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Pollino National Park
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Mountain
Pollino National Park is the largest protected area in Italy, covering nearly 193,000 hectares across the regions of Basilicata and Calabria. The Pollino Massif dominates the landscape, featuring some of the highest peaks in southern Italy, exceeding 2,200 meters in altitude. The park's emblem is the Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii), a rare glacial relic that clings to the highest rocky crags and can live for over a millennium. Its territory is characterized by dramatic geological features, including the deep Raganello Gorges, vast high-altitude plateaus, and intricate cave systems. In 2015, the park was officially added to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network due to its exceptional geological significance. Beyond its natural wonders, the park preserves a rich cultural tapestry, including several 'Arbëreshë' villages inhabited by an ethnic Albanian minority that has maintained its language and customs since the 15th century. Archaeological sites like the Romito Cave contain Paleolithic engravings, including a famous 11,000-year-old depiction of a bull. Today, Pollino provides a vast wilderness for trekking, rafting, and mountaineering, representing one of the most authentic and untouched natural landscapes in the Mediterranean.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Museo della civiltà contadina · Fontana Gentilizia della famiglia Gioia · Viggianello - Nella lista I Borghi più belli d'Italia
- Nearby: Castrocucco (29 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 20 | 16 | 11 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 111 | 94 | 85 | 62 | 49 | 35 | 32 | 35 | 72 | 85 | 124 | 105 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Pollino National Park is accessible via the A2 motorway, with exits such as Campotenese or Lauria. The roads inside the park are often narrow and winding, leading to mountain villages like Rotonda, Viggianello, or Civita, which serve as main starting points.
Best season
The best time for hiking is from late spring to early autumn (May to October). In the winter months, there is often a lot of snow on the higher peaks, which allows for snowshoeing but requires special equipment for normal hiking.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is wild and pristine, characterized by rugged limestone massifs, deep gorges, and ancient Bosnian pine forests. The paths can be stony and demanding, often leading through lonely high valleys far from civilization.
What to bring
High-alpine hiking boots are a must due to the rocky ground. Since markings can be sparse in places, a GPS device or a good hiking map, as well as sufficient food and water, are essential, as there are few places to eat inside the park.
Parking
Parking lots can be found in the village centers or at specific starting points like Colle Impiso. As the park is very vast, you should leave your car at the official starting point and be prepared for longer driving distances within the park.
Safety
The remoteness of the area requires good planning, as mobile reception is often limited. Additionally, you should watch out for sudden fog and weather changes, and inform yourself beforehand about the presence of shepherd dogs.
Time needed
Due to the driving distances and the vastness of the landscape, at least a full day should be planned for hiking. Many nature lovers spend several days in the park to explore the various peaks and unique flora in peace.
Geography
Facts
- Pollino is Italy's largest national park, spanning 192,565 hectares.
- The highest peak in the park and southern Apennines is Serra Dolcedorme at 2,267 meters.
- The 'Italus' pine tree in the park is scientifically dated to be over 1,230 years old.
- Pollino National Park was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015.
- The Romito Cave features a famous prehistoric rock engraving of a bull from the Upper Paleolithic.
- The park's territory is shared between 56 municipalities in Basilicata and Calabria.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pollino National Park (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the symbol of the park?
The Bosnian Pine (Pino Loricato), which grows in the highest elevations.
How big is the park?
It is Italy's largest national park, spanning across two regions.
Can you go rafting?
Yes, the Lao River is famous for exciting rafting tours.
Which villages are worth visiting?
Civita and Morano Calabro are among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Are the trails well marked?
In main areas yes, but for summit climbs a guide is recommended.
Pollino National Park: where is it located?
Pollino National Park is located in Italy.
Pollino National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo della civiltà contadina, Fontana Gentilizia della famiglia Gioia, Viggianello - Nella lista I Borghi più belli d'Italia.
Pollino National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Pollino National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Pollino National Park is the largest protected area in Italy, covering nearly 193,000 hectares across the regions of Basilicata and Calabria.
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