Day Trip from Catanzaro: La Sila Mountains

Calabria is famous for its miles of rocky coastline, azure waters and creamy sand, but there is also a winter haven, nestled in the mountain range between Catanzaro and Cosenza that is cool enough to make any snow bunny tremble … and that is La Sila, Calabria.

Parco Nazionale della Sila is 1,274 square miles of thickly wooded forests filled with chestnut, pine and black spruce trees and is home to both wolves and black squirrels. With many restaurants offering a variety of Calabrese specialties this mountain retreat offers an ideal escape from traditional southern Italian activities. Over the years local Italians have made La Sila Calabria their prime choice for a romantic weekend getaway, the go-to place for an outdoor BBQ with friends, or the ideal location for a family picnic.

Springtime in Sila offers fresh orchids, afternoon strolls and homemade gelato, while the winter months bring the opening of one of Italy’s best cross-country skiing areas, most notably the 10-mile stretch from Monte Curcio to Mount Botte Donato. There is much more to southern Italy than beach and sun and Calabria can be enjoyed year-round. Just make sure Parco Nazionale della Sila is at the top of the list.

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