Calabria is a seaside region with a mountainous soul, stretching along a ridge covered with Mediterranean scrub and conifers, snow-capped peaks where winter sports can be practised and clearings cultivated or devoted to grazing, from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea.
The only region in Italy to host 3 National Parks on its territory, Pollino, Sila and Aspromonte, Calabria offers mountain lovers the purity of an uncontaminated nature, furrowed by torrents and crystalline springs, prehistoric caves, chapels and small hermitages.
A natural and anthropic heritage to be discovered in harmony, walking, cycling or horseback riding along the equipped and mapped trekking paths (recognised by the MiC and CAI); stopping in the small villages to learn about ancient traditions and taste the branded products typical of the Calabrian mountains.
- Pollino National Park - covers 32 municipalities in the province of Cosenza, its symbol is the Pino Loricato and it boasts several UNESCO Geosites.
- Sila National Park - its symbol is the Sila Wolf and it extends between the provinces of Cosenza, Catanzaro and Crotone (Sila Grande, Sila Piccola and Sila Greca). Among its forests one breathes "the best air in Europe", certified by a team of expert biologists.
- Aspromonte National Park - covers the province of Reggio Calabria and it offers UNESCO Geosites with surprising shapes (Valle delle Grandi Pietre), as well as several thematic trails, such as the literary ones dedicated to the writers Corrado Alvaro (Literary Park of the same name) and Edward Lear (English Path).
In addition to the national parks, the Serre Regional Natural Park stretches between Aspromonte and Sila. Its 18,000 hectares cover the provinces of Catanzaro, Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria. The landscape of the Serre constitutes one of the most varied and valuable forest complexes in Calabria, with rare specimens of silver fir, two long and opposite mountain ranges, Monte Covello (800 m) and Monte Pecoraro (1400 m), watercourses and waterfalls.
Of great naturalistic interest, within the park, is the WWF Oasis "Lake Angitola", a nesting and migration site for various Mediterranean birds. The small "Capital of the Serre" is the town of Serra San Bruno, whose symbol is the Charterhouse of Santo Stefano, founded by San Bruno di Colonia in the year 1000.