the heap of rubble on its bottom.

Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 17 // 17 What

Vegetation: Oleanders, Holm-oak, chestnuts,

17 Projet2VGB 7/08/05 19:24 Page 17 // 17 What to see: In San Luca: the house where the writer Corrado Alvaro was born, beside the Mother Church. Vegetation: Oleanders, Holm-oak, chestnuts, heathers, arbutus. Fauna: Fario and Iridea trouts, tenches and chubs

Positano the best walks

Positano the best walks Walking behind the scenes of the world s most beautiful resort town including the complete Sentiero degli Dei TRIP NOTES 2018 Genius Loci Travel, 2018. All rights reserved. INTRODUCTION