The Calabria plateau offers a mountain landscape far removed from the classic image of endless sandy beaches. Ranging between 1200 and 1900 metres in altitude, the Parco Nazionale della Sila unfolds across dense woodlands and artificial lakes that blend seamlessly into the environment. In summer, temperatures remain pleasantly cool, hovering between 18°C and 24°C, making this the ideal retreat from the heat to enjoy some trekking. In winter, the area equips itself for skiing and snowshoeing, with a season that generally runs from late December to early March depending on snowfall.
To move comfortably between the different slopes, from Sila Grande to Sila Crotonese, a car is an absolute necessity. Public transport is limited and connects only the main towns, with timetables that rarely fit a packed schedule of nature stops. With a car at your disposal, you can easily reach trailheads and the thermal bath resorts down in the valleys, planning your days around the geographic proximity of each site.
Four days in the Calabrian wilderness
Day 1 — Spezzano della Sila and Camigliatello
Morning
Your first day begins around Spezzano della Sila with a walk at Lago Cecita e Centro Visite Cupone. This park visitor centre features educational trails, a botanical garden, and wildlife enclosures where you can spot wolves and deer; it is well worth spending 2-3 hours here in the morning to explore at a leisurely pace. A short distance away lies the [Riserva Naturale Statale I Giganti della Sila](booking-tour), in the locality of Croce di Magara. This is an ancient woodland protected by the FAI, home to centuries-old Calabrian pines reaching heights of up to 45 metres. The visit takes around an hour, but during the summer or at weekends it is best to book your ticket online in advance to avoid long waits.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head towards Camigliatello Silano, in the locality of Tasso, to catch the [Impianti di Risalita ARSAC Camigliatello Silano (Monte Curcio)](booking-tour). Running both in winter for downhill skiing and in summer for hikers, this cable car takes you up to 1786 metres on Monte Curcio. From the top, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views across the lakes below and over much of the Sila plateau, making it a great starting point for high-altitude walks.
Evening
For dinner, stay in the Camigliatello Silano area and head to Agriturismo Fattoria Biò in Contrada S. Maria Lagarò. This organic farm is renowned for celebrating local Sila produce, serving typical cheeses, cured meats from the native Calabrian black pig, homemade pasta, and traditional patate 'mpacchiuse.
Day 2 — The vistas of Lago Arvo and Lorica
Morning
The second day focuses on the Lorica side of the park and requires a bit of physical effort. Tackle the Trekking Colli Perilli, an E-grade hiking trail that covers around 10 kilometres return and takes 4-5 hours to complete. The route leads to one of the widest 360-degree viewpoints in the region, looking out over the waters of Lago Arvo and the main mountain peaks of the Sila.
Afternoon
After your descent, the afternoon continues on the shores of Lago Arvo, a mountain reservoir fringed with coniferous forests. Here you can rent canoes, take a trip on an electric boat, or simply enjoy a relaxing stroll along the water's edge. Afterwards, hop on the [Impianti Sciistici e Cabinovia Lorica - Monte Botte Donato](booking-tour) to ascend to 1928 metres, the highest peak in Sila Grande, used in winter for ski slopes and in summer as a trailhead for further hikes.
Evening
Staying in Lorica, pause for dinner at La Terrazza sull'Arvo, a restaurant set directly on the lakeside. The kitchen focuses on dishes made with local ingredients, such as porcini mushrooms, Podolica beef tagliata, traditional Sila ravioli, and melted caciocavallo enriched with truffle.
Day 3 — History in San Giovanni in Fiore and Sila Crotonese
Morning
Head into the historic centre of San Giovanni in Fiore to visit the Abbazia Florense. Founded around 1200 by Abbot Joachim of Fiore, this complex represents the monumental and spiritual heart of the Sila and holds his remains in its crypt; allow around an hour for the visit. Nearby, for those looking for outdoor pursuits, you will find Centro Fondo Carlomagno, which acts as a starting point for summer trails like the one to Pietra dell'Altare, and in winter is known as the southernmost certified cross-country skiing hub in Europe.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring Sila Crotonese, heading towards Lago Ampollino. Set at an altitude of 1280 metres, this artificial lake is surrounded by pines and beeches, offering pedal boat and kayak hire as well as scenic boat tours. Nearby, in Cotronei, Stazione Sciistica Villaggio Palumbo is well worth a stop; alongside its winter ski lifts and ice rink, it features a steel bobsleigh run on rails that stays open in summer.
Evening
In the evening, return towards Lorica for dinner at Ristorante Rifugio Lo Scoiattolo in Contrada Comuniello. The venue features a terrace overlooking the lake and bases its menu on traditional Sila mountain cuisine, with a generous helping of porcini mushrooms.
Day 4 — Spirituality and thermal waters towards the coast
Morning
Your final day involves a journey towards the western side. In Paola, you will find the Santuario di San Francesco di Paola, a historic complex nestled in a rocky gorge carved out by the Isca stream. The site includes the friary, the hermit's cave, the furnace, and the bridge of miracles; allow between one and two hours for a complete visit. If you want to stretch your legs, you can walk a section of the Cammino di San Francesco di Paola (tratto Catena Costiera), an itinerary passing through beech forests between San Marco Argentano, Cerzeto, and Paola.
Afternoon
The afternoon is reserved for unwinding as you head down to Lamezia Terme to visit the [Terme di Caronte](booking-tour). Known since antiquity and located on the slopes of Monte Reventino, these thermal springs emerge at 39°C, offering therapeutic treatments and wellness circuits perfect for half a day. Alternatively, over towards Acquappesa, the [Terme Luigiane](booking-tour) provide a thermal park with outdoor whirlpools fed by hyperthermal, sulphur-rich waters.
Evening
Your farewell dinner is in Acri, at Pizzeria Vadolì on Via S. Scervini 21. Renowned for its high-hydration doughs, the pizzeria makes extensive use of ingredients from the Sila region, including local broccoletto and caciocavallo.
Practical tips for your trip
- A car is essential to cover the distances between Sila Grande, Sila Piccola, Sila Crotonese, and the spa areas, as public transport connects only major towns and does not suit the timing of nature hikes.
- If you plan to use the cable cars in Camigliatello, Lorica, or Palumbosila, always check that the lifts are open via the ARSAC or Ferrovie della Calabria websites, as weather conditions at altitude can lead to sudden closures.
- Even at the height of summer, pack windproof layers, warm clothing, and sturdy walking shoes; many paths climb above 1300 metres, where the temperature drop between midday and evening is noticeable.
- To avoid queues at ticket desks during summer weekends, make sure to book your entry to the Giganti della Sila and reserve wellness or mud treatments at spas like Terme Luigiane or Terme di Caronte in advance.
Where to stay
Located right in the village centre, making it a very practical base for reaching the ski lifts.
View on Booking →A bed and breakfast set within the municipality, popular with travellers seeking a thoroughly relaxing mountain stay.
View on Booking →A historic hotel close to key local amenities and the main trailheads of Sila Grande.
View on Booking →