Visiting Pollino National Park
The south of Italy is a region of endless surprises, and Pollino National Park is undoubtedly one of its highlights. It takes its name from the massif that peaks at 2,248 meters in its center, marking the second-highest point in Calabria. The park spans across to Basilicata, and since 1991, it has held national park status to protect the rare Bosnian pines that thrive here. The protected area encompasses 56 municipalities, including Castrovillari, which is known for its significant heritage.
The oldest Bosnian pine in Europe
Covering 2,000 square kilometers, Pollino National Park ranks among the 50 largest in the world. The terrain shifts constantly, moving from deep gorges and canyons to forested slopes and high-altitude pastures. It is a premier destination for hikers who flock here for the extensive trail network. Beyond the main Pollino massif, the Apennine mountain chain offers impressive summits, including the highest peak in Calabria, Serra Dolcedorme at 2,267 meters, and the sheer ravines of Cozzo del Pellegrino. The vistas are expansive, with both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas visible from the heights. The park acts as a living landscape where the ecosystem is strictly protected. Dense forests of beech, chestnut, silver fir, and maple cover the lower elevations. On the Calabrian slopes, thousands of Bosnian pines stand as sentinels, including the famous Patriarca del Pollino. This tree is considered the oldest in Europe, with an estimated age of 1230 years. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including various raptors, foxes, and wildcats. Staying overnight in the local mountain villages allows you to experience the traditional culture of this region firsthand.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
Pollino National Park is the largest in Italy. Covering almost 2,000 square kilometers, it contains completely natural areas but also a few villages. It is therefore entirely possible to spend several days there by staying in guesthouses or hotels and eating on site.
That can be a good idea, because there is really a lot of ground to cover, and you won't be able to do everything on foot, even in several days. Of what I saw, I particularly enjoyed the area around the village of Orsomarso. Impressive mountains, rocky peaks, lush green nature, rare plants, birds of prey, animals of all kinds, charming little streams...