Sila Fridays: Driving through the Mountains
Posted on: Nov 21, 2008
Il Parco Nazionale della Sila is the largest mountain range in Calabria and encompasses 21 towns, six mountain communities and three provinces – Catanzaro, Cosenza and Crotone.
It is divided into three regions – Sila Grande (in Cosenza), Sila Piccola (in Catanzaro) and Sila Greca (in Crotone).
The highest point in Sila Grande is Botte Donato which stands1,928 meters high with Gariglione in Sila Piccola coming in at 1,764 meters. Rivers and lakes are spread throughout La Sila, where various species of hippos, elephants, bison and bear have called home.
Today’s visitor is more likely to see deer, wolves, badgers, stone martens or weasels roaming through the dense forests of the untamed mountain terrain.
The black squirrel, or zaccanedda in dialect, is a popular guest at picnics and family hikes. This speedy hunter is larger than its cousin – the plain ‘ole tree squirrel – and is more commonly found throughout southern Italy.
The drive from Catanzaro to Sila Piccola is a relaxing 45-minute jaunt with scenery – much like the pictures below – guiding your way.
In the early evening the jewel-toned trees fade away as the landscape transforms into black mountains and silhouetted trees that contrast with the crystal waters of lakes and rivers.
Oh yes, Calabria is famous for its sandy beaches and warm Mediterranean water, but unless you venture north and into the mountains you’ll miss out on Calabria’s other specialty … and we can’t have that, now can we?
Check back every Friday for the Sila Friday Series to get more information on traveling in La Sila.
What about you? Are you a beach person, mountain person or both and what are you favorite things to do once you are there?
** One of the things expats talk about the most when we are together is the food we miss. Michelle is helping us out this week with her homemade bagel recipe, part of the La Buona Cucina Americana recipe series. **
Mountain, mountain, mountain person, and I love just walking through the woods and saying “Ooh! What’s that?” It’s helpful, then, if I have someone with me who has answers
I *love* that black squirrel…haven’t seen one in person yet though….
We saw one when we were there, but the little critter was too fast for me to get a good picture. All of my pics looked like the blurry Big Foot photos!! lol
michelle of bleeding espresso’s last blog post..la buona cucina americana: bagels
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Now I know what part of Italy to go to next
If I had more time, and the husband was home, we would could go to Italy more than once a year, so it is going to take me a while to visit all the different areas!!
I hear you. I am IN Italy and I have a hard time seeing everything there is to see. There is just *so* much! Can’t wait to see you soon here in Calabria, though!
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I love the beach, but not to just lay there. That bores me. I like to walk the surf and collect shells. Like the mountians as well.
Guess I am both
That is ok, I think I may be both, too. I don’t think we really HAVE to choose, do we??
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Beautiful photos Cherrye!!! I guess you could call me the “southern mountain girl”, I love everything about it.
I do, too and the air is always so fresh up there!
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Used to be a beach person, but now the hill towns call to me. And I love La Sila. Looking forward to Sila Fridays.ciao ciao
Thanks, Carol. I love the mountains, too … although, these beaches sure are nice, as well!
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I like both
Then come to Calabria… you will love these!
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i am both…actually one of my fave places is 5 terre where i can enjoy both at the same time!
those fall foliage shots are lovely!
Thanks. I have never been to Cinque Terre…I’d sure love to go, though!
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Wonderful, Amazing photos!
I like both! Once, we drove through mountains on the way to a beach. Perfect balance! I like doing similar things at both places… just relaxing!
Oh that is the perfect balance and yes, both places are ideal for R&R!
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[...] we are heading up to La Sila today to soak in the springtime and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the mountains. Wish you were here [...]