Where Monte Poro is located and why it is called that

Monte Poro is a plateau in Calabria rising on the Tyrrhenian side of the province of Vibo Valentia, between the Angitola, Mesima and Serre areas. The highest point of the massif reaches 710 metres above sea level, in the municipality of Joppolo: a modest altitude that ensures a mild climate throughout the year and rich, varied vegetation. The name “Poro” derives from the Greek word pòros, meaning “passage”: since ancient times, the plateau represented a natural route between the Tyrrhenian coast and the Calabrian hinterland. From its summit, the view stretches across the Coast of the Gods, the Aeolian Islands, the Strait of Messina and the Gioia Tauro Plain.
Capovaticano Resort enjoys a strategic position right at the foot of Monte Poro, along the coastal area of the promontory.

What to visit on Monte Poro: villages, nature and rock settlements

The Monte Poro plateau extends across the territories of nine municipalities: Joppolo, Spilinga, Zungri, Rombiolo, Filandari, Tropea, Ricadi, Nicotera and Limbadi. Each has unique features that make the area an ideal destination for those who wish to discover authentic Calabria beyond its beaches. In Zungri, the Sbariati Rock Settlement is a complex of dwellings carved into the rock dating back to the Middle Ages, and is one of the most fascinating rock sites in the Mediterranean. In Nicotera, Ruffo Castle and the panoramic viewpoints over the Costa Viola are well worth a visit. In Spilinga, a village closely linked to the tradition of ’nduja, visitors can experience the agro-pastoral culture of the Poro area. The territory also preserves traces of the presence of Basilian monks, who found refuge in the caves and inland hills during the Middle Ages.

Monte Poro Pecorino, ’nduja and the flavours of the plateau

Monte Poro is an area strongly rooted in agro-pastoral traditions, with typical products that represent the excellence of Calabrian gastronomy. The undisputed star is Pecorino del Monte Poro DOP, a cheese made from raw whole sheep’s milk, obtained from two daily milkings with the addition of kid or lamb rennet, and available fresh, semi-aged or aged. Alongside pecorino is ’nduja from Spilinga, the famous spicy spreadable salami and a symbol of Calabrian cuisine, perfect on bruschetta or as an ingredient to add flavour to pasta dishes. Completing the selection is the Tropea Calabria IGP Red Onion, known for its unmistakable sweetness. The Poro area also hosts the annual Pecorino del Monte Poro festival, held in the pine forest covering the plateau. The Mantineo Restaurant at Capovaticano Resort highlights these local products in its menus.

Panoramic trekking on Monte Poro: the sea-to-mountain trail

The panoramic trekking route on Monte Poro follows the “Sentiero del Bosco”, a trail of almost 10 km that starts from the seafront in Joppolo and climbs the mountainside through a Mediterranean forest of maritime pines. The elevation gain is around 700 metres, from the marina of Coccorino to the summit: the ascent can be challenging in places, but it rewards hikers with views over both the coast and the hinterland. The route passes through small, almost uninhabited hamlets such as Caroniti, offering a glimpse of rural Calabria. At the top, the Sanctuary of Madonna del Carmelo welcomes visitors: the sanctuary is an important pilgrimage site and hosts summer celebrations. The route is ideal for those looking for a trekking experience that combines sea and mountains in a single day.

Excursion to Monte Poro with Capovaticano Resort

From Capovaticano Resort, it is possible to organise an excursion to Monte Poro independently or with the support of the staff. By car, the plateau can be reached in around 20–30 minutes via the road that climbs from Ricadi towards Spilinga and Joppolo. The itinerary makes it possible to combine a visit to the inland villages with a stop at the beaches of the Coast of the Gods on the way back. For those who prefer trekking, the Sentiero del Bosco from Joppolo is the most panoramic option. The resort staff can suggest personalised itineraries including food and wine stops, visits to the rock settlements of Zungri and walks through the villages of the Poro area. Write to info@capovaticanoresort.it for more information and to book the excursion.

Departure: Tropea/Ricadi Station
Arrival: Joppolo Station
Time depending on train schedules – in the morning

Route: Joppolo – Monte Poro – Coccorino

Features:
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 4–5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +550 / -550 m
Difficulty: EE (medium-challenging)

Experience:
Historic paths and mule tracks
Olive groves, orange groves, Tropea red onion
Pine and chestnut woods and Mediterranean scrub
Views over the Aeolian Islands, the Gulf of Gioia Tauro and Lamezia

Mandatory equipment:
Trekking or closed shoes, water

Recommended:
Walking poles, hat, sunscreen

Lunch break:
Independent or tasting on request

Price: €55 per person