Broaden your beach holiday:
unlock the Crocchio Valley, a Calabrian hidden gem
Step off the beaten track and visit waterfalls, gorges, ancient remains, or just breathe the purest air in Europe with a trek through the forest. Kayak the Crocchio or taste the world’s best olive oils in unspoilt villages. The Crocchio Valley with its heart in the ancient city of Cropani has something for everyone.
Excursions
Unearth Calabria: Nature, History & Liquid Gold
Authentic excursions designed to connect you deeply to our land.
Hike
Sersale
Valley Cupe
We start in Sersale, which has existed since 800 AD and connects four Basilian monasteries, one of the most interesting environmental communities in Southern Italy. The Nature Reserve Valli Cupe is a a huge gorge, up to 130 meters high in some places. Streaming through the gorge, the river flows into a wide valley of eroded rocky terrain.
Kayak
Villaggio Carrao
Kayaking on the river Crocchio
We start from Villaggio Carrao (Cropani Marina). The Nature Reserve of the Crocchio’s connecting with the azure Ionian Sea is a natural oases, where we can observe birdlife, including colonies of storks, ducks, and herons. We also see from the river the remains of one of the many observation points along the coast, theTorre del Crocchio, in the local dialect "U Turrazzo,"
Tour
Le Castella
Le Castella
We are visiting a charming seaside village with a historic military background. the Aragonese Fortress, majestic and impressive, a beautiful jewel. Dating back to 400 BC, it protected the area against enemy attacks from the sea. We visit the castle, board the glass-bottomed boat, admiring the rich marine flora and fauna of the Marine Nature Reserve. After our tour, we can enjoy a gastronomic experience in one of the village's restaurants. We finalise with a pleasant stroll through the charming historic center, enjoying many artisanal shops and more.
Hike
Cerva
Al Pastillaro
We drive into the mountains and there we follow ancient paths and secondary roads to ancient walkways used by the communities once living in these woods. During our hike we enjoy a convivial lunch in a splendid Pastillaro. This is our "time machine" to connect with a distant past filled with the simplicity, aromas, and flavours that are still part of the cultural heritage and history of the area. We are one with the stunning nature, enjoying the purest air of Europe at an altitude of 860 meters. The guide's stories provide the backdrop for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Hike
Cerva
Crocchio waterfall
We delve into the heart of the forest typical of this altitude and come into contact with the element of water, present in abundance year-round. This element has allowed the flora to consolidate over time, allowing it to be admired as it appears to visitors today.
Hike
Zagarise
Campanaro waterfall
The Campanaro Waterfall is located in a pristine, wild-looking area, yet it is easily accessible, adjacent to a major and convenient foothill road. The most common impression among visitors is one of disbelief and wonder at how such natural beauty remains intact and harmoniously integrated into a humanised context, as evidenced by the presence of important infrastructure.
Hike
Ciricilla
Ciricilla Valley
We follow a dirt trail, entering the undergrowth of a beautiful beech forest. The hike is moderately challenging given the distance (15 km) and is not technical; the minimal elevation gain does not require specific athletic ability. The experience is suitable for those with only basic physical fitness. It is particularly recommended for those who enjoy gentle walks and nature observation.
Tour
Cropani
Cropani tour
Cropani is known for its historic churches, ecclesiastical art as well as being a center of olive oil production. Tour the churches, the museum of sacred Art as well as the olive oil museum and taste the regional cuisine at a nearby agriturismo.
Hike
Montegabbione
Rupe Waterfall
With two waterfalls totaling 57 meters, the Rupe Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the entire Campanaro stream. At the foot of the first waterfall is a beautiful basin…. We follow the stream downstream, along a path partly carved into the rock. We reach the Salice Waterfall which leads to the water home to the Italian frog. We view small colonies of the Woolly Fern and the Cretan Fern, rare ferns typical of tropical environments and probably relics of ancient populations that are still found in very few areas of southern Italy.
Museum
Casa Ligarò Olive oil museum
Olive oil tasting
Would you like an inside excursion on a hot day? Book an olive oil tasting hosted by two olive oil sommeliers in Cropani’s olive oil museum. Learn why olive oil is so healthy, how to tell what is true olive oil and what is not and how to pair olive oils with foods, why it is the heart of the Mediterranean diet.
Accommodation
Need a place to stay?
From the beach to the moutains we have a variety of places for you to choose from. Just let us know your preferences and your timetable and we’ll try to match your needs.
Suite
Available now
Beachfront suite adjacent to a nature reserve
Stay in a deluxe private one bedroom suite with kitchen with a private patio and garden steps to a pine forest and beach adjacent to a protected park.
Villa
Available now
Villa in Sila
Stay in the mountains breathing the purest air in all of Europe! Averaging 10 degrees cooler than the coast, the forest here is lush and peaceful in the tiny village of Buturo. Less than 20 km from Cropani, in this villa you find true mountain tranquility.
Villa
Available now
Rooms in luxurious countryside villa
Pamper yourself in a very luxurious Villa on the outskirts of Cropani. Featuring a romantic pool in a garden festooned with interesting gazebos , this villa offers a true relaxing experience with Turkish baths, massage rooms, an intimate movie theater with international decor you can truly escape to paradise as you look out over the olive trees to the Ionian Sea! A great place for families, romantic get aways or special events!
Agriturismo
Available now
Rooms at an Agriturismo just outside of town
Only 1.5 km from the heart of Cropani, this farm has 75 acres of olive trees and woods bordering the Crocchio River. Come and relax by the pool, feed the ducks and walk under the olive trees after a sumptuous meal.
Apartments
Available soon
Newly renovated apartments in the heart of Cropani
Stay in the village and walk to start your day with cappuccino and freshly baked cornetto (croissant) . Experience village life as you make your way through the winding alleys of Cropani. Only ten minutes from the sea and twenty minutes of the mountains, this village is full of history from the 900s with seven beautiful churches spanning the ages. Learn why the Cropanese have the reputation of being the most hospitable people in Italy (it has to do with St Mark’s kneecap located in the Cathedral).
Historical trips
Walk through Time
Archaeologic finds in the area point to ancient Greek settlement in the 6th–5th centuries BC (Magna Graecia). In the area around the Crocchio Valley are several Archeological parks. Also National Reserves, both in the mountains and in the coastal area are worth a visit.
Explore
Catanzaro
Scolacium Archaeological Park
Discover the monumental ruins including Calabria’s only Roman amphitheater, Greek ruins and an impressive collection of Roman statues just minutes from the Ionian coast.
Excavate
Crotone
The Sole Remaining Column of the Temple of Hera
A journey through time among the remains of the most important sanctuary of Magna Graecia, featuring the iconic surviving Doric column and the archaeological museum at Capo Colonna Park in Crotone.
Coming soon
What awaits beyond the horizon
At La Chiave Verde, we are always exploring the wonders of Calabria to create and share unforgettable experiences.
Culninary experiences
Calabria is known across the globe for its mouthwatering cuisine. We have put together cooking classes where you can learn everything from how to make your own pasta, to the best way to use “ nduja” , creating your own bergomocello ( a special citrus fruit native to Calabria), to wine tasting with traditional Calabrian grapes. Culinary excursions are organized by season, let us know when you will be in Cropani and we’ll make sure to accommodate your tastebuds!
Activities for parents and kids
Do you want to go on a trek but feel it is too much for the little ones? There are camps in the the mountains and camps at the beach where you can let your youngsters interact with others of a similar age. Or if you prefer, let us know what their interests are and we can design a special package to accomodate all ages. Ziplines, pony rides and even little kayaks can all be arranged. Not to mention, cooking for kids- and junior biodiversity rangers!
More accommodation
2027 will bring a number of newly renovated apartments in the walkable Village of Cropani. Come check out this historic town in all seasons. It has something to offer everyone from historic pageantry, culinary treats, art classes while being minutes to the beach and mountains.
Day trips
Visit the historic city of Crotone only 40 minutes from Cropani with its broad restaurant filled boulevard by the sea, historic castle and museum as well as Pythagoras outdoor park and museum. Or… Climb the hill, only 30 minutes away, to the capitol of Calabria, historic Catanzaro, with its wealth of museums, music venues, theaters and extraordinary restaurants, and exciting boutiques. On your way back down the hill, visit Catanzaro Lido on the sea for the best gelato places in the region!
Where to start
The best experiences are often the ones designed around you. If you'd like to visit La Chiave Verde but aren't sure where to begin, get in touch and tell us what inspires you.
Working with local guides, artisans, farmers, and experts, we can create a personalised itinerary based on your interests, whether you're looking for nature, culture, food, relaxation, adventure, or a little bit of everything. We'll help you discover the authentic side of the region and design an experience that fits your pace, preferences and travel style.
