San Fili Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and naturally beautiful San Fili, Italy with our detailed tour guide. From must-see attractions to hiking trails and local cuisine - we've got you covered!


San Fili, located in Calabria, Southern Italy is a hidden gem that offers visitors an authentic Italian experience. Travelers looking for culture, history, and scenic beauty, look no further than San Fili. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will take a closer look at all the things you need to know before visiting this charming town.

Introduction to San Fili

Nestled in the Calabria region, San Fili is a charming and peaceful town situated near the Pollino National Park. This small town boasts of its rich history, cultural heritage, and picturesque surroundings. Visitors to San Fili can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and indulge in the town’s unique traditions, delicious cuisine, and explore its ancient past.

List of Places to Visit in San Fili

San Fili has plenty of attractions and activities that cater to various interests. For your convenience, we have divided our guide into different sections of culturally important and natural attractions, as well as hiking and biking trails, things to do, and places to stay.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

For history buffs and culture vultures, San Fili has an abundance of sites that are rich in history and tradition. Here are a few must-visit attractions:

  • Church of Santa Maria della Pietà: Located in the historic center of San Fili, this church is a majestic example of baroque architecture. It is home to an awe-inspiring altarpiece portraying the Virgin Mary with Saints Peter and Paul.

  • Palazzo Iannuzzi: A beautiful historic building located in the town’s heart, Palazzo Iannuzzi, boasts of beautiful frescoes and an elegant facade.

  • Museum of Rural Life: This museum is dedicated to preserving the traditional way of life of San Fili’s residents. It features different exhibits showcasing old appliances, household items, farming equipment, and more.

Natural Attractions of San Fili: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

San Fili is also home to a host of natural beauty spots, such as mountains, rivers, and parks. Here are some of the must-visit attractions:

  • Pollino National Park: The Pollino National Park is a massive nature reserve that stretches across the Calabria and Basilicata regions. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, exploring caves, and even skiing in the winter months.

  • River Lao Natural Pools: A popular locals’ secret spot, the River Lao Natural Pools is an area where the Lao river forms tranquil azure-colored pools perfect for swimming in hot summers.

  • Mount Cocuzzo: The highest peak in Calabria, Mount Cocuzzo offers visitors a scenic view of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. This mountain is accessible through a hiking trail that offers hikers incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Fili

San Fili and the Calabria region offer several hiking and biking trails to explore. These trails offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and water bodies. Here is our pick of the best:

  • The Atlantic- Adriatic Trail: This famed hiking trail spans up to 1200 Km, connecting the Italian east coast to the west coast. The trail will take hikers through rich hills and valleys, and across Italy’s scenic countryside.

  • Mount Monk: Participants can hike to the top of this mountain, located 1,447 meters above sea level, in less than three hours one way and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park located in the Campania and Salerno provinces, offers visitors views of the Apennine Mountains, pristine coastline, and stunning sunsets.

Best Things to Do in San Fili: Activities and Tours

Visitors to San Fili can participate in various exciting activities and tours. Here are some of the popular ones:

  • Cooking classes: Learn how to make authentic Italian dishes from the best of chefs in San Fili.

  • Wine tours: Tour the neighboring vineyards of Cassano allo Ionio, which produce some of the best wines in the region.

  • Beaches: The Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas offer visitors to San Fili pristine beaches for sunbathing and swimming.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Fili

Day 1: Arrival in San Fili and visiting the town’s historic center. Day 2: A day trip to Pollino National Park. Day 3: A day exploring the River Lao Natural Pools. Day 4: A leisurely day spent exploring local churches and historical sites. Day 5: A hike to Mount Cocuzzo. Day 6: A day’s sightseeing in neighboring cities like Cosenza or Reggio Calabria. Day 7: Shopping for local souvenirs and returning home or setting off for your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of San Fili

San Fili is famous for its simple yet delicious cuisine, which is made using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Some of the local delicacies and drinks include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • ‘Nduja: This spicy cured pork meat typical of Calabria is a must-try.
  • Caciocavallo: This traditional cheese made from cow’s milk is an excellent addition to any Italian dish.
  • Tartufo: A classic Italian dessert made from ice cream and covered in cocoa powder and almonds.

Local Beverages

  • Limoncello: A sweet liquor made from lemon rinds that are locally grown in Calabria.
  • Caffe Calabrese: This coffee is an excellent way to start your day: strong, smooth, and creamy.

Where to Stay in San Fili: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Fili offers visitors a variety of accommodation options that cater to all budgets. Visitors can choose from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb properties. Some of the popular options in San Fili include:

  • Francavilla Hotel: This hotel offers visitors spacious and comfortable rooms with excellent views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
  • B&B Il Poeta: This cozy B&B offers guests comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast menu.
  • Casa Fili: This Airbnb property is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers looking for comfortable accommodations with a local’s perspective on San Fili.

What to Buy in San Fili: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

San Fili is known for several arts and crafts that make excellent souvenirs to bring back home. Consider these products for your next trip to San Fili:

  • Ceramic vases and tiles: San Fili is famous for its handmade ceramic tiles and vases.
  • Handwoven fabrics: These textiles are made by local artisans and are available in a variety of designs and colors.

Local Culture and Customs of San Fili

The people of San Fili are warm, welcoming, and proud of their heritage. Visitors to the town will encounter many traditional customs unique to the area, such as:

  • Processions and festivals: San Fili residents are known for celebrating religious festivals with colorful processions, music, and traditional attire.
  • Home cooking: Food is a vital part of San Fili’s culture, and locals are proud to share their traditional recipes.

Best Time to Visit San Fili

The best time to visit San Fili is from May to September when the weather is warm and pleasant. The town is known for its hot summers, making the sea and mountain breezes a welcome relief.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Fili

Do:

  • Learn some basic Italian phrases before visiting San Fili.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in places where it is prohibited.
  • Disturb the peace and quiet of the town’s residents.

Safety and Health

San Fili is a safe town for tourists. Visitors to the town should take necessary precautions to protect themselves from sunburn, dehydration, and mosquito bites. A mosquito repellent is a must when visiting the town during the summer months.

Getting to San Fili: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to San Fili can access the town using different modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near San Fili

  • Lamezia Terme International Airport: Located 120 kilometers from San Fili, this airport is the closest airport to the town.
  • Reggio Calabria Airport: This airport is 151 kilometers from San Fili.

Bus Stations Near San Fili

  • Cosenza Bus Station: Located 35 kilometers from San Fili, visitors can take a bus to the town from this station.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach San Fili by car or by train via the Reggio Calabria or Lamezia Terme railway stations.

How to Get Around in San Fili

San Fili is a small town and is easy to explore on foot. Visitors can also use the local bus services to get around the town or hire a car to explore the nearby areas.

Where to Go Next from San Fili: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Fili’s location in Calabria allows visitors to explore nearby towns and attractions. Here are some top places to check out:

  • Cosenza: This historic town located 35 kilometers from San Fili is home to several museums, churches, and cultural attractions.
  • Scilla and Bagnara Calabra: These picturesque seaside towns located on the Tyrrhenian coast offer visitors beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets.
  • Pizzo and Tropea: These towns located on the Tyrrhenian Coast are famous for their beautiful beaches and delicious ice-cream made from Tartufo, a specialty of the region.

Conclusion

San Fili is a town that offers visitors a unique cultural experience, breathtaking natural beauty, and a chance to explore Italy’s rich history. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you plan your trip to San Fili, and you now feel ready to explore the town’s charms and discover its secrets.

Interior of the Mother Santissima Annunziata church Interior of the Mother Santissima Annunziata church via XX Settembre via XX Settembre Statue of Santa Maria degli angeli Statue of Santa Maria degli angeli Statue of San Francesco di Paola Statue of San Francesco di Paola Il cammino di San Francesco di Paola Il cammino di San Francesco di Paola Alley in the historic center Alley in the historic center