San  Giovanni  in  Fiore​

Latest page update: 18 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in San Giovanni in Fiore
San Giovanni in Fiore, in the Sila mountains of Calabria, is best known for the Florense Abbey and its position within the Sila National Park. The town itself offers several established hotels that cater to visitors interested in both cultural heritage and outdoor activities.
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Hotel Duchessa della Sila is one of the leading choices, featuring comfortable rooms, a restaurant and good access to the surrounding park, often praised for its welcoming atmosphere (€€). Hotel Biafora Resort & Spa provides modern accommodation, a wellness centre, restaurant and strong reviews for its facilities and service (€€€). Another option is Hotel Del Lago Ampollino, located on the shores of Lake Ampollino, with cosy rooms, a restaurant and direct access to the lakeside, regularly highlighted for its setting (€€).

Where is

Where is San Giovanni in Fiore?
​The hill town of San Giovanni in Fiore is situated in the Province of Cosenza. It has a population of around 17,000 inhabitants and stands at an elevation of 1,049 metres above sea level. 

​Places of interest nearby include the towns of Caccuri, Santa Severina, Marina di Strongoli and Crotone. The recommended accommodation is the Hotel Palaghiaccio​ in Torre Caprara.
Comune di San Giovanni in Fiore
Province: Cosenza

Region: Calabria

Population: 15,706 (in 2024 - source)

​Size: 279 km²

​​Elevation: 1,049 metres

​Close by: Caccuri, Santa Severina, Marina di Strongoli, Crotone

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Palaghiaccio (17 km)

What People Ask About San Giovanni in Fiore, Calabria

Is San Giovanni in Fiore worth visiting?
Yes, San Giovanni in Fiore is worth visiting for its medieval abbey, historic centre, and location in the Sila mountains. It is one of the largest towns in Calabria’s interior and is known for its cultural heritage and traditional crafts.
How do I get to San Giovanni in Fiore?
San Giovanni in Fiore is located in the province of Cosenza, about 35 kilometres from Crotone and 50 kilometres from Cosenza. It is best reached by car along mountain roads from either the Ionian or Tyrrhenian coasts. The nearest railway stations are in Crotone and Cosenza.
What are the main attractions in San Giovanni in Fiore?
The main attraction is the Florense Abbey, founded in the 12th century by Gioacchino da Fiore, a medieval mystic. Other highlights include the old town centre, artisan shops, and the surrounding Sila National Park with its lakes and forests.
When is the best time to visit San Giovanni in Fiore?
The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and the Sila mountains are ideal for walking and sightseeing. Winter is also appealing for those interested in snowy landscapes and nearby ski areas.
How long should I stay in San Giovanni in Fiore?
A stay of one or two days is enough to visit the abbey, stroll through the town, and enjoy local cuisine. Longer visits are recommended if you want to explore the Sila National Park and its outdoor activities.
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Discover

Discover San Giovanni in Fiore
San Giovanni in Fiore is a mountain town in the province of Cosenza, situated in the heart of the Sila Plateau in Calabria. Surrounded by pine forests, lakes, and high meadows, it lies within the Sila National Park at an elevation that gives it a cool climate and expansive views across the surrounding landscape. The town has a spacious, terraced layout, combining modern areas with an older historic centre built in stone.
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Its most important monument is the Abbey of Florense, founded in the 12th century by Joachim of Fiore, a theologian whose influence spread across medieval Europe. The abbey remains a spiritual and architectural landmark, reflecting the town’s monastic origins. Local traditions include woodcraft, weaving, and gastronomy linked to mountain produce. San Giovanni in Fiore’s position between Lorica, Silvana Mansio, and Camigliatello Silano makes it an ideal base for exploring the natural and cultural heritage of the Sila Mountains.

Things to Do

Things to Do in San Giovanni in Fiore
  • Centro Storico di San Giovanni in Fiore is nestled in the Sila mountains, its streets winding through stone houses, narrow alleys, and small piazzas. The town offers views over forested hills and valleys. Small squares reveal fountains and shaded corners. Walking here provides insight into a community where history and natural beauty come together.
  • Abbazia Florense is a key historic site near the town, founded in the 12th century by Joachim of Fiore. The abbey’s ruins reflect medieval monastic life and spiritual significance. Visitors can explore the site and learn about its influence on religious history in the region.
  • Chiesa Madre di San Giovanni Battista stands in the town centre, its façade marked by simple elegance. Inside, visitors find frescoes and sacred artworks. The church has long been central to local worship and community life. It remains a valued place of faith and heritage.
  • Piazza Dante Alighieri serves as San Giovanni in Fiore’s social hub, bordered by cafés, shops, and municipal buildings. The square hosts markets, festivals, and community events under mountain skies. Cobblestones and forest views create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to experience local culture and daily life.
  • Guided cultural and nature tours in San Giovanni in Fiore lead visitors through historic streets, abbey grounds, and nearby trails within Sila National Park. Local guides share stories of monastic traditions, mountain ecology, and regional history. Tours often include tastings of local cheeses, honey, and Calabrian wines. Exploring reveals San Giovanni in Fiore’s mix of heritage and natural beauty.

Tours and Activities

San Giovanni in Fiore Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Calabria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Calabria

1. Tropea
2. ​Pizzo
3. ​Scilla
4. Sila National Park
5. ​Le Castella
6. Capo Vaticano
7. Pentedattilo
8. ​Santa Severina
9. ​Riace Bronzes​
10. Altomonte

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Calabria

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to San Giovanni in Fiore
By Rail: San Giovanni in Fiore does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Crotone, about 55 kilometres away, on the Taranto–Reggio Calabria line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Crotone to Catanzaro Lido in around 1 hour and to Reggio Calabria in about 3 hours. From Crotone, buses and taxis provide regular transport to San Giovanni in Fiore.

By Road: San Giovanni in Fiore is located in the heart of the Sila National Park, around 70 kilometres northeast of Cosenza. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS107 and SS108bis. From Catanzaro, the distance is about 80 kilometres, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the SS109. The town is accessible by scenic mountain roads, and parking is available close to the town centre and near the Abbazia Florense.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Lamezia Terme International Airport: Situated about 95 kilometres southwest of San Giovanni in Fiore, with a drive of around 2 hours via the SS109. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
  • Crotone–Sant’Anna Airport: Located roughly 60 kilometres southeast, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car via the SS107. It serves a limited number of domestic routes.
  • Reggio Calabria Airport: Approximately 200 kilometres southwest, with a journey time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes via the A2 motorway. It provides regional and national services.

Private Transfers

San Giovanni in Fiore Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and reliable way to travel to or from San Giovanni in Fiore, providing a direct service without the need to drive or rely on public transport. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional local driver.

Lamezia Terme International Airport is the most convenient for arrivals and departures, with good road access to the Sila mountains. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Caccuri, Taverna, and Lorica, or to other towns and nature areas within the Sila National Park in Calabria.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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