The Pollino National Park, with 1,820 square kilometres, is the largest national park in Italy and bridges the regions of Basilicata and Calabria. It was founded in 1992 and includes both natural and archaeological points of interest. The park's symbol is the distintive Bosnian Pine and is one of its last remaining growing areas in Italy.

The park is an ideal location for hiking and offers a mix of stunning views combined with interesting flora and fauna. It is particularly beautiful in the spring and rafting is also popular all year round.   Towns of interest include Viagginello, Rotonda, Castrovillari, Morano Calabro (convent of Colloreto), Laino Castello, Mormanno, Scalea, Papasidero, Civita, Cerchiara (church of Madonna delle Armi). Albanian-speaking communities are present in communes such as San Paolo Albanese, San Costantino Albanese and others.

In the Valle del Mercure remains of pre-historic species such as Elephas antiquus and Hippopotamus major have been discovered. Rivers and streams include the Lao, Sinni, Coscile and Raganello.

Amongst the various trees of the park, notable species include Abies alba, Acer lobelii, Fagus sylvatica, Pinus heldreichii, Pinus nigra, Taxus baccata and others. Wildlife include Golden Eagle, Italian Wolf, Roe Deer, Black Woodpecker, Chough, Peregrine Falcon, Red Kite, Lanner Falcon, Driomys nitedula, Egyptian Vulture, European Otter and Deer.

Day trips with guided hikes and longer stays in either farmhouses (agriturismi) or self catering holiday homes can be booked.

Visit www.discoverbasilicata.com and www.aptbasilicata.it for more details.

Pollino Photo Gallery