It feels like being in the heart of the Grand Canyon, but we are actually in the Valli Cupe Gorge, in Sersale, Catanzaro, one of the largest canyons in Europe.
At the foot of the Sila Plateau, the Valli Cupe Regional Park is one of the most fascinating natural sites in Calabria, characterized by gorges and cliffs that plunge hundreds of meters.
The Valli Cupe Canyon surprises hikers, opening up at the end of a narrow, dark gorge crossed by a stream. The canyon is a rare stratified geological formation, whose walls, sculpted by erosion, create a natural spectacle described as "dark" only because of the shadowy environment it is immersed in.
The hiking trail, in addition to the Valli Cupe Canyon, includes other environmental wonders such as the Campanaro, Inferno, and Rupe waterfalls, and some unique Sila monoliths like the Pietra del Ruvazzo (Robin's Stone) and the Petra Aggìallu, which is about 18 meters high.
Completing the picture of wonder are the ruins of castles, monasteries, and abandoned villages.
Access to the nature reserve is free and can be visited with local guides or independently. However, for the hike in the Valli Cupe Canyon, it is mandatory to be accompanied by an accredited guide for safety reasons and to protect the biodiversity present. The trail is also accessible to children.
Other places to explore:
- Castle of Caccuri - Caccuri
- Castle of Santa Severina - Santa Severina
- Sila Science Park - Taverna
