Between Crotone and Catanzaro in the southern Italian region of Calabria, we find an area known as the Sila. This mountainous area offers incredible landscapes, quaint villages, outdoor sports, and a national park. It’s a treasure trove just waiting to be discovered!

The Sila

This unique territory is divided into various hamlets with hotels, restaurants, and recreational activities.

Villaggio Mancuso is the oldest and most famous of these. This vast area is also home to the Sila National Park which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fascinating park is full of plants and wildlife as well as hiking trails and outdoor sports of all kinds including skiing.

Passante Lake (Lago Passante) is another fabulous location to visit while in the area. Located in the heart of the area known as “Sila Piccola”, the majestic mountains and alpine scenery are stunning. In the wintertime, snowfall transforms it into a postcard-worthy winter wonderland.

What to Eat

Genuine, local products with hundreds of years of tradition are at the heart of the cuisine. Several fine varieties of mushrooms such as rositi, porcini, and chanterelle are served throughout the area and often top homemade pasta like tagliatelle and cavatelli. Wine, cheese (the famous caciocavallo) and meat are also abundant.

The mountain resorts and villages of Calabria offer a fabulous alternative for those who simply want to experience nature and an authentic side of rural Italy.