What You Need to Know: Useful Information
The Sila Train is a unique experience for those who want to discover the Calabrian hinterland through an evocative journey aboard a historic steam train. This railway, built at the beginning of the 20th century, crosses one of the most fascinating landscapes in Calabria, offering travelers the chance to immerse themselves in the unspoiled nature of the Sila National Park.
The main route of the Sila Train departs from Moccone or Camigliatello Silano, two towns located on the Sila plateau, and arrives in Silvana Mansio, passing through lush forests and picturesque valleys along the way. The journey takes about 90 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxing trip with family or friends. The authentic, restored steam locomotive is the undisputed star of the journey: its whistle, the sound of steam, and the characteristic smell of coal make the experience immersive and historic. The carriages are original from the beginning of the last century, furnished in a vintage style that makes passengers feel as if they have stepped back in time. The train winds past picturesque villages such as Camigliatello Silano, Ringhio, Sculca, and Croce di Magara – areas rich in history and nature that are ideal for exploring nature trails and discovering local traditions.
Getting There
By train
To reach the mountain plateau by rail, you can take a regional Trenitalia train along the Cosenza-Sibari line to the main station of Cosenza. From Cosenza, the historic narrow-gauge lines and connecting regional replacement buses run by Ferrovie della Calabria travel directly up into the mountains to reach the departure hubs of Camigliatello Silano or Moccone.
By car
Driving is a highly practical way to access the starting stations and explore the national park. From the Mediterranean coast, take the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo (Salerno-Reggio Calabria) highway, exit at Cosenza Nord, and follow the SS107 Silana-Crotonese state road climbing steeply up into the granite hills straight toward the Camigliatello Silano and Moccone exits.
By bus
For regional public transit travelers, local intercity bus networks run scheduled daily routes connecting the central bus terminal of Cosenza to the main mountain resort towns of the Sila plateau. These buses drop passengers off close to the historical station platforms.
Below you'll find the location marked on Google Maps. Click on it to open the location directly on your device's maps.
Useful Contacts
- Ferrovie della Calabria – Il Treno della Sila (Official Train Booking & Timetables):
- Website: trenodellasila.it
- Ente Parco Nazionale della Sila (Sila National Park Authority):
- Website: parcosila.it
- Turismo Calabria (Calabria Regional Tourism Board Portal):
- Website: turismocalabria.it
What to Bring & Pro Tips
- Plan your trip well in advance and buy tickets ahead of time online to ensure you secure a seat on this highly sought-after vintage route.
- Keep in mind that the historic service runs mainly on Sundays, though it expands to include Saturdays during the lively summer months.
- Bring a smartphone or a camera to capture the breathtaking views of lush forests and picturesque valleys that change beautifully with the seasons.
- Pack a light jacket or sweater even in the middle of summer, as the high-altitude Sila plateau can be significantly cooler than the nearby Calabrian coasts.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes if you intend to hop off at the stops to explore the nearby nature trails and panoramic views around the mountain villages.
- Embrace the nostalgic atmosphere inside the carriages, which are completely original from the beginning of the last century and furnished in an authentic vintage style.
The “Hidden Gem”
Once you have finished your nostalgic train journey and stepped off the vintage carriages at Silvana Mansio, take a short drive to explore the magnificent Gianti della Sila (Giants of the Sila) nature reserve near Croce di Magara.
Instead of staying entirely focused on the mountain resort stations, head into the heart of the woods to discover a monumental, ancient forest that feels like a living cathedral. This protected biogenetic reserve is home to roughly sixty monumental Corsican pine trees that stand over 45 meters tall, with trunks up to two meters wide, dating back over 350 years to the era of the Bourbon kings. Walking along the quiet wooden boardwalks underneath these towering, majestic giants offers a wonderfully peaceful and awe-inspiring natural break, rewarding travelers with a profound look at the ancient, untouched primordial forests that once covered the entire Calabrian mountain landscape.
