Perla della Sila B&B

We were really happy with our two-night August stay here during a longer trip around Calabria, especially because the host and her family were so kind and welcoming. The B&B is in Lorica, up a hill and about a ten-minute walk from the lake, maybe a little less. We drove and parked right outside without trouble. There are several steps up to the entrance, so it may not suit someone with mobility issues. Just before the bottom of the hill there's a trattoria that looks fairly plain but serves excellent food. We had mountain mushroom pasta and lovely caciocavallo arrosto. The B&B has a rustic, family-home feel, with two or three guest rooms. It's been put together with care, and you can tell they've tried to make guests feel at home. Our room was modern, tastefully decorated, spacious, and clean, with a big double bed and a couch. The bathroom seemed new and everything worked well. We had a basket of towels and a decent hairdryer. There was also a door out to a peaceful garden, where I liked to read in the afternoons. There's a hot tub and a small sauna for winter visitors, though we didn't use them. When we rested in the afternoon, we could hear everything happening elsewhere in the house. At night it was quiet and we slept comfortably. I don't think there's air conditioning, but the cool mountain nights meant we didn't need it. The owners love animals. Their two huskies stay outside in a gated little area, so guests don't come into contact with them. We were delighted to meet their cat and visit the three kittens she'd just had. Breakfast each morning was coffee, water, juice, and homemade cakes. They had alternative milk for anyone who is lactose intolerant. The hostess baked a fresh cake every evening for breakfast, and they were excellent. We especially liked the lemon cake. My husband probably had five slices over the course of the day, since the cakes are left in the dining area for guests to eat whenever they like. The hostess was exceptionally kind and shared lots of suggestions for Sila national park, nearby towns, and things to do. We took to her right away; she has a warm personality and clearly loves welcoming people into her home. We'd gladly recommend the B&B and return. Thanks for a lovely stay in Lorica.