The Sila National Park, among the three Calabrian parks, occupies the heart of the region, extending between the provinces of Cosenza (Sila Grande), Crotone (Sila Greca), and Catanzaro (Sila Piccola).
The Sila Park was among the first five national parks founded in Italy and has the Sila Wolf as its symbol, "bad only in fairy tales" as the sign welcoming visitors to the Park reminds. Among the Sila woods, the wolf species has not only survived but has been protected from the risk of extinction.
Within the Park, animals and plant species constitute one of the most significant biodiversity heritages of the Mediterranean area.
The Park is also particularly known for its lakes, Cecita, Arvo, Ampollino, and the Passante Reservoir.
Sila is also the Park where you can breathe the best air in Europe, which is why it is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
There are nine biogenetic nature reserves within the Sila boundaries, one of the most important being the Giants of Fallistro Reserve, with colossal trees over 500 years old.
There are many sports activities that can be practiced in the Sila Park: skiing is the main winter activity; during the warm season, you can enjoy orienteering and birdwatching, trekking, horseback riding, and cycling; boat trips, paddling, or pedaling on the Sila lakes.
A special mention should be made for the autumn season, the foliage season among the Sila beeches. The villages, on the other hand, are populated with festivals that spread the typical flavors of Sila.
Sila also offers the opportunity to travel on one of Italy's historic trains, the Sila Train, on which costume events and tastings are often organized.
Other places to explore:
- Florense Abbey - San Giovanni in Fiore
- Sanctuary of Saint Francis of Paola - Spezzano della Sila
- Sila Science Park - Taverna
