La “Scialata”

The nature trail known as “Scialata“, which means “great fun” in local dialect, is located in the municipality of San Giovanni di Gerace, a few kilometers from the Ionian coast of “Riviera dei Gelsomini” (i.e. Jasmines Coast), in the Torbido Valley on the hill slopes of the reliefs on the border between Aspromonte and Serre.
It’s a simple path, suitable for everybody, but that can give great emotions, thanks to the beautiful wide panoramas on the coast in the first part of the path and thanks to the numerous small waterfalls of the second section of the path. We could call it a nature walk to discover the hidden waterways in lush greenery between imposing granite rocks.
The beginning of the path is located a few kilometers from the center of San Giovanni di Gerace and it’s well marked by signs. Once in the vicinity of AFOR toll booth in a place called Giancè, we follow a dirt road that leads up to the “Fellare” waterfalls; from here on, following the course of Levadio stream, it’s a constant surprise with small jumps of water, sheer granite walls, wooden bridges, waterfalls with ponds and dense old woods of alders, poplars and chestnut trees.
After about 2 hours of pleasant walk, after crossing the waterfall “Crisafi”, the waterfall “Schiavone”, the waterfall “Little Canyon” and the “Rocks” waterfall, we arrive at the Oasis of “Scialata” in a place called Cannavarè, where there’s a spring of mineral water and an equipped picnic area, in the heart of a dense chestnut wood.