Mountains of Calabria: Exploring the Sila and Aspromonte National Parks

Calabria may be known for its coastline, but its soul lives in the mountains. Far from the crowded beaches and tourist towns are two breathtaking landscapes that deserve a spot on your itinerary: Sila National Park and Aspromonte National Park. These regions offer untouched nature, quiet mountain villages, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Sila National Park: The Green Heart of Calabria

Stretching across three provinces--Cosenza, Catanzaro, and Crotone--Sila National Park is a lush highland plateau covered in thick forests and dotted with mirror-like lakes. The air is crisp, the pace is slow, and the views go on forever.

🌟 Highlights:

• Lake Ampollino and Lake Arvo for kayaking and lakeside trails

• The Giants of the Sila: towering pines over 350 years old

• Camigliatello Silano: a charming alpine-style village with shops and ski slopes

• Sila Steam Train (in season): a vintage rail experience through forested trails

• Cheese and potato festivals in late summer and early autumn

Aspromonte National Park: Wild, Remote, and Full of Legend

To the south, Aspromonte is a dramatic range that feels like stepping into another world. Its deep gorges, narrow mule tracks, and ancient settlements make it one of Italy’s last truly wild places.

🌟 Highlights:

• Pentedattilo: a haunting abandoned village carved into a rock shaped like five fingers

• Bova and the Grecanic Area: a cultural treasure where locals still speak an ancient Greek dialect

• Maesano Falls and Amendolea River for wild trekking and canyon views

• Gambarie: a ski resort with trails and summer festivals

• Aspromonte’s Peak – Montalto: offers views of Sicily and sometimes even Mount Etna

Sila vs. Aspromonte: Which is Right for You?

Feature	Sila National Park	Aspromonte National Park
Terrain	Rolling plateaus, pine forests	Rugged cliffs, deep valleys
Best for	Nature walks, lakeside retreats	Challenging hikes, remote exploration
Wildlife	Wolves, deer, owls	Eagles, wildcats, rare endemic plants
Culture	Alpine-style villages, food festivals	Ancient ruins, Grecanic culture
Accessibility	Well-developed tourist services	Off-the-grid, limited public transport

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Getting there: Car rental is essential for both regions.

• Best time to go: Spring through early autumn for hiking; winter for skiing in Gambarie or Camigliatello.

• Where to stay:

  • Sila: Camigliatello Silano, Lorica

  • Aspromonte: Gambarie, Bova, Gerace

• Don’t miss: Try local specialties like caciocavallo cheese in Sila and goat stew in Aspromonte.

• Pack for altitude: Even in summer, evenings in the mountains can get chilly.

Calabria’s mountains aren’t just beautiful--they’re meaningful. They hold stories of resilience, ancient rituals, and ecological wonder. Whether you wander through pine-scented forests or trek to the echoing silence of a forgotten village, you’ll come away with more than photos. You’ll come away with perspective.

The beaches can wait. The mountains of Calabria are calling.