Top 5 Natural Monuments around San Benedetto Ullano

San Benedetto Ullano is known for its diverse natural landscapes, including one of Calabria's few natural lakes, extensive beech forests, and unique rock formations. You can visit Laghicello, a small natural lake nestled in a beech forest, or discover the impressive Great Fern Boulder, a granite outcrop covered in ferns.

Yes, Laghicello is not only a picturesque lake but also recognized as a Site of Community Interest due to its ecological value, including the presence of the alpine newt. Additionally, the Great Oak of Mavigliano is located within a special protection area, being one of the largest monumental English oaks in Italy.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Croce della Crocetta. This summit on the crest of the Paolama chain offers expansive vistas between Cosenza and the sea, allowing you to experience the unspoiled nature of Calabria.

The Great Oak of Mavigliano is a family-friendly natural monument. Its impressive size and location within a special protection area make it an interesting and accessible spot for visitors of all ages.

The region offers various hiking trails. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Laghicello loop from Laghicello' or the 'Statue of Saint Francis – Laghicello loop from Cozzo Cervello' which allow you to explore the area around Laghicello. More hiking options are available in the Hiking around San Benedetto Ullano guide.

Yes, there are road cycling and mountain biking routes in the vicinity. For road cycling, you might consider the 'Ascent to Passo Crocetta from Paola – loop tour' which offers challenging climbs. Mountain bikers can explore routes like 'La Serra di Paola – giro ad anello da Paola'. Find more details in the MTB Trails around San Benedetto Ullano guide and Road Cycling Routes around San Benedetto Ullano guide.

The natural monuments, especially Laghicello, offer a distinctive and enchanting atmosphere throughout the year. Spring and autumn generally provide pleasant weather for hiking and exploring the beech forests, while summer allows for enjoying the cooler mountain air.

Absolutely. The Monumental Chestnut Grove of San Martino di Finita features a clearing of exceptionally large chestnut trees, recognized as one of the most beautiful monumental clearings in the region. Additionally, Laghicello is entirely immersed in a picturesque beech forest.

Visitors appreciate the unspoiled nature and tranquility. For example, Laghicello is described as a 'perfect place for a break' with a 'characteristic natural landscape'. Croce della Crocetta is noted as a 'beautiful place' to experience Calabria's wild side.

The natural setting of Laghicello, immersed in a beech forest, offers highly picturesque scenes throughout the year, making it ideal for photography. The panoramic views from Croce della Crocetta also provide stunning photo opportunities.

Laghicello is particularly noteworthy for its ecological value, including the presence of the alpine newt. The surrounding beech forests also provide habitat for various other species typical of the central Paolano Apennine mountains.