The Sila National Park, a plateau unique in the world, covered with trees and forests to the point of earning it the nickname 'the Wood of Italy', is a magical place, frequented since ancient times. Its forests, exploited for centuries to obtain large quantities of timber, are now protected areas: the area, rich in rare animal and plant species and varied in the numerous ecosystems it hosts, is increasingly the symbol of a biodiversity to be protected and enhanced.
The Sila National Park in Calabria covers 73,695 hectares and embraces 19 municipalities in the provinces of Crotone, Cosenza and Catanzaro. The area, which corresponds to the Sila Grande, Sila Greca and Sila piccola zones, constitutes the largest plateau in Europe. By extension and geographical location, the landscapes included in the park are varied and of unique beauty, presenting a great variety of biodiversity. What is striking about the park is first and foremost the extraordinary presence of the woods and forests that cover about 80% of the entire surface area, where beech, silane pine, maple and chestnut trees are home to squirrels, night owls and peregrine falcons, and not only that: within the Sila National Park, in fact, there are 49 mammals, including the wolf, which has been able to settle permanently in this area, contributing to the recovery of the species in Italy. In the variegated and beautiful area of the park, there are numerous paths to be travelled on horseback, by mountain bike and on foot. These are developed in evocative landscapes that alternate between high reliefs (such as Mount Botte Donato with its 1928 metres in height), forests and fertile valleys still used for grazing and agriculture (the Silana IGP potato is particularly popular). As far as water resources are concerned, these too are very rich: the park is furrowed by several minor watercourses that flow into the Neto, Crati del Trionto and Tacina basins and by three larger rivers: the Savuto, the Alli and the Coràce. The pristine lakes of the natural oases, such as those of Ariamacina del Votturino and del Passante are flanked by the three larger artificial basins Arvo, Cecita and Ampollino. There are numerous nature reserves, created to protect different ecosystems that find the ideal dimension to coexist in the park.
There are many activities in the Sila National Park, whether nature, sport or relaxation. Within the park, nature reserves abound where you can discover unique ecosystems, such as the one in Fallistro 'I Giganti della Sila', which is home to pine and maple trees over 500 years old; the Golia-Corvo reserve where you can meet the deer that populate it. There are many itineraries and they are divided according to time and difficulty: to be covered on foot, on horseback, by bike, they will give you moments of well-being in full contact with nature. In winter, on the other hand, there is plenty of room for skiing, which on the snow-covered landscapes of the Sila becomes one of the most popular activities for sports enthusiasts from near and far. The lakes, besides offering romantic natural scenery, are very popular with lovers of water activities: canoes, but also small sailing boats and skates are easily accessible, especially in spring and summer. Those who prefer adventurous sports can enjoy rafting and canyoning in the Trionto, Ortisano and Melito gorges and the many other watercourses that flow abundantly through the park's territory, an area that can also be explored on peaceful and relaxing walks in the green, where it is possible to practice organic or bird watching to get to know unique species of flora and fauna. But it doesn't end here: all the municipalities included in the park, villages or hamlets peculiar in their characteristics, deserve a visit that will give you authentic emotions made up of the encounter of histories, traditions and ancient crafts still present with craftsmanship of authentic value. Finally, those who wish can travel on the Sila train, a steam train designed solely for all travellers who want to undertake a panoramic itinerary (from Cosenza to Catanzaro or from Cosenza to San Giovanni in Fiore) to see the Sila territory from a special perspective.
Drawing up a list of what typical products can be found in the Sila National Park area would be difficult and not exhaustive: in fact, each of the 19 municipalities that make up the park retains its own gastronomic traditions that still endure and have been handed down over the centuries. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify specialities that can be found throughout the territory. A land where the presence of work in the fields is still strong, cannot but be distinguished by its vegetables: ciambotta (made by combining peppers, IGP Silane potatoes, courgettes and aubergines, all seasoned with plenty of chilli peppers) and legume soups are a dish not to be missed. Mushroom species, including morels, silli and mazze di tamburo, abound in the park area and are prepared on the grill, in oil or as a condiment for the typical home-made pasta al ferro. The processing of pork (of which the 'nero calabrese' is famous) is a true tradition and capicolli, soppressate and sausages, which are still made according to the ancient methods of yesteryear, are a must. Famous, then, is the Caciocavallo Silano recognised with the PDO mark and the Silan chestnuts, from which a very special bread is also made, excellent to eat roasted, boiled or candied. There is no shortage of sweets: these mix oriental reminiscences and ancient local peasant traditions. Worth tasting is the 'pitta 'mpigliata': a fragrant pastry filled with walnuts, sultanas and cloves, the 'turdilli' made from a soft fried dough in the shape of a dumpling, dipped in honey, and the bocconotti of short pastry filled with creams or jams.
There are many events in the Sila National Park, taking place throughout the year and involving the many municipalities in the area. In February, in San Giovanni in Fiore, great celebrations are prepared for the carnival, where the entire community participates in a festival animated by allegorical floats and illuminations. In August, Sersale (CZ) hosts the 'Un tempo, un borgo - Sapori e Mestieri' (A time, a village - Flavours and crafts) festival dedicated to the gastronomic traditions and ancient trades of yesteryear, while in Bocchiglieri (CS) the Agroverde Night celebrates rural traditions from gastronomy to agriculture and handicrafts. In September, on the other hand, the famous Sagra della Salsiccia e della Patata Silana (Sausage and Potato Festival), two symbolic products of the local gastronomy, takes place in Taverna (CZ). The Sila chestnut is celebrated in October in Casali del Manco (CS) during the Autumn Festival and in November in Savelli (KR) during the Chestnut Festival: these two events are unmissable occasions to taste many other typical local products. In Spezzano della Sila (CS), during the month of October, there is the mushroom festival, another characteristic food in the Sila gastronomy, and in November the Festa del Vino Novello, dedicated to wine and food tasting. In addition, thematic reviews and events are organised in the reserve, especially during spring and summer, with the aim of spreading knowledge of the Silan territory and enhancing its resources. Each year, several calendars are available indicating days dedicated in particular to excursions and itineraries that, in the company of specialised guides, will illustrate all the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and nature.
English (UK) 
Italiano