Pollino National Park

Pollino Overview

Pollino National Park, known as Parco Nazionale del Pollino in Italian, is the largest national park in Italy, covering approximately 748 square miles (1,925 square kilometers).

Straddling the regions of Calabria and Basilicata in southern Italy, it offers an expansive, rugged landscape that is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking natural beauty. The park is named after the Pollino Massif, which dominates the terrain with its towering limestone peaks, the highest being Serra Dolcedorme at 7,444 feet (2,269 meters).

The park also features deep gorges, vast plateaus, and rolling hills covered in dense forests. The Raganello Gorge, one of its most stunning features, boasts dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear streams, making it a popular spot for adventurers and nature lovers.

The vegetation varies with altitude, from Mediterranean scrubland to high-altitude beech and fir forests. One of the most iconic trees in the park is the rare Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii), which clings to rocky slopes and can live for centuries, symbolizing the park’s resilience and rich biodiversity.

The wildlife in Pollino National Park is equally remarkable, with a variety of species that thrive in its diverse habitats. Among the most significant mammals is the Apennine wolf, an elusive predator that roams the park’s forests and valleys. The park is also home to wild boars, roe deer, and the rare European otter, which inhabits its river systems.

Birdwatchers can spot golden eagles soaring above the peaks, as well as peregrine falcons, eagle owls, and various species of woodpeckers. The park’s rivers and lakes support amphibians such as the spectacled salamander and Italian stream frog. Insects and butterflies flourish in the park’s meadows, further emphasizing its ecological richness.

Pollino National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in its natural splendor. Hiking is among the most popular, with trails that traverse the mountains, valleys, and forests. The Sentiero Italia, a long-distance hiking trail, passes through the park, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pollino Massif.

For those seeking adventure, the rugged Raganello Gorge is ideal for canyoning and rock climbing. White-water rafting and kayaking are popular on the Lao River, which cuts through the park, providing thrilling rapids and scenic landscapes. The park also attracts mountain bikers who explore its winding trails, while horseback riding is another way to experience its vast wilderness. During winter, the higher elevations offer opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Conservation has been a critical focus in Pollino National Park, with efforts aimed at protecting its unique biodiversity and landscapes. The preservation of the Bosnian pine and the continued monitoring of the Apennine wolf population have been key successes.

However, the park faces challenges such as climate change, which threatens its delicate alpine ecosystems, and illegal hunting, which remains a concern despite strict regulations. Sustainable tourism initiatives have been implemented to balance human activity with environmental protection, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the park’s unparalleled beauty.

Park Map

Pollino National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Pollino National Park, located in southern Italy, is the largest national park in the country, covering parts of the Basilicata and Calabria regions. This vast and diverse park is home to a variety of wildlife, including large mammals, reptiles, and unique endemic species. With its rugged mountains, deep gorges, and dense forests, the park provides a sanctuary for many rare and elusive animals.

Apennine Wolf (Canis lupus italicus)
A symbol of the Italian wilderness, the Apennine wolf is one of the park’s top predators. This subspecies of the gray wolf is highly adaptable and plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating herbivore populations.

Marsican Brown Bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus)
Though primarily found in the Abruzzo region, some sightings of this critically endangered bear have been reported near Pollino National Park. It is a solitary and elusive species, feeding on fruits, roots, and small animals.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Abundant throughout the park, wild boars are nocturnal creatures that forage for roots, nuts, and small animals. Their presence supports the ecosystem by aerating the soil while digging for food.

European Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
A shy and nocturnal hunter, the European wildcat resembles a large domestic cat but is much more elusive. It preys on small mammals and birds and thrives in the park’s dense forests.

Italian Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus italicus)
This small and graceful deer is commonly found in the park’s woodlands. It is an important prey species for wolves and is known for its agility and speed.

Calabrian Black Squirrel (Sciurus meridionalis)
Unique to southern Italy, this striking black-furred squirrel is a frequent sight in Pollino’s forests. It feeds on seeds, nuts, and berries and plays a crucial role in seed dispersal.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
Found in the park’s rivers and streams, the European otter is an excellent swimmer that feeds mainly on fish. Its presence indicates good water quality and a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Asp Viper (Vipera aspis)
One of the most venomous snakes in Europe, the asp viper is commonly found in rocky and forested areas of the park. Despite its reputation, it is not aggressive and usually avoids human contact.

Western Green Lizard (Lacerta bilineata)
This vibrant green reptile is often seen basking in the sun on rocky outcrops and in open meadows. It feeds on insects and small invertebrates and plays a role in pest control.

Italian Cave Salamander (Speleomantes italicus)
This rare amphibian thrives in the park’s humid caves and rocky crevices. It is an indicator species, meaning its presence helps scientists assess environmental health.

Birds

Pollino National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting a diverse range of bird species, including birds of prey, songbirds, and mountain specialists. The mix of dense forests, open meadows, and rocky cliffs creates an ideal habitat for many avian species.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic birds of prey in Europe, the golden eagle soars over Pollino’s mountain peaks in search of prey such as hares and small mammals. Its impressive wingspan and sharp eyesight make it a top predator.

Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus)
A skilled hunter, the Lanner falcon prefers open landscapes and cliffs for nesting. It is known for its high-speed dives and swift aerial maneuvers while hunting birds and small mammals.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Renowned as the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is often seen darting through the sky at incredible speeds. It preys primarily on other birds and thrives in the park’s rocky cliffs.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
An intelligent and adaptable bird, the common raven is often seen soaring above the park or scavenging for food. It is known for its problem-solving abilities and complex vocalizations.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a nocturnal predator with striking orange eyes. It hunts mammals, birds, and reptiles in the park’s forests and rocky landscapes.

Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca)
A resident of the park’s high-altitude rocky slopes, the rock partridge is well-camouflaged and difficult to spot. It is a ground-dwelling bird that feeds on seeds, insects, and small plants.

Woodlark (Lullula arborea)
Recognizable by its melodious song, the woodlark inhabits the park’s open woodlands and meadows. It is a ground-nesting species that blends well into its surroundings.

Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)
A striking bird with a black mask and a hooked beak, the red-backed shrike is known for its habit of impaling prey, such as insects and small vertebrates, on thorns for later consumption.

Western Bonelli’s Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli)
A small and lively songbird, the Western Bonelli’s warbler thrives in the park’s mixed forests. It feeds on insects and is recognized by its distinctive, high-pitched song.

Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
An acrobatic flyer often found near mountain peaks, the Alpine chough is a social bird that scavenges for food around cliffs and alpine pastures. It is known for its playful nature and loud calls.

Pollino National Park offers an incredible opportunity to experience some of Italy’s most fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether spotting a soaring golden eagle or glimpsing a secretive wildcat, visitors are sure to encounter remarkable biodiversity in this stunning landscape.