Top 20 Lakes around Sila National Park

Lake Cecita is one of the artificial basins that has adapted best to the Sila landscape

Among the three large Calabrian lakes of the Sila, the Ampollino is certainly the least contaminated and consequently the most authentic to be appreciated by lovers of nature and landscapes.

In summer, you can take advantage of numerous cycling routes that lead through diverse landscapes - from mountain spruce forests to water areas of lakes. In winter, the area is home to the Camigliatello Silano ski resort, which attracts skiing and winter sports enthusiasts with its well-prepared facilities and picturesque location in the Sila massif. This is a place more for local skiing enthusiasts and beginners who want to combine active recreation with a vacation in the warm climate of Calabria. If you are looking for more serious skiing routes, you have to go further north in Italy or to the Alps. In Calabria, on the other hand, you will certainly appreciate nature, peace and a unique mountain climate.

The Ampollino Valley is surrounded by the mountains of the Sila massif, with clearly distinguishable peaks: Scorciavuoi (1627 m above sea level), Gariglione (1623 m above sea level), Zingomarro (1463 m above sea level) and Monte Nero (1747 m above sea level). There are extensive pine, beech and fir forests here, creating a Mediterranean mountain landscape characteristic of the region. The central element of the valley is the artificial reservoir Lago Ampollino, created by a dam (diga) on the Ampollino River. The shores of the lake are overgrown with reed beds and water lilies, and in the area you can see wild animals - deer, wild boars, waterfowl and birds of prey.

After a ride around the lake... time for some serious charging. The local Patate della Sila IGP is not only legendary in taste, but also fuel, which grows thanks to the same water you just passed. Grown right next to the trail, it ends up on your plate before you even have time to take off your helmet😅. Perfect after the kilometers you've racked up.

The Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria runs around the lake. Although the entire Ciclovia is considered a route for experienced cyclists due to the significant elevation gain, the lake section is characterized by a more accessible profile. The sections are dominated by flat or gentle climbs, making it suitable for cyclists with average physical fitness. The surface is mixed, alternating between asphalt and gravel sections (natural surfaces and dirt roads), typical of cycle routes immersed in nature. For this reason, a trekking, gravel or mountain bike is most suitable.

Photos from this place best reflect the natural and wild character of Lago di Cecita, whose surface is located at 1,143 meters above sea level. The forest not only does not end at the water line, but actually penetrates it. Tall conifers and lower shrubs create a dense wall of greenery, the lowest parts of which grow out of the lake's depths. It looks as if nature perfectly incorporated the body of water into the existing forest, creating a harmonious, forest-water scenery.

Starting point for many adventures, not only by bike