Overview
Pristine nature and the highest peaks in southern Italy
The Pollino National Park, straddling Calabria and Basilicata, stretches from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea. Its diverse territory ranges from the sharp peaks of Cozzo del Pellegrino and Serra Dolcedorme to the undulating grasslands of the Piani del Pollino, not forgetting the Lao and Raganello gorges, the waters of the Abatemarco and Argentino rivers and the countless streams that flow through it.
The Pollino and Orsomarso massifs, part of the southern Apennines, dominate the landscape. The breath-taking views offer a magnificent setting for many outdoor sports, from rafting along the rivers to trekking along the many paths through pristine nature, which you can also travel by mountain bike.
If you lift your gaze, you might glimpse a golden eagle in flight and Heldreich’s pine, which grows on the steepest rock faces. Don’t miss the Cave of the Nymphs, a deep canyon between two rocky outcrops that, according to legend, was home to Calypso. The centre of the cave features a hot-water pool. Meanwhile, at the Romito cave, you can admire prehistoric graffiti.
We recommend stopping off in San Severino Lucano to visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pollino, at 1,527 metres above sea level, with splendid views of the surrounding peaks.
