The Cupe Valleys of Sersale

Enchanting and suggestive places are one of the main features of the entire area of the Cupe Valleys. The wild nature of the canyons and mountain gorges, the charm of the waterfalls and streams with crystal-clear waters, the extraordinary richness of the flora and fauna, the mystery of the ancient legends linked to the past of the hamlets and villages of the surrounding area enchant the visitor. Tourists and visitors have the chance to make the most of their stay in the Cupe Valleys thanks to the numerous activities that Segreti Mediterranei organises with the support of associations operating in the area: from guided visits to river bathing in the waterfall spots, from donkey and horse excursions along the trails to specialist courses for all enthusiasts.

The territory The territory of the Cupe Valleys and Monte Raga is located in the Ionian Mediterranean belt between 300 and 500 metres above sea level in the municipality of Sersale, 3-4 km from the municipality of Cropani and 4-5 km from the centre of the municipality in which it lies. Monte Raga geologically forms part of the granite outcrop of the Sila Massif, and is covered by plant communities characteristic of the Mediterranean scrub and garrigue, such as cistus, lentisk and holm oak. This mountain, bounded by two rivers, the Uria (south) and the Fegato (north), borders to the north-east on the suggestive Cupe Valleys. The Cupe Valleys offer the hiker stunning landscapes both going up the Fegato stream and coming down from Monte Raga, which, despite its luxuriant vegetation, allows you to see them from above as very tall walls of a reddish colour.

These characteristic crevices, carved into the walls of sandy material, are natural in origin but have been widened and lengthened by birds, including birds of prey, which choose this undisturbed and tranquil place for nesting. Going up the stream, the walls hide, up to a distance of ten metres from their base, the entrance to a marvellous canyon. The Canyon, with its waterfalls and tortuous walls that tend to meet at the top, darkens the sky, creating an ideal habitat for protected and rare animal and plant species. The source of the stream, which for millennia has carved out the canyon, is located a four-hour walk from the entrance, and therefore offers a good opportunity, for those who love trekking, to go up it to the source.