Attractions and Places To See around Sila National Park - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Sila National Park, located in Calabria, Italy, is a region characterized by its extensive Sila Plateau and dense forests, often referred to as "the Great Wood of Italy." The park features several lakes, including Lago Arvo and Lago Ampollino, and is home to Monte Botte Donato, its highest peak. Culturally, the area boasts historical towns like San Giovanni in Fiore with its ancient Florense Abbey, and various specialized museums. This diverse landscape offers a blend of natural beauty and rich heritage for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Sila National Park
- The most popular attractions is Lake Cecita, a lake of artificial origin located within the Sila National Park, part of the Calabria Parks cycle path. It is home to the Cupone Visitor Center, offering insights into the park's nature and culture.
- Another must-see spot is I Giganti della Sila Nature Reserve, a forest known for its ancient giant larch pines, some reaching up to 45 meters in height. This reserve is managed by the FAI and offers a short, family-friendly path among centuries-old trees.
- Visitors also love Lago Ampollino Dam, a man-made monument that created Lake Ampollino, an artificial reservoir surrounded by pine, beech, and fir forests. The area offers numerous cycling routes and is known for its Mediterranean mountain landscape.
- Sila National Park is known for its extensive forests, picturesque lakes, and historical sites. Visitors can explore natural monuments, cultural heritage, and adventure parks within the region.
- The attractions around Sila National Park are appreciated by the komoot community, with 60 upvotes and 27 photos shared.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Lake Cecita
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Lago Ampollino Dam
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I Giganti della Sila Nature Reserve
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Lorica and Lake Arvo
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Lake Ampollino
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One of a kind, this majestic ancient forest in central Calabria has survived intact since the 17th century in the shadow of its imposing "patriarchs," creating a magnificent natural spectacle. https://fondoambiente.it/luoghi/i-giganti-della-sila
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Among the three large Calabrian lakes of the Sila, the Ampollino is certainly the least contaminated and consequently the most authentic to be appreciated by lovers of nature and landscapes.
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In summer, you can take advantage of numerous cycling routes that lead through diverse landscapes - from mountain spruce forests to water areas of lakes. In winter, the area is home to the Camigliatello Silano ski resort, which attracts skiing and winter sports enthusiasts with its well-prepared facilities and picturesque location in the Sila massif. This is a place more for local skiing enthusiasts and beginners who want to combine active recreation with a vacation in the warm climate of Calabria. If you are looking for more serious skiing routes, you have to go further north in Italy or to the Alps. In Calabria, on the other hand, you will certainly appreciate nature, peace and a unique mountain climate.
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The Ampollino Valley is surrounded by the mountains of the Sila massif, with clearly distinguishable peaks: Scorciavuoi (1627 m above sea level), Gariglione (1623 m above sea level), Zingomarro (1463 m above sea level) and Monte Nero (1747 m above sea level). There are extensive pine, beech and fir forests here, creating a Mediterranean mountain landscape characteristic of the region. The central element of the valley is the artificial reservoir Lago Ampollino, created by a dam (diga) on the Ampollino River. The shores of the lake are overgrown with reed beds and water lilies, and in the area you can see wild animals - deer, wild boars, waterfowl and birds of prey.
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Starting point for many adventures, not only by bike
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Tourist resort with its beautiful lake in the Sila national park. Not to be missed
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Lorica comes alive especially in summer thanks to the many activities on the lake
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the reserve is managed by Fai. A path among gigantic centuries-old pines
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I explore in Sila National Park?
Sila National Park is renowned for its diverse natural landscapes. You can visit several beautiful lakes, such as Lake Cecita, which is part of the Calabria Parks cycle path, and Lago Ampollino, known for its pristine waters. The park is also home to the I Giganti della Sila Nature Reserve, where you can marvel at ancient, giant larch pines. The Sila Plateau itself offers extensive forests and mountainous terrain, including Monte Botte Donato, the highest peak.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Sila National Park?
Yes, Sila National Park offers several attractions suitable for families. The I Giganti della Sila Nature Reserve features a short, accessible path among centuries-old trees. The Cupone Visitor Centre, located near Lake Cecita, includes an accessible botanical garden and an environmental education center. For adventure, Silavventura Park provides rope bridges and acrobatic routes among the pine trees. You can also enjoy activities like boating on Lago Arvo or visiting Fattoria Lorenzo Pupo for a farm experience.
What historical and cultural sites can I visit in the Sila region?
The Sila region is rich in history and culture. San Giovanni in Fiore is home to the ancient Florense Abbey, founded in 1189, and is considered a significant religious monument. The town of Acri, known as the 'door to Sila,' features historical structures like the ruins of a feudal castle and several palazzi. Longobucco is recognized for its ancient handicrafts and traditional weaving art. Additionally, various specialized museums throughout the park area offer insights into the region's heritage.
What outdoor activities can I do near the attractions in Sila National Park?
Sila National Park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, such as those mentioned in the Hiking around Sila National Park guide. For cycling, the Calabria Parks cycle path integrates with Lake Cecita, and there are many MTB trails, including routes around Lake Arvo, as detailed in the MTB Trails around Sila National Park guide. Water sports like boating and fishing are popular on Lago Arvo, and kayaking on Lago Ampollino.
When is the best time to visit Sila National Park?
Sila National Park offers different experiences throughout the year. The park is beautiful in spring and autumn for hiking and enjoying the changing foliage. Summer is ideal for water activities on the lakes and exploring the forests. During winter, areas like Camigliatello Silano and Lorica become popular ski resorts, with Monte Botte Donato offering ski lifts and Palumbo Sila featuring year-round bobsled tracks.
Can I see wildlife in Sila National Park?
Yes, Sila National Park is home to diverse wildlife. The Golia-Corvo Reserve is particularly known for its deer population. The extensive forests and lake areas provide habitats for various animals, including wild boars, waterfowl, and birds of prey, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially in quieter areas of the park.
What is there to do in Camigliatello Silano?
Camigliatello Silano is a well-known mountain resort and a hub for outdoor activities. It offers numerous hiking trails and is a popular ski resort during the winter months. Nearby, you can visit Fattoria Lorenzo Pupo, a family-run organic farm where you can experience local agriculture and even pick raspberries in season.
Are there any unique ways to experience the Sila landscape?
Absolutely! One unique way is to take a ride on the Historical Train of Sila, also known as 'La Vecchia Signora.' This steam train from the early 1900s offers scenic tours through the mountains, often featuring costumed events and local tastings, providing a charming and nostalgic journey through the landscape.
Where can I learn more about the park's nature and culture?
The Cupone Visitor Centre, located on Lake Cecita, is an excellent starting point. It features an environmental education center, a naturalistic museum, and botanical gardens. Additionally, various specialized museums throughout the park, such as the Sila Craft and Land Defense Museum or the Biodiversity Museum, offer deeper insights into the region's natural and cultural heritage.
What are the most notable lakes in Sila National Park?
Sila National Park features several beautiful lakes. Lake Cecita is an artificial lake integrated into the Calabria Parks cycle path and hosts the Cupone Visitor Centre. Lago Arvo, overlooked by the tourist center of Lorica, is popular for recreational activities like boating. Lago Ampollino, created by the Lago Ampollino Dam, is known for its pristine waters, ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
Are there any historical industrial sites to visit?
Yes, you can visit La Carbonara Charcoal Kilns. These kilns represent an ancient craft of producing charcoal by cooking wood, which was once a decisive factor in the industrialization of entire regions. They offer a glimpse into the historical practices of the area and are located on the Cupone educational trail.
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Most popular attractions around Sila National Park
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