sila national park

LAC CECITA - SILVANA MANSIO

Go to map

Lago Cecita - Silvana Mansio

Starting at Cecita lake, across landscapes of rare beauty, the route quickly climbs up the mountain. After about 12 Km, once you have passed the Serra della Castagna mountain, take the SP 208 heading to the Pettinascura peaks, at about 1560 m. After a long downhill glide and a slightly uphill stretch, the route leads to Germano (1263), a hamlet near San Giovanni in Fiore. Then the route goes around Ariamàcina lake (1316 m) and takes you close to Croce di Magara and the nature reserve of “Giganti di Fallistro”: 5 hectares of old-growth pine forest. Once you have passed the village of Sculca (1360 m), take the SP 211 road heading Silvana Mansio, a charming village perched at 1470 m of height and made up of wooden lodges.

50 km

3:00 hour

980 m

Difficulty: advanced

Nature & adventure holidays

Start here

ITINERARY AND DESTINATIONS

Download gpx

Places you must visit

Camigliatello

Camigliatello Silano, located at an elevation of 1,300 m above sea level, is one of the Sila areas that has the greatest number of tourists no matter the season. It has a modern ski lift for skiing in the winter and the summer. It departs from the station located in Tasso and takes you to Monte Curcio, at an elevation of 1786 m.

I Giganti di Fallistro-Biogenetic Nature Reserve

The Nature Reserve located in Fallistro in the area of Spezzano della Sila and near Croce di Magara is about 5 hectares. Its forest has centuries-old pine trees, some of which are over 40 metres tall, and they stand before a nearby spinning mill that dates back to the 17th century. In addition to the 53 specimens of “giant” larch pine, you will see specimens of beech, sycamore maple and white poplar.

The village of Silvana Mansio

The village of Silvana Mansio, built in the 1930s in the municipality of Casali del Manco and located at an elevation of 1470 m is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in Sila. It has managed to preserve the natural habitat intact, and 90% of homes look like wood cabins with an almost fairy-tale like ambiance. They fit in perfectly in the context of the one hundred thousand square metre forest.

Useful information

KEY FACTS

climate

Winters can be snowy on the peaks. However, roads and accommodation facilities are open and accessible. If you’re not afraid of winter weather riding, the Parks cycle network welcomes you even in the cold season.

Food, drink and accommodation

Throughout the route you’ll find farmhouses (agriturismi), B&Bs and guesthouses. The towns and villages located along the ride offer visitors Italian restaurants and trattorie, where you can enjoy authentic cuisine and typical dishes. The cycle network mainly crosses woodlands and green areas, where water sources are always available.

Clothing

Cycling gear varies depending on the season. In autumn and winter, it’s important to use the right gear to keep you dry and warm on rides, as the temperatures can be very cold in the mountains; in spring, you don’t need thermal gear but don’t forget to wear the right windproof and waterproof clothing. In summer, you can wear a t-shirt and bermuda shorts, but always bring a jacket for high-altitude rides.

We recommend using a reliable and comfortable bike, suitable for both sealed and unsealed roads.
If you want to travel with a tent, you can stay in tent camping sites or campsites with full amenities, surrounded by woodlands. To learn more please click here.