San Fele includes the frazioni (hamlets) of Agrifoglio, Armatieri, Cecci, Cerrito, Difesa, Montagna, Pierno, Priore, Masone, Signorella.

The area was seen as strategically important because the Crocelle Pass, the southern passage through the Apennine Mountains lies in the northeast corner of the Comune (municipality) of San Fele.

In addition, after the upheaval of World War II, and particularly in the 1950s and '60s, many San Felese emigrated (to Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and northern Italy).

The primary industry in San Fele is agriculture, and the area features lovely woodlands and hiking trails, and is known for the fertility of its volcanic soil which produces the excellent aglianico wines for which Basilicata is known, as well as mushrooms, truffles, cheese, game, and handmade pasta.

Although much of the area was deforested due to a timber boom during the 19th century and to clear land for farming, part of the Comune of San Fele includes a national park with lush forestland dominated by oak, maple, beech and mountain pine.