Monte Botte Donato, Mountain summit in Sila Grande, Calabria, Italy

Monte Botte Donato is the highest peak in the Sila mountain range and rises to 1,928 meters (6,325 feet). The summit stands within Calabria's national park and overlooks the surrounding forests and mountain meadows.

The sources record no ancient navigation role for Monte Botte Donato. Its documented history is modern and tied to winter sport: the Lorica ski area of San Giovanni in Fiore uses the mountain's slopes, with a cable car installed on the summit in 2016 and a blue return run descending to 1,400 m. The "Strada delle Vette" links the peak to the Monte Scuro pass, about 13 km away in the comune of Celico.

The summit is reached by a cable car installed in 2016, and walkers continue on the marked trail network. The ski complex of Cavaliere di Lorica, above Lake Arvo, draws skiers from across Italy and Europe in winter, with a blue return run descending to 1,400 m and two red runs named after the Valle dell'Inferno at 1,600 m.

The climb is steep and requires sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and snacks for the day. The main trailhead starts at Strada delle Vette, where clearly marked routes lead toward the summit.

From the summit, on clear days, the Etna and the Aspromonte can be seen to the south and the Pollino to the north. The top is reached by a cable car installed in 2016, continuing on foot along the trail network.