Things to do in the Sila, from Villa Victoria
The Sila is a plateau of forests, lakes and pastures in the heart of Calabria. The Sila National Park was established in 2002 and is recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. From Villa Victoria it is an easy full or half-day trip by car.
Camigliatello Silano
The best-equipped village in the Sila: local food shops, trailheads and, in winter, ski lifts. A good first stop if it is your first visit to the plateau.
Lake Arvo and Lorica
Lake Arvo is surrounded by beech and fir woods, with the village of Lorica and its ski lifts on its shore. In summer you can hike, mountain bike and try water activities.
Lake Cecita
The largest lake in the Sila, set in open, quiet countryside. Like the other Sila lakes, it is a reservoir created in the first half of the 20th century for hydroelectric power.
The Sila Giants
In the Fallistro nature reserve, managed by FAI, grow centuries-old Calabrian pines: some are over 500 years old and taller than 40 metres.
