Parco Nazionale del Pollino

With the highest peaks of the southern italian peninsula, the Pino Loricato as reminder of the last Ice Age, wild forests and cold mountain waters, this national park is magnificent place.

Wow 🌌 my first ever hitchhike itinerary in western Europe after almost 3 years in the Middle East. 5 days hitchhiking and walking plus one resting at hippie-minded Rivertribe village in Laino. So much hospitality, although I'm a guy alone each five cars, one was stopping, even police helped me out.

Interesting conversations at Bellavista bar in S. Domenica Talao, Antica Dimora in Viggianello, Café 007 in Terranova.

Hosted by outgiving guys in Scalea before the start, Terranova after the tough hike up and down Pollino Mary's shrine hike. Thank you Antonio and Cosimo!

Lake Cotugno shouldn't be missed, you can sleep on Senise side nearby the provincial highway by walking from Agip gas station. Mezzane has some stunning landscapes, unf i missed Papasidero, San Costantino Albanese and Noepoli.

Buses work from Scalea to Laino to Castrovillari (Ferrovie della Calabria company). From Terranova / S Severino downhill to Senise, i took it to cross that empty, old road on Sat at 4:45pm (week last one!) for 2,30€ covering 30km. Bus was totally empty as well.

Amazing wild nature and panoramic views from the mountains. You can see horses and buffalos in the wild. Most trails are easily accessible and clearly marked. There are plenty of places for camping or just for picnic.

Beautiful area with wild horses and wonderful hiking options. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy one of the typical local menus in one of the aggriturosmo.

Amazing, top exstra... relax

The beauty of this place is truely amazing if you like untouched nature. Almost a holy place

Fabulous area of outstanding natural beauty xxx

Pollina and the neighboring sila mountain ranges are very different. Pollino is calcium carbonate rock, sharp grey peaks and often barren. Gorgeous. Sila is an very old, mostly sandstone and metamorphic mountainrange, with different flora and atmosphere. Both are amazing.

Breathtaking views of hills, nice forests, too many insects biting us. Some repellent or long sleeved shirts, and long pants recommended 😅

Beautiful views, beautiful forests, peaceful

This is how you imagine the real Italy to be, untouched, scenic, mountainous. There's plenty to see , trails to walk,good People to meet, good wine to drink ! Not a bad word to say apart from the mosquito population lives me

Wonderful place, a bit hard to find maps of hikes but when you do it is a nice place to walk. From the highest peak - monte Pollino you can see both shores of Italy, great views

Been there many times, an amazing place of untouched nature full of breathtaking landscapes, great traditional kitchen and small authentic towns. Hard to search info on the internet though

An amazing ophiolite is preserved here. If you want to see how the ocean floor looks like (without getting wet), this is the place.

Fantastic place to enjoy nature at its best. One only has to be smart and be prepared to go for excursions there, better if with professional guides

the Pollino covers a huge area of stunning scenery - wild and natural, with small, historic towns. it is well worth a detour to spend some days here.

A lovely area, incredible nature and relax.
I suggest to go for a hike and reach the area of the Pini Loricati. Go to eat wherever and enjoy the peaceful environment this park can offer.

Papasidero is a nice interesting village inside the Pollino national park and not far from the sea (e.g. St.Nicola Arcella). There are archeological sites (Romito grotto - paleolithic site), beautiful and ancient paintings of religious themes in its chapels and marvellous panoramas with its mountains, hills, the two rivers (Lao & St. Nocaio), a high wonderful waterfall (called Imbriachi waterfall).....

Very beautiful mountains, windy roads, lovely rivers. We enjoyed it very much

Great place