Distances in the park are long and roads are winding. Pick one area per day.
1 Serra di Crispo (Garden of the Gods)
A high ridge where ancient loricato pines grow among the rocks, twisted and bleached by the wind. It is reached on foot from the Piani di Pollino.
Practical: A long, demanding hike; go with a guide or good experience.
2 The loricato pines
The Bosnian pine is a rare relic tree in Italy, growing almost only in the Pollino. Its bark looks like armour plates, which gives it its name.
Practical: Best seen on the high ridges; do not climb on the trees.
3 Rotonda
A village on a hill near the park headquarters, known for its red aubergines. It is a convenient base close to the A2.
Practical: Free to walk; good for supplies.
4 Madonna del Pollino
A sanctuary high on the mountain above San Severino Lucano, the goal of a traditional pilgrimage in early summer.
Practical: By road and on foot; open mainly in summer.
5 Rivers and the Lao gorges
The Lao river, on the Calabrian side, has carved deep gorges popular for rafting. Other streams and waterfalls run through the park’s forests.
Practical: Rafting with licensed operators only.
6 Forests and Arbëreshë villages
Beech woods cover the slopes and turn gold in autumn. In the east, San Paolo Albanese and San Costantino Albanese keep Albanian language and customs.
Practical: Free; drive slowly on mountain roads.
