Sila National Park
Sila National Park, National park in Calabria, Italy
Description
Sila National Park is a protected area in Calabria spanning the provinces of Cosenza, Catanzaro, and Crotone, covering more than 73,000 hectares. The terrain alternates between broad plateaus, forested slopes, and several lakes fed by rivers.
History
The area was established as a national park in 1997, expanding earlier protection zones introduced in the 1920s. UNESCO recognized it as a Biosphere Reserve in 2014, acknowledging its ecological importance.
Culture
The name Sila comes from a Latin word for forest and reflects the dense pine stands that have shaped the landscape for centuries. Visitors still see shepherds with their flocks on the plateaus, especially in early summer when the grass is fresh and green.
Practical
The terrain is suitable for walking and cycling on marked trails that pass through forests and along lakes. In winter, skiing is possible in Lorica and Camigliatello, while in summer the higher areas remain cooler than the coastal regions.
Did you know?
The Fossiata and Gallopane forests near Lake Cecita are home to ancient Laricio pines, some over 350 years old and reaching heights of 45 meters (148 feet). These trees are locally called Giants of Sila and rank among the tallest in southern Italy.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Calabria).
This collection brings together about forty sites across Calabria, from the Tyrrhenian coast to the Ionian coast, from the Sila mountains, Aspromonte, and Pollino to towns and villages that tell the story of the region. You will find beaches like those at Tropea and Capo Vaticano, fishing villages...
Lago Cecita
6.2 km
Lago Ampollino
19.9 km
San Giovanni in Fiore Abbey
16.4 km
Monte Botte Donato
15.9 km
Abbazia di Santa Maria di Corazzo
37.9 km
Monte Curcio
16 km
Monte Gariglione
27 km
Tirivolo
31.2 km
Santa Maria delle Grazie
16.5 km
Lago di Ariamacina
6.4 km
Basilica del Beato Angelo d'Acri
21.6 km
Castello di Acri
22.2 km
Abbazia di Sant'Angelo de Frigillo
35.9 km
Protocenobio di Jure Vetere
13.1 km
Museo Demologico dell'Economia, del Lavoro e del
16.7 km
Civic Museum of Taverna
39.6 km
Monte Volpintesta
5.6 km
Arco normanno
16.6 km
Palazzo Lopez
16.5 km
San Francesco di Paola
21.8 km
Monastero dei Tre Fanciulli
22.8 km
Palazzo Barberio Toscano
16.2 km
Annunziata
16.6 km
Orme nel parco
30.8 km
Palazzo De Luca
16.4 km
Palazzo De Marco
16.6 km
Monte Paganella
23.9 km
Palazzo Benincasa
16.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes