Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The park has a number of
agriturismi
(farm stay accommodation). Tranquil
Agriturismo Colloreto
( 347
3236914;
www.colloreto.it
; s/d €28/56), near Morano Calabro, is in a remote rural setting, gorgeous amid rolling
hills. Rooms are comfortable and old-fashioned with polished wood and flagstone floors. Also in Calabria,
Locanda di Alia
( 0981 4 63 70;
www.alia.it
; Via Letticelle 55; s/d €90/120; ) in Castrovillari of-
fers bungalow-style accommodation in a lush green garden; it's famous for an outstanding restaurant, where you
can sample delectable local recipes featuring peppers, pork, figs, anise and honey.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Parco Nazionale della Sila
'La Sila' is a big landscape, where wooded hills create endless rolling views. It's dotted
with small villages and cut through with looping roads that make driving a test of your di-
gestion.
It's divided into three areas covering 130 sq km: the
Sila Grande
, with the highest moun-
tains; the strongly Albanian
Sila Greca
(to the north); and the
Sila Piccola
(near Catanzaro),
with vast forested hills.
The highest peaks, covered with tall Corsican pines, reach 2000m - high enough for
thick snow in winter. This makes it a popular skiing destination. In summer the climate is
coolly alpine, spring sees carpets of wildflowers and there's mushroom hunting in au-
tumn. At its peak is the Bosco di Gallopani (Forest of Gallopani). There are several beau-
tiful lakes, the largest of which is
Lago di Cecita o Mucone
near Camigliatello Silano. There is
also plenty of wildlife here, including the light-grey Apennine wolf, a protected species.
During August,
Sila in Festa
takes place, featuring traditional music. Autumn is mush-
room season, when you'll be able to frequent mushroom festivals, including the
Sagra del
Fungo
in Camigliatello Silano.
Sights & Activities
La Sila's main town,
San Giovanni in Fiore
(1049m), is named after the founder of its beauti-
ful medieval
abbey
. The town has an attractive old centre, once you've battled through the
suffocating suburbs, and is famous for its Armenian-style handloomed carpets and
tapestry. You can visit the studio and shop of
Domenico Caruso
(
0984 99 27 24;
www.scuolatappeti.it
)
, but ring ahead.
