Discovering Aspromonte

#ThisIsAspromonte Blog Tour (April 5-7, 2019)

When Luigina La Rizza contacted me about her idea for a blog tour in Aspromonte and her interest in having me participate, I was ecstatic. Luigina, together with the young men of Associazione Boschetto Fiorito, put together an unforgettable weekend that I am so grateful to have been part of.

You see, there was a chance that I wasn’t going to be able to go on this tour. But I believe in fate. I believe that when something is meant to happen, it does. I was meant to have this experience. And, it couldn’t have happened at a better time in my life.

If you know anything about me and my blog, you know that I LOVE Calabria. It is the birthplace of my father and the place my body and soul call “home”!

Calabria has so many beautiful places that are just dying to be discovered. After 9 years of living in Calabria there are still so many places I want to explore. So, when an opportunity like this comes up, you can’t help but get excited. Especially because I had never really been to the Aspromonte region, apart from an unplanned quick afternoon stop in Gerace years ago.

antonimina aspromonte

Antonimina: Hamlet Immersed in the Aspromonte Mountains

Antonimina is a small hamlet with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Surrounding the town are the glorious Aspromonte Mountains, but there is one in particularly that instantly captures your attention. Overlooking the town that spills down the slopes of the Aspromonte is Mont San Pietro, which is more commonly known as “Tre Pizzi”. It was that mountain we came to climb, and just at first glance it promised to be an adventure!

asprmonte tre pizzi — Fog covering the mountains, but the next day it cleared up!

Our entourage arrived and we were warmly welcomed by the incredible group of young Calabresi that make up the Associazione “Boschetto Fiorito”. You could see instantly how excited they were to share their love for their territory, traditions and home and I was just as eager to experience it and learn something new from them.

We stayed in an Albergo Diffuso tucked into one of the small narrow streets of the town. “Albergo Diffuso” would translate to mean something along the lines of “scattered hotel” and it sort of is. The association has made available various homes throughout the town for accommodations. It not only makes the town more accessible, but it also gives you a truly unique experience of what it’s like to live in this hamlet. From the morning rooster letting the town know its time to get the day started, to the locals greeting you with a “buon giorno” or “salve” and a friendly smile.

Antonimina

Once we got out things settled, we were taken on a tour of the town. It was a bit foggy and rainy, but that just added to the magical feel of this town. I love old towns with their small narrow streets liking one area to another in an almost labyrinth like way and Antonimina didn’t disappoint.

As we made our way through the town, we encountered many locals and were told fond stories of the people and places of the town.

We learned so much about this town.

From its interesting architectural elements.

Oven built on exterior part of the house.

To its well-cured corners.

We met the lovely Signora Annamaria Raco, who is passionately continuing antique weaving traditions with the hopes that it will inspire others to want to continue this tradition.

Antonimina

We finished the tour with dinner at Do’ Priuri, once an oil mill and still has elements of its original structure. Here we were presented with an array of incredibly delicious local products and dishes. This restaurant is the definition of “home-style” cooking, here you eat as the locals do, and “si mangia bene” ..actually “benissimo”!

After dinner, we were entertained by a talented group of musicians, both young and old. It was moving to see how the older generations interact with the younger generation, passing on a tradition that in many places has completely died out. For me, these moments are the most special and most touching to see. The traditions of my ancestors is part of the foundation of who I am, and to see it lost is a great tragedy, but when you come in contact with people who take great pride in continuing the tradition, you are reaffirmed on just how important it is.

We had an extra special treat when Signor Peppino sang for us a traditional shepherd song accompanied by one of his young pupils playing the zampogna, an ancient musical instrument often played by shepherds during their long trips in the mountains.

Summiting Monte Tre Pizzi

The next morning, we gathered in the town square and eyed the mountaintop we were going to summit. The guys of Boschetto Fiorito were going to take us along the paths that they revived and maintained that were once used by local shepherds. This path would eventually meet up with Path 213 of the Aspromonte National Park.

We made our way through the town and down into the fields below and towards the base of the forest.

The hike to the top of Monte Tre Pizzi brings on some challenges. You come across different terrains and therefore need to adjust your stepping as needed. But, it isn’t impossible especially because you can’t help but stop every so often to admire the incredible view around you.

I was so pumped and excited for this hike, that it didn’t weigh on me physically at all. I had a huge smile on my face the whole way up and couldn’t wait to get to the very top.

And we got there, and the view was probably one of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen!

Having made it through the first half of the trek, it was only fitting to stop and have something to eat. We feasted on local cheeses, sopressata, salsiccia, crusty bread and homemade crostata! (No pics, I was so hungry I forgot to take them! haha)

Now it was time to make our way down the mountain and back to the village. But, first, for those up for the challenge, we were taken up even further on a rocky cliff to get another impressive view.

The winding path down lead us to a grotto called “Grotto Muto” which once upon a time provided shelter from bad weather for the shepherds that were out in the mountains with their herds. We passed farm land and made our way back into town stopping in at a local bar for a drink.

I’ve hiked before, but this was different. I experienced new terrain and new heights hiking up to almost 700 meters above sea level. It was definitely a powerful and energizing experience that I won’t soon forget.

Canolo Vecchio & Nuovo

The next day we bid farewell to Antonimina and made our way to Canolo Vecchio. The town, situated between two canyons, seems to grow out of the rocks. Mount Mutolo dominates over the town and thanks to its interesting form and peaks, has been nicknamed the “Dolomites of the South”.

We made our way to one of the peaks of Mount Mutolo and were gifted with another incredible view. We stopped and admired the seemingly infinite expanse before us.

Our next and final stop was Canolo Nuovo. Given the ustable and dangerous position of Canolo Vecchio, many residents moved away and as a result Canolo Nuovo was formed.

Our first stop was the Panificio Pane Amore e Fantasia and upon entering we were given fresh out of the oven pizza. The pizza dough was made with a dark flour locally called “jermano” which is a type of rye.

This flour goes back generations and plays an important role in the town. In fact, the town had six communal ovens that were used to bake bread asking only a small fee. The ovens had been closed down but one in particular was reopened and has become an important symbol for this town.

Canolo

At lunch, we were guests of Laura Multari and her husband Antonello Stilo. Together they run the Azienda Agricola Sapori Antichi d’Aspromonte. They spoiled us with a delicious array of their products, all km zero and so full of flavour. I also tried Jermana, a handcrafted beer from a small brewery in nearby Siderno.

As we enjoyed the lovely meal presented before us, Laura shared her personal story of how she left Calabria only to return again because she felt something was missing. It seems her destiny was to return to Calabria, meet her now husband and bring to life this incredible project. Her energetic and passionate character is magnetic and she draws you in with her bubbly personality and the true love for what she does.

As I looked at everyone sitting around this long table, I thought to myself, this is Calabria! The idea that you can meet new people and instantly feel at home, like you are surrounded by long-time friends, that’s what it means to experience Calabria.

For more pics from my weekend in Aspromonte, visit the Calabrisella Mia Facebook page!

Thank You!

This blog tour was one of the most incredible and fulfilling experiences I’ve had since moving to Italy. This excursion came at an important time in my life and I’m thankful to have had the chance to do it and be in the company of amazing and inspiring people like Aneta Ozonek of Hello Calabria.

Special thanks to Luigina La Rizza of Penna in Viaggio and the Associazione Boschetto Fioritowho organized this incredible weekend.

Lillo Aloi of Col Tuo Tempofor sharing your knowledge of the area and spreading your deep passion for it!

To end this post, tere is a video created by Francesco Cristiano that beautifully sums up the weekend and Aspromonte. I highly recommend a visit to this region when visiting Calabria!

This post is part of the #DolceVitaBloggers Linkup hosted by Jasmine, Kelly and Kristie the 3rd Sunday of every month. Check out my previous #DolceVitaBloggers blog posts here.

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LuLu

Originally from Toronto but currently living in Calabria, blogging about my life and love for all things Italian!

Erica )The Prepping Wife)
January 14, 2020 at 11:31 am

One of my favorite aspects of this post is seeing the traditions passed on through the generations! That is something that I think has been lost somewhere along the way, and many people don’t take traditions as seriously as they once did. I love seeing that embraced.
1. LuLu
  January 17, 2020 at 8:47 am
  
  I agree, Erica! There are so many traditions and languages that are being lost and I really think it’s so important to maintain them. It’s been great seeing the younger generations wanting to take these traditions and bring them back to life!
Sonia Seivwright
January 13, 2020 at 10:12 pm

I like the structure of this post. Photos are detailed! I mean, check out the views!! The views are amazing!
1. LuLu
  January 17, 2020 at 8:46 am
  
  The views are breathtaking! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Subhashish Roy
January 13, 2020 at 9:26 am

I love so much about this place and hike to the top of Monte Tre Pizzi. The narrow streets, the lovely architecture, the history and the views from the top. This surely would be an amazing trip.
1. LuLu
  January 17, 2020 at 8:46 am
  
  Thanks, Roy! This hike was without a doubt a wonderful experience – beautiful views, great guides and just an overall wonderful group of people! 🙂 I hope to do more like this in the Aspromonte mountains as well as the other National Parks in Sila!
Lindsay Brown
January 12, 2020 at 9:08 pm

After reading this post and looking at your amazing photos it feels like I experienced this adventure right along side you! Calabria seems magical and like an experience of a lifetime. I love how you included the traditions and stories of the local people, as there is so much we can learn from other cultures and histories. Beautiful article, thank you for sharing!
1. LuLu
  January 17, 2020 at 8:45 am
  
  Thank you, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post. It was definitely a wonderful experience.
Alexandra
January 12, 2020 at 8:28 pm

Haha, it looks amazing, though I had no idea what country it was until the very end. However, by then I couldn’t stand not knowing and so I copied one of the towns or cities you mentioned into my browser to see that it was Italy! I guess if you live in the United States, you aren’t as familiar with towns as if you live in Europe. In any case, it really looked amazing! I love the culture and history and especially the hiking and mountains!
Aryanne Padilha
January 12, 2020 at 5:08 am

The views are so beautiful! I love a good hiking spot, this sounds like the perfect day! Beautiful photos too!!
Kelly Martin
January 11, 2020 at 5:52 am

I love your photos Lulu. Everything is so green and pretty. It would be amazing to go hiking there.
1. LuLu
  January 11, 2020 at 9:43 am
  
  Thanks, Kelly! I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to do more hikes in the Aspromonte mountains as well as the other National Parks in Calabria.
2. Alexandra
  January 12, 2020 at 8:29 pm
  
  Yes, I agree. The hiking seems to be the best!
Scott DeNicola
January 10, 2020 at 11:24 pm

What a once in a lifetime hike to the top of Monte Tre Pizzi. I love everything about this post. The quaint narrow streets, stories from the locals, the history and of course the views from the top. I need to reserach a bit more of my relatives from Calabria.
1. LuLu
  January 11, 2020 at 9:41 am
  
  It was an unforgettable experience! I have always enjoyed hiking but never had the chance to do it here. After this excursion in Aspromonte, I plan to do more tours like this! Calabria is a region that has so much to give its visitors – sea, mountains, food, authentic experiences and such a welcoming feeling. I felt like I was spending the weekend with longtime friends!
Dreams Abroad
January 10, 2020 at 5:31 pm

We are going to have to put this on our bucket list at Dreams Abroad. It seems that Aspromonte is kinda untouched by the big world of travelers. How was your room there?
1. LuLu
  January 11, 2020 at 9:36 am
  
  I’m so eager to discover more in this region, it really is an area of Calabria that is relatively untouched but bursting with beautiful hike trails, mountain views, and pristine nature. There are also some really great guides that are truly Aspromonte experts! The rooms were great, they have retaken old abandoned homes and transformed them into rooms for guests. They are quaint and rustic – which just adds to the experience! When you plan to come to Calabria, let me know! 🙂
kara
January 10, 2020 at 4:06 pm

Such a beautiful country side. I love the ancient architecture and the red tiled roofs!
Michelle Kellogg
June 14, 2019 at 11:51 am

The view of the mountains is beautiful! Those building look so old but are amazing! I love old buildings! The fact that they have lasted this long I find that truly something!
1. Matthew Justin
  March 29, 2021 at 2:08 pm
  
  Amazing hike. I wish we had places as nice as that here. I love your photos, great post.
  1. LuLu
    March 30, 2021 at 6:18 am
    
    I really enjoyed hiking these mountains! There are many more trails I really want to check out once we can move around more freely. Where do you live exactly? I’m sure there are some beautiful natural places around you too. 🙂
Brianne Manz
June 11, 2019 at 5:14 pm

Loving all of your pictures in this post. The ones of the town just made me think how neat it had to be to be able to walk down those streets.
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2019 at 5:06 pm
  
  There are many villages like that, including my dad’s village. And even after all these years I still imagine what it must have been like to grow up in these places!
Valerie H Hansen
June 11, 2019 at 3:19 pm

Looks like a lovely place for a trip to Italy..I would love to go, thanks for sharing…

Valerie
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2019 at 5:05 pm
  
  Thanks, Calabria is a great region in Italy, it’s always an adventure since it’s not overflowing with tourists! 🙂 You get a real authentic Italian experience that way!
Carolyn
June 11, 2019 at 2:37 pm

So glad you were able to do this! This tour looks like a great experience and now I want to discover this place too!
1. LuLu
  June 21, 2019 at 5:04 pm
  
  Thanks so much! I was so happy I was able to take part! It was an experience that I will never forget! 🙂
Kelly
June 4, 2019 at 8:05 am

Ciao Lulu! Thank you so much for sharing some of your soul’s home with us!!! I’m so glad that fate worked out and you were able to go on the trip. Calabria is a region that I would love to discover someday. Anywhere with a morning rooster and narrow streets is my kind of place! And those views!!! Breathtaking! I absolutely love hiking. It is so nice to see that they are continuing on many of the local traditions. I love that so much! <3
1. LuLu
  June 9, 2019 at 7:53 am
  
  I totally agree! It was a wonderful experience and I hope to do more in the future! 🙂
Kristie Prada
June 1, 2019 at 7:57 pm

Ciao Lulu! What a fascinating area! I didn’t know anything about it but I love these authentic mountain villages where nothing has changed. People are so warm and generous, aren’t they? What a view as well! Thank you for sharing another great part of Italy xx
1. LuLu
  June 9, 2019 at 7:52 am
  
  Thanks! It was a great experience! 🙂
Jasmine
May 29, 2019 at 10:04 pm

LuLu, oh my goodness this looks absolutely amazing and just so, so authentic. I had never heard of any of the places you’ve mentioned and I think this just affirms the fact that I NEED to visit Calabria. It’s like another world compared to where I am! Thanks for joining us again and sharing the Italy love. I’m sure many future tourists to Calabria will find your post extremely useful! Love, Jasmine (questadolcevita.com). #DolceVitaBloggers
1. LuLu
  May 31, 2019 at 12:10 pm
  
  Thanks bella! It’s good to be back!! I think this is a great way to share a region that is often overlooked but so incredibly beautiful! 🙂 Can’t wait for you to visit us!!!
Abbie
May 24, 2019 at 3:26 pm

Looks like an area I need to check out! Thanks for sharing Lulu!!
1. LuLu
  May 26, 2019 at 8:10 am
  
  It’s a spectacular area, especially if you like hiking! 🙂 Worth checking out for sure!
Lucy and Kelly
May 23, 2019 at 6:06 pm

This looks and sounds like such a fantastic weekend!! All of the photos are making us miss Italy even more…we’ve only just been and we need to go back like now!! Glad you had such a lovely time!
Lucy and Kelly
theblossomtwins.com
1. LuLu
  May 26, 2019 at 8:12 am
  
  I can imagine how you feel, after that weekend all I want to do is travel and explore more of this incredible region! Sending you both a big bacione!
2. Cristina
  May 28, 2019 at 4:33 am
  
  What a beautiful hike and experience! Ciao, Cristina
  1. LuLu
    May 31, 2019 at 12:11 pm
    
    Grazie Cristina! 🙂
Image Earth Travel
May 17, 2019 at 11:37 am

Looks like a great hike and one that I’d love to do…
We weren’t far from the mountains last week as in the city of Reggio Calabria exploring.
1. LuLu
  May 23, 2019 at 9:45 am
  
  It’s a great area to hike! If you decide to go, I’ll come with! 🙂