The Sila is the great granite plateau at the centre of Calabria: rolling country between 1,000 and almost 2,000 metres, covered in forests of Calabrian black pine and beech and dotted with lakes. The Sila National Park, created in 2002, protects about 74,000 hectares across the provinces of Cosenza, Catanzaro and Crotone, and the area is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
From the beaches of Crotone you can be among the pines in a little over an hour. In summer the plateau is ten degrees cooler than the coast; in winter it has reliable snow and three small ski areas. The park’s symbol is the wolf, which still lives here.
Top things to do at Sila National Park
Circle the lakes
Lake Ampollino, the nearest to Crotone, Lake Arvo at Lorica and Lake Cecita near Camigliatello are all reservoirs created in the 20th century, now thoroughly at home in the landscape. Each has shore paths, picnic areas and, in summer, boats or pedalos.
Stand under the Giants of the Sila
At Fallistro, near Camigliatello, a small reserve looked after by the FAI protects several dozen pines and maples around 350 years old, with trunks up to two metres across and heights of over 40 metres. The loop walk is short and easy; the reserve is open seasonally and charges a small fee.
Hike or cycle the park trails
Waymarked paths start from the visitor centres at Cupone (Lake Cecita) and near Lorica. Monte Botte Donato, at 1,928 metres the highest point of the Sila, is reached from Lorica on foot or, when it is running, by cable car.
Ski or snowshoe in winter
There are lifts at Camigliatello Silano (Monte Curcio), Lorica and Villaggio Palumbo on Lake Ampollino. Slopes are modest but the setting is lovely, and guided snowshoe walks need no experience.
Eat like a mountain
Porcini mushrooms, Sila potatoes, caciocavallo cheese, cured pork and chestnuts — the plateau’s cooking is the opposite of the coast’s.
How to get to Sila National Park
- By car from Crotone: the SS107 climbs west past Santa Severina to San Giovanni in Fiore (about an hour), then on to Lorica or Camigliatello (around an hour and a half to an hour and three-quarters in all). Lake Ampollino is reached by turning off towards Cotronei and Trepidò.
- By bus: buses link Crotone with San Giovanni in Fiore and Cosenza along the SS107, but reaching lakes and trailheads without a car is hard.
- In winter: carry snow chains or fit winter tyres — they are compulsory on Sila roads in the cold months.
Insider tips
- Evenings are cool even in August; bring a fleece.
- Summer weekends and the mid-August holiday are busy around the lakes; weekdays are quiet.
- Ski lifts and the Lorica cable car do not run every day or every season — check before driving up.
- Mobile coverage is patchy in the forest; download maps in advance.
Best tours & tickets for Sila National Park
These experiences pair well with a visit to Sila National Park:
Quad tour from €86 per group Sila National Park: Guided Quad Excursion Through Nature
A guided quad ride through the forests and lake country of the Sila plateau, with the option of a Calabrian aperitif afterwards. The price is per quad for up to two people. Meet the guide in the park — you will need a car to get up from the coast.
- Forest tracks, lakes and off-road trails
- Choose a one- or two-hour ride
- Optional Calabrian aperitif
Winter activity from €35 Sila National Park: Guided Snowshoeing for Families
A gentle three-hour snowshoe walk through the winter forest with a guide, pitched at families. It runs only when there is snow on the plateau, usually in the heart of winter — check dates and conditions before you book.
- An easy guided walk on snowshoes
- Snowy forest landscapes of the Sila
- Designed for families
Winter activity from €100 Camigliatello: Sila National Park Night-Time Snowshoeing Tour
A full winter evening in the Sila: a guided snowshoe route by night, a Finnish sauna to warm up and a traditional shepherd’s dinner of Calabrian mountain dishes. It is a long drive from the coast, so plan to sleep in the mountains.
- Guided snowshoe walk after dark
- Time in a Finnish sauna
- Traditional “shepherd’s dinner”
