Fodor's Expert Review Parco Nazionale del Pollino
Italy's largest national park straddles Calabria and Basilicata, rises to over 7,000 feet at Serra Dolcedorme, and offers many opportunities for outdoors enthusiasts. Its ancient wooded valleys are home to Europe's oldest tree, a 1,230-year-old Heldreich’s pine. Pollino has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for its geological importance: its central massif peaks were formed by the collision of sedimentary Apennine limestone and the metamorphic and sedimentary geology of the Calabrian Arch. There are five summits all over 6,562 feet, the highest point being Serra Dolcedorme at 7,438 feet above sea level, the highest point of the Southern Apennines. It's the only peak from where it's possible to see three seas: the Ionian, the Tyrrhenian, and the Adriatic. Hiking trails dot the landscape with excursions for most abilities—and there are popular picnicking viewpoints, often near rifugi (rustic hostels that tend to offer food). The Rifugio Biagio Longo near Castrolvillari... READ MORE
Italy's largest national park straddles Calabria and Basilicata, rises to over 7,000 feet at Serra Dolcedorme, and offers many opportunities for outdoors enthusiasts. Its ancient wooded valleys are home to Europe's oldest tree, a 1,230-year-old Heldreich’s pine. Pollino has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for its geological importance: its central massif peaks were formed by the collision of sedimentary Apennine limestone and the metamorphic and sedimentary geology of the Calabrian Arch. There are five summits all over 6,562 feet, the highest point being Serra Dolcedorme at 7,438 feet above sea level, the highest point of the Southern Apennines. It's the only peak from where it's possible to see three seas: the Ionian, the Tyrrhenian, and the Adriatic. Hiking trails dot the landscape with excursions for most abilities—and there are popular picnicking viewpoints, often near rifugi (rustic hostels that tend to offer food). The Rifugio Biagio Longo near Castrolvillari is a good bet for those seeking to explore. Consult the park and Club Alpino websites for the latest info and guided excursions. For a more leisurely introduction, head to Rotonda in neighboring Basilicata, where the park headquarters and infopoint can put you in touch with outdoor centers and guides for rafting, hiking, climbing, and skiing.
READ LESS
