If you are used to thinking that Southern Italy is a destination mainly suitable for those looking for a seaside tourism, or for those who want to discover the wonders of ancient cities and historic villages that still retain their traditional identity, Silas will open the doors to a new world.
Because very often it is within the Italian regions that we find the strongest traits of national culture, lives out of time and genuine traditions. As well as in this case the environment suitable for lovers of trekking, mountain biking and hiking. Welcome to Sila National Park, Calabria.
The area of the Sila has been established as a National Park only a few decades, but the work in favor of the protection of this area is already well visible. The goal is to protect all its biodiversity and unique landscapes, in an area of more than 70 thousand hectares.
Activities in the park
Sila National Park has become a real reference point for tourists, who face long journeys to reach this area which has become very famous for its characteristics. In addition to the many paths, to be tackled on foot or by mountain bike, there are points of high archaeological interest, which demonstrate the human presence within the park since ancient times.
Spending time in the open air
Sila National Park is completely green. The vegetation here grows luxuriant, and there are streams and small springs. All this makes the park a perfect destination for those who like to spend time outdoors.
Inside the park have been made available to tourists of paths specially designed for those who like to go mountain biking. In addition, you can also ride a horse through the park, a way to feel even more in contact with nature.
Foto : Unsplash
For those who love archaeology
The area of the Sila National Park has not been uninhabited over the centuries. On the contrary, the opposite is true: the presence of watercourses and thick vegetation has contributed to creating an ideal habitat for the formation of human settlements. Over the years, several very important archaeological finds have been made, and today tourists can visit the various sites that testify to the evolution of human presence in this area over the millennia.
It goes from the most ancient traces, which seem to even belong to the prehistoric period, to more recent elements, belonging to the Roman and Middle Ages.
Discovering the local fauna
The great biodiversity of the park makes it an ideal destination for those who want to dedicate themselves to bio and birdwatching. Numerous species of birds nest here, and there is no shortage of all kinds of animals, such as squirrels and foxes. With a little patience you can admire many animals in their habitat, spending relaxing days in the shade of the green and thick vegetation of the park.
It can be a perfect pastime even for those who do not have much experience and would like to dedicate themselves to bio and birdwatching for the first time.
The Train of the Sila
The train was once used to connect different areas between them, allowing people to travel more quickly from one point to another in this part of Calabria. Today its function is more purely tourist. The old carriages have been restored, offering tourists the opportunity to make a journey that is not only in nature, but also and above all in history.
Tourist facilities
The territory of the Sila National Park finds in tourism a very fundamental factor for its development. Tourist facilities are not lacking, both a few kilometers from the park, both within the park itself. Just think that in the 50s several rural villages were built, which were intended to encourage agriculture in this area.
Today some of these villages are no longer used for the primary sector, but have instead become tourist facilities, which allow travelers to stay near this important natural area.
What to eat
After a day spent exploring the park, perhaps eating something in a sack, it is not uncommon that you need a much more substantial dinner. Calabria has a very famous food and wine tradition for its strong and intense tastes (just think of ‘Nduja, the spicy sausage much appreciated not only by those who live in Calabria but also by many tourists).
A good dinner in some places around the park could be an opportunity to taste the hearty and tasty pasta ‘mparrettati, typical of the area of Sila. These are Calabrian macaroni, seasoned with a sauce of meat, which can be wild boar, of goat or even of pork.
Copertina: Unsplash
