
Trekking in the Pollino National Park
Walk among the stone giants and the Loricati pines
Choose your experience
Each trekking option has its own page: open it to check the route, duration, difficulty and price.
45€Serra Dolcedorme Trek
The climb to the highest peak of Pollino: 2,267 meters of ridges and 360° views.
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60€Giardino degli Dei Trek
Serra di Crispo, the Pini Loricati plateau: the symbolic place of Pollino.
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45€Serra delle Ciavole and Italus Trek
The excursion to Italus, the oldest dated tree in Europe (over 1,200 years old).
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30€Cultural Trek in the Pollino
Slow walk between villages, Arbëreshë traditions and nature of the Pollino.
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35€Belvedere del Malvento Trek
A natural balcony overlooking the Lao gorges and the villages of the valley.
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35€Chestnut Trek with a Donkey
A donkey walk among the chestnut groves, perfect for the little ones.
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60€Il Patriarca and Cozzo Beppe Scutari Trek
A high altitude itinerary among large loricated pines and views of the Lucanian side of Pollino.
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60€Monte Alpi Trek
Ascent to the Monte Alpi massif, a natural balcony of the Lucanian Apennines.
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60€Monte Gada and Monte La Destra Trek
A panoramic route on the reliefs of Monte Gada and Monte La Destra.
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60€Monte Crivo Trek
A mountain trekking towards the views of Monte Crivo.
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60€Monte La Spina Trek
Climb to Monte La Spina among beech woods, rocks and views of the southern Apennines.
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60€Monte Pollinello Trek
An itinerary towards Monte Pollinello, in the heart of the high altitudes of the park.
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60€Monte Pollino Trek
The climb to the peak that gives its name to the Pollino National Park.
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175€Trek under the Stars
Evening walk away from the lights, under one of the darkest skies in Italy.
Read the detailsThe trekking in the Pollino is an immersion in one of the oldest and wildest territories in Europe. We will walk on paths that cross centuries-old beech forests and climb towards the highest peaks of the park, where the famous Loricati pines remain clinging to the rock, true natural monuments that survived the glaciations. A contemplative and ecological experience, accompanied by official park guides who know every secret of the flora, fauna and local traditions.
Short answer
What trekking to choose in the Pollino Park?
The choice depends mainly on duration, altitude difference, terrain, season and training. In the River Tribe catalog there are climbs of day to Serra Dolcedorme, Giardino degli Dei and Serra delle Ciavole, but also cultural paths, itineraries for families and night exits. The excursions take place between the Calabrian and the Lucan side of the Pollino Park and are adapted by the guide to the real conditions of the path and the group.
Full hiking guide between Calabria and BasilicataQuick comparison of the experiences
| Experience | Duration | Level | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serra Dolcedorme Trek | Full day | Challenging | 45€ |
| Giardino degli Dei Trek | Full day | Average | 60€ |
| Serra delle Ciavole and Italus Trek | Full day | Challenging | 45€ |
| Cultural Trek in the Pollino | 3 to 4 hours | Easy | 30€ |
| Belvedere del Malvento Trek | 3 to 5 hours | Average | 35€ |
| Chestnut Trek with a Donkey | About 2.5 hours | Easy | 35€ |
| Il Patriarca and Cozzo Beppe Scutari Trek | Full day | Challenging | 60€ |
| Monte Alpi Trek | Full day | Challenging | 60€ |
| Monte Gada and Monte La Destra Trek | 5 to 7 hours | Average | 60€ |
| Monte Crivo Trek | Full day | Challenging | 60€ |
| Monte La Spina Trek | Full day | Challenging | 60€ |
| Monte Pollinello Trek | Full day | Challenging | 60€ |
| Monte Pollino Trek | Full day | Challenging | 60€ |
| Trek under the Stars | About 3 hours | Easy | 175€ |
Accessible peaks, pines or trekking
Serra Dolcedorme and Serra delle Ciavole are proposed for trained people; the Garden of the Gods maintains a duration of the day but has average difficulty. Those who prefer a less sporty experience can choose the Cultural Trekking, the path with the donkey along the Lao or family trekking. The Night Trekking instead changes the point of view, because it takes place after sunset.
The stated level is an orientation and does not replace comparison with the guide. Before booking it is best to communicate experience, age of participants, any needs and habit to walk for more hours. Footwear, water and protection from wind or rain remain essential even in summer.
Trekking between Calabria and Basilicata
The Pollino massif is on the border between Calabria and Basilicata. The UNESCO indicates Serra Dolcedorme, with its 2.267 meters, as the highest peak in the area; The Park Authority also distinguishes the paths of the Calabrian side from that of the lucan side. This geography makes it important to always check the meeting point and access before departure.
To plan independently you start from the official cartography of the Park Authority. During a guided exit, itinerary and times can be corrected for weather, visibility, background status or temporary closures: priority is to preserve quality of experience and safety margin.
Frequently asked questions before booking
- What is the most scenic trekking of the Pollino?
- There is no unique answer: Serra Dolcedorme prefers the peak experience, while Giardino degli Dei and Serra delle Ciavole are linked to the landscapes of the loricated pines. The best choice depends on preparation and conditions of the day.
- Are there trekking in the Pollino suitable for families?
- Yes. River Tribe distinguishes routes for families and cultural proposals from the most demanding peak excursions. Minimum age and feasibility are however verified compared to the individual itinerary and weather conditions.
Official sources for planning
- Pollino National Park body — information and updates
- Pollino National Park body — official cartography of trails
- UNESCO — Pollino Global Geopark
Who accompanies you
The guides
All excursions are led by Environmental Hiking Guides (AIGAE) or Official Guides of the Pollino National Park.
What is included
- Certified environmental hiking guide
- Poles from trekking (on request)
- Trail map in digital format
- RC insurance
What to bring
- Trekking high ankle boots (required)
- Hiking backpack (minimum 20 litres)
- Waterproof wind/rainproof shell
- At least 1.5 liters of water and energy snacks
- Hat and sunglasses