Canyon Valli Cupe

We are in the province of Catanzaro, in the municipality of Sersale: the Canyon Valli Cupe...

The "dark" side of the southern Apennines is in reality a play of contrasts and colours such as we rarely find in the rest of the Apennines. Mountainous Calabria is a treasure chest of surprises and unexpected treasures.

We are in the province of Catanzaro, in the municipality of Sersale: the Canyon Valli Cupe is reached by a dirt road that follows the line of the "badland" ridges typical of the hills of southern Calabria.

The route that winds through this special nature site goes about a hundred metres deep into the valley. You go down by steps and a very well kept path.

Along the way there are signs naming the main plant species of the area. There is no shortage, however, of animal species: the newt, the frog, the buzzard, the kestrel.

At the bottom of the valley the signs lead towards the Canyon, where the sight of the sheer walls is truly impressive. All the more impressive when you think that the walls are made of dusty, crumbly sandstone.

The feeling of imminent rockfalls is constant, but the sight is truly imposing.

The return is harder because the path goes uphill, but along the way you can rest on the many wooden benches.

The route, in the shade, winds among the trees and is accessible to children too, while still being demanding.