Characterised by an environment partly reminiscent of the Nordic-Scandinavian, Sila is a vast plateau of the Calabrian Apennines, in Southern Italy, that’s renowned for having the cleanest air in Europe. This 50-kilometre (30 mi) Collection takes you across the Sila Piccola in two stages.

The route begins in Villaggio Palumbo, on the shores of Lake Ampollino, climbs up and down Mount Gariglione, and ends in Villaggio Mancuso. In the shadow of the beech, pine and fir trees of Sila Piccola, you’ll cross places where it’s still possible to meet no one, characterised by a wild and evocative natural landscape.

The route is not particularly challenging, but I recommend a hard-tail mountain bike at the very least. In addition, the climb to Mount Gariglione, where most of the overall elevation gain is concentrated, requires a good level of fitness. In winter, you might find snow at the higher elevations, so summer or mid-season are the best times to tackle this route.

The starting and finishing points are resorts where, should you need them, you’ll have no problem finding accommodation. Along the route, on the other hand, there are not many options. I planned to stay overnight about halfway along the route at Rifugio Leone Grandinetti. The refuge is owned by the Catanzaro CAI, which I recommend you contact to make sure the facility is actually open and available.

The road to Villaggio Palumbo, the SS179, is convenient and smooth, especially if you’re coming from Cosenza. Cosenza is also the nearest train station, from which you can reach Villaggio Palumbo by regular bus. If you arrive in Calabria by plane, the most convenient airport is Lamezia Terme. To return to Villaggio Palumbo from Villaggio Mancuso is difficult using public transport. If you do not have the option of being picked up by car, the quickest alternative is to ride on the road for about 26 kilometres (16 mi).