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Covering the widest part of the Calabrian peninsula, the Sila massif is more of an extensive plateau than a mountain range, though the peaks on its western flank reach heights of nearly 2000m. It's divided into three main groups, the Sila Greca, Sila Grande and Sila Piccola, the last two of which are little more than an administrative division, while the former - although the least entrancing scenically - is distinguished by the Albanian villages from which it takes its name. At one time the Sila was one huge forest and was exploited from earliest times to provide fuel and material for the construction of fleets, fortresses and even for church-building in Rome, resulting in a deforestation that helped bring about the malarial conditions that for centuries laid much of Calabria low. The cutting of trees is now strictly controlled, and since the regional government recognized the potential of the area and imposed restrictions on building and hunting, there is plenty here for the outdoors enthusiast, in summer as a relief from the heat of the towns or coasts and in winter for downhill or cross-country skiing. The other seasons have their own charms: spring, when the woods are a riot of wild flowers, and autumn, for the full gamut of decaying colour and - a local speciality - wild mushrooms
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