Calabrisella Mia

There is something about the autumn in Calabria that feels like a quiet reset, a gentle pause between what was and what’s waiting to unfold. The air turns crisp, the days seem to slow down, and suddenly there is space to breathe, to reflect, and to let go of what no longer serves you.

The trees begin their transformation, their leaves shifting from green to brilliant yellows and golds, before falling gently, making room for what comes next. It’s quite symbolic, the idea of letting go of the past and preparing for the future. A reminder to make room for rest, for renewal, for whatever new and amazing things are waiting in the next season.

Maybe that is why I love fall so much. It feels like an invitation for us to do the same.

For me, autumn is cozy nights wrapped in blankets, the comfort of hot chocolate warming your hands, and that unmistakable scent of roasted chestnuts in the air. It is a season that feels like a soft and grounding hug. The beach parties fade into memory, replaced by local food festivals, robust red wine, and hearty comfort foods.

And for me, there is no better place that captures all the beauty of Fall quite like Sila National Park.

Autumn Vibes in Camigliatello Silano, Calabria

It never fails, as soon as the temperatures start to dip, I feel the pull to visit the charming village of Camigliatello Silano. To me, it feels like the heart of the park. Its streets are lined with stone houses, and the smell of roasting chestnuts seems to float in the air all season long. If you visit in October, you will find yourself swept up in the Sagra del Fungo, the annual mushroom festival that brings people from all over to celebrate all the great things that the autumn season has to offer. Stalls overflow with porcini, Sila potatoes, local cured meats and cheeses.

Even if you don’t happen to visit during the Sagra del Fungo, the streets of Camigliatello Silano are perfect for an autumn stroll. I like to wander into the small local shops, especially Alta Gastronomia Campanaro, where you can find shelves stacked with Calabrian specialities made locally.

And no visit to Camigliatello is complete without having a paninazzo silano, a delicious sausage sandwich filled to the brim with whatever toppings your heart desires from mushrooms, broccoli rabe, pancetta, peppers, caciocavallo cheese, and so much more.  It’s a true fall ritual for me!

Walking in the Forest of Sila National Park, Italy

The Sila National Park is said to have the cleanest air in Europe, making it the perfect place to spend time outside, surrounded by fresh air and nature.  I enjoy hiking, and, if I’m being honest, I don’t do it as often as I’d like to. Sila is a great place for hiking and has various trails with varying degrees of difficulty.

Not too far from Camigliatello are I Giganti della Sila (The Giants of Sila), the ancient black pines that have been standing for more than 500 years. This easy walk takes you through these majestic trees, some of them reaching heights of up to 45 meters (about 150 feet) and trunk diameters of nearly 2 meters. For official opening times and tickets, you can visit the FAI website.

If you are looking for longer and more rustic trail options, Lake Cecita is a great starting point for some of the best autumn hikes in Sila National Park. From here, there are various trails, including the Lago Cecita – Osservatorio faunistico, which is an easy loop that takes you to a wildlife observation area for deer and roe deer, as well as a botanical garden.

For a more challenging adventure, the Monte Curcio Trail just outside Camigliatello offers one of the most scenic fall hiking routes in Calabria, climbing to a sweeping viewpoint over the forest that is especially breathtaking in autumn when the trees turn vibrant shades of yellow, gold, and brown.

The Magic of Autumn in Sila

Sila in autumn always reminds me that change can be beautiful. The golden shimmer of the trees, the crisp air with hints of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, the warm seasonal comfort foods that fill your belly and your soul; it’s like nature’s way of saying slow down, breathe, and savor where you are.

Every season has its own bit of magic, and even when the trees shed their final leaves, it is a reminder that letting go is not the end; it is just the start of something new.

If you want to find out what I’m up to here in Calabria, you can keep up with my daily life and musings over on the Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page and Instagram!