Naturalistic Itinerary

The three villages create a space surrounded by unspoiled nature, also perfect for lovers of trekking and cycling, given the numerous nature trails that climb the Sila mountains.

For bicycle lovers, you cannot avoid the Val di Neto Cycle Route: a suggestive bike ride up the Neto: a 38 km long route that crosses Rocca di Neto, Scandale, Strongoli, Belvedere Spinello, Santa Severina and Caccuri allowing you to get to know the history, the landscape and the natural beauty up close. Along the way it is also possible to abandon the bike to devote yourself to nature, to visit archaeological sites and, why not, to a nice kayak ride.

Starting from Caccuri you can reach a magical place, full of charm and legends, trekking to discover the ghost village of Carello Inferiore (a small abandoned village located at the beginning of the province of Cosenza, in the municipality of San Giovanni in Fiore. Abandoned in the 70s, it had about 300 inhabitants with the nearby hamlets. Located in an area of very high naturalistic value, the middle valley of the Neto river, the village is now a real “oasis of peace”. A magical place where you can savor the atmosphere of a past time, disturbed only by the singing of birds and the rustle of the wind.

Calabria is now known for the possibility of exploring birdwatching trails that have become popular for a few years. Carefully selected paths including Monte Fuscaldo, in the municipality of Santa Severina: a splendid natural area where Mediterranean vegetation is the master. The wildlife here is rich and diverse. It is among the sites with the highest concentrations of birds of prey in the province.

Walking in the waters in Castelsilano can and can be done in the Lese river, a tributary of the Neto river, which flows, for a long stretch of its course, in the Presila municipality. You will walk right with your feet in the water, going up the course of the river for a path suitable for everyone of about 1.5 km.
Not only the charm of nature, going up the river, in fact, you will cross breathtaking landscapes and the rich biodiversity of our protected areas, also an ancient hydroelectric plant and an old mill.

Hiking – Trekking and walking in the villages

Ring of Monte Fuscaldo – Santa Severina
Length: about 13 km – Average duration: 4 hours – Difficulty: medium
Ring route starting and returning to the historic center of Santa Severina. The itinerary crosses Mount Fuscaldo, offering panoramic views of the Neto valley. A splendid natural area where the Mediterranean vegetation is the master. The wildlife here is rich and diverse. It is among the sites with the highest concentrations of birds of prey in the province. The environment is characterized by olive groves, native vegetation and a remarkable variety of fauna. The route is suitable for those looking for a panoramic trek with moderate difficulty.

Basilian Way – Caccuri/Santa Severina
section Length: about 23 km – Average duration: 9 hours – Difficulty: medium-high
This stretch connects two historic villages through ancient paths, mule tracks and nature trails. Along the way you will come across farms, ruins of rural chapels and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the hilly landscape. It is possible to divide the route into two stages, with stops at farmhouses.

Tratturi della Patia – Castelsilano
Length: 9 km – Average duration: 2 hours – Difficulty: easy
An easy path, also ideal for novice walkers, which retraces ancient pastoral sheep tracks. It leads to the rural church of the Madonna della Patria, a local pilgrimage destination. The route is mainly flat, also suitable for slow walks.

Cycling – Cycling through nature and villages

Experiential nature trails
The Lese river – Castelsilano
Duration: 2 hours – Difficulty: medium
Walking in the waters of Castelsilano is possible and can be done in the Lese river, a tributary of the Neto river, which flows, for a long stretch of its course, in the municipality of Presilano. You will walk right with your feet in the water, going up the course of the river for a path suitable for everyone of about 1.5 km.
Not only the charm of nature, going up the river, in fact, you will cross breathtaking landscapes and the rich biodiversity of our protected areas, also an ancient hydroelectric plant and an old mill. An experience in direct contact with nature: you walk along the bed of the Lese river crossing small streams, waterfalls and shaded areas.

 
The ghost village of Carello Inferiore – Caccuri
Duration: 2 hours – Difficulty: medium
Starting from Caccuri you can reach a magical place, full of charm and legends, trekking to discover the ghost village of Carello Inferiore (a small abandoned village located at the beginning of the province of Cosenza, in the municipality of San Giovanni in Fiore. Abandoned in the 70s, it had about 300 inhabitants with the nearby hamlets. Located in an area of very high naturalistic value, the middle valley of the Neto river, the village is now a real “oasis of peace”. A magical place where you can savor the atmosphere of a past time, disturbed only by the singing of birds and the rustle of the wind.