Pollino National Park is the largest national park in Italy — a vast, rugged wilderness of nearly 2,000 square kilometres straddling the border of Calabria and Basilicata in southern Italy, where the rare Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii) — a living fossil from the Ice Age — still grows on the high limestone peaks of the Pollino and Orsomarso massifs. Part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network, Pollino offers a raw, untamed Italian experience far removed from the manicured landscapes of Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast — a land of deep gorges, wild rivers, ancient villages, and a rich cultural heritage where Albanian (Arbëreshë) communities maintain centuries-old traditions.
Quick Facts: Pollino National Park, Italy
- Best time to visit: May–October for hiking; June for the spectacular blooming of the Bosnian pines and wildflowers; spring and autumn for the most comfortable hiking temperatures
- Size: 1,925 km² — the largest protected area in Italy
- Top attractions: The Bosnian pine groves on the Serra di Crispo and Serra delle Ciavole; the Raganello Gorge; the Sanctuary of Madonna del Pollino; and the medieval villages of Civita and Morano Calabro
- How to get there: ~2.5 hours from Naples by car; ~3 hours from Bari; the main access points are Rotonda (Basilicata side) and Castrovillari (Calabria side)
- Wildlife: Italian wolf, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and the rare Apennine roe deer
- Best for: Hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking southern Italy’s wild side
Pollino National Park with a total area of 1,820km2 is the largest national park in Italy. It is located in the regions of Calabria and Basilicata, and the total area of three provinces – Cesenza, Matera, Potenza. Pollino National Park was established in 1993. On its territory lies 56 municipalities and there are 172,000 people permanently living here.
Throughout the Pollino National Park flow more than 10 rivers. The highest mountain of the park is the mountain Serra Dolcedorme, which reaches an altitude of 2267m. Other peaks are Monte Pollino (2248 m), Serra del Prete (2181 m), Serra delle Ciavole (2127 m) or Serra di Crispo (2053 m).
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The park include also four nature reserves and rocky complexes, such as Pietra Campauara and Tavola dei Briganti.
Pollino National Park as a whole is one of the most beautiful sceneries in southern Italy. There is a rich plant and animal diversity.
For hiking and cycling you can use lots of marked trails.
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Have you hiked in Pollino National Park or discovered Italy’s south beyond the Amalfi Coast? Share your Calabria and Basilicata adventures in the comments! 🏔️
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