Sila: Italy's Great Forest of Wild Nature and Crystal Lakes

In the heart of Calabria lies a natural treasure of extraordinary beauty: Sila, known as Italy's Great Forest. This magnificent mountain plateau, rising between 1,200 and 1,928 meters altitude, represents one of the most precious and pristine ecosystems of Southern Italy, where nature reigns supreme among ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes and endless meadows.

Sila is not just a destination for nature lovers, but a true refuge for the soul, where time seems to have stopped and where you can rediscover authentic contact with the natural environment. From the imposing Calabrian black pine forests to the evocative beech woods, from verdant pastures to artificial lakes reflecting the sky, every corner of this territory tells an ancient story of coexistence between man and nature.

Sila National Park: a heritage of biodiversity

Established in 1997, Sila National Park extends over approximately 73,695 hectares across the provinces of Cosenza, Catanzaro and Crotone, protecting one of Italy's most important naturalistic heritages. This extraordinary territory is traditionally divided into three main areas: Sila Greca to the north, Sila Grande in the center and Sila Piccola to the south.

The park's biodiversity is exceptional: over 1,500 plant species, many of which are endemic, and rich fauna including the Apennine wolf, wild boar, roe deer, Calabrian black squirrel and numerous bird of prey species. The Sila forests represent one of the last examples of Mediterranean primary forest, where majestic Calabrian black pines, some of which are ancient, stand as silent sentinels of time.

Sila's unique flora

The undisputed symbol of Sila is the Calabrian black pine (Pinus nigra calabrica), an endemic subspecies that can reach impressive heights and live over a thousand years. These green giants, together with beeches, silver firs and chestnuts, create a forest mosaic of rare beauty. In spring and summer months, meadows are colored with wild orchids, daffodils and a myriad of flowers that transform the plateau into a natural garden.

Sila lakes: water mirrors among the mountains

One of Sila's most fascinating aspects are its artificial lakes, created during the 20th century for hydroelectric power production but which have become characteristic landscape elements over time. Lake Cecita, the largest on the plateau at 1,278 meters altitude, offers breathtaking scenery surrounded by dense pine forests reflected in crystal-clear waters.

Lake Arvo, located at 1,278 meters elevation, is perfect for recreational activities and water sports during summer months. Its shores, dotted with small sandy beaches, become an ideal destination for picnics and relaxing moments immersed in nature. Lake Ampollino, smaller but no less evocative, is surrounded by coniferous woods and offers an intimate and sheltered setting.

Activities on Sila lakes

• Sport fishing: the lakes are populated by trout, carp and perch
• Canoe and kayak: to explore the most hidden inlets
• Birdwatching: numerous species of aquatic and migratory birds
• Nature photography: spectacular panoramas in every season
• Trekking along the shores and surrounding trails

Trekking and trails: discovering the Great Forest

Sila offers an extensive network of hiking trails that allow you to explore every corner of this natural paradise. From simpler routes suitable for families to more challenging itineraries for experienced hikers, there's always a perfect trail for every level of preparation.

The Brigand Trail is one of the most fascinating itineraries, retracing the ancient routes used by Calabrian brigands in the 19th century, crossing centuries-old woods and offering spectacular panoramas of the plateau. The route, well-marked and of medium difficulty, allows you to immerse yourself in Sila's history and nature.

The best hiking itineraries

Fossiata Trail: a loop route of about 7 km that crosses one of Sila's most beautiful beech forests, particularly spectacular in autumn when leaves turn golden and reddish colors. The trail is easily walkable and suitable for children too.

Giants of Fallistro Loop: an itinerary leading to the discovery of the Sila Giants, centuries-old black pines of exceptional size. Some of these trees exceed 40 meters in height and are over 500 years old, living witnesses to these mountains' ancient history.

"Walking among the Giants of Fallistro is a mystical experience: these monumental trees tell stories of centuries, resisting time and elements with their majestic presence."

Sila villages: authentic traditions and flavors

Sila is not only pristine nature, but also guardian of ancient traditions and characteristic villages where time seems to have stopped. Camigliatello Silano is the plateau's most important tourist center, a welcoming mountain village that transforms into a small ski resort in winter and becomes the ideal starting point for excursions and outdoor activities in summer.

San Giovanni in Fiore, Sila's most populous center, preserves a historical and cultural heritage of great value, with its Florensian abbey founded by Joachim of Fiore in the 12th century. The village offers a perfect example of Calabrian mountain architecture, with its local stone houses and characteristic tile roofs.

Sila gastronomy: mountain flavors

Sila cuisine reflects the region's mountain soul, with rich and hearty dishes prepared with local ingredients of the highest quality:

• Porcini mushrooms: collected in Sila woods, they are protagonists of numerous recipes
• Sila potatoes IGP: cultivated on the plateau, they have unique organoleptic characteristics
• Sila sausage: traditional sausage from local beef and pork
• Alpine cheeses: caciocavallo, pecorino and ricotta produced by local shepherds
• Chestnuts and marrons: base of traditional sweets and liqueurs

Sila in every season: an ever-changing territory

One of Sila's most fascinating characteristics is its ability to reinvent itself in every season, always offering new opportunities for discovery and wonder. Spring transforms the plateau into a flowering garden, with broom that colors the slopes yellow and daffodils that dot the meadows with white.

Sila summer is a natural refuge from Southern Italy's heat: cool temperatures, swimmable lakes and shady woods offer an ideal climate for hiking, mountain biking and outdoor relaxation. Long summer days allow you to fully enjoy the natural beauties, from lake sunsets to starry nights far from light pollution.

Autumn is perhaps the most spectacular season: foliage transforms the woods into a palette of warm colors, from golden yellow to intense red, creating scenery of rare beauty. It's the perfect period for mushroom picking and tasting the genuine flavors of mountain tradition.

Winter gives Sila a fairytale appearance: snow whitens forests and lakes, creating a Nordic landscape in the heart of the Mediterranean. The ski slopes of Camigliatello and Lorica allow winter sports practice, while snowshoes open infinite exploration possibilities in the muffled silence of the snowy mountain.

How to reach and where to stay in Sila

Sila is easily reachable both by car and public transport. By car, the A2 Mediterranean highway connects the territory with the rest of Italy: the Cosenza Nord exit is most convenient for reaching Camigliatello Silano and Sila Grande, while from Catanzaro you can easily access Sila Piccola.

For those who prefer trains, Cosenza and Catanzaro stations are well connected with major Italian cities, from where bus connections depart for Sila centers. During summer season, tourist transport services are active connecting the plateau's main points of interest.

Accommodation facilities and services

Sila's accommodation offer has significantly developed in recent years, while maintaining a familiar and authentic character. From modern hotels to welcoming mountain guesthouses, from farm stays immersed in woods to hiking refuges, every traveler can find the most suitable accommodation for their needs.

Many facilities also offer specialized services such as mountain bike rental, hiking guides, orientation courses and family activities, making Sila a perfect destination for every type of mountain vacation.

Sila represents a unique experience in the Italian tourist panorama: a territory where pristine nature merges with ancient traditions, where every trail tells a story and every panorama leaves a mark in the visitor's heart. Come discover Italy's Great Forest, where the green of forests reflects in the blue of lakes and where the pure mountain air regenerates body and spirit in an unforgettable natural embrace.