Hiking facts
- Recommended travel time
May to October
- Flight connections
Edelweiss tips:
The Pollino National Park is the heart of the Calabrian city of Lamezia. Alongside the Sila, Serre and Aspromonte mountain regions, it is the reason why so many trekking and hiking enthusiasts are drawn to the toe of Italy. A variety of trails ranging from beginner to advanced lead the way to the Pollino massif, the peak of the Dolcedorme and the Raganello gorges. The tourist information offices provide useful tips on tours and the relevant walking maps for Calabria. No matter where you ascend, you’ll always enjoy views of rugged cliffs and the turquoise-blue sea from the summit.
Top hiking routes in Lamezia
Out on the Pollino massif: a steep hike with breathtaking views Difficult
This circular route through the heart of the Pollino National Park involves a 1,000-metre climb. From the village of Trifari, you’ll first follow a picturesque path right until you come upon a spring. You can have a quiet, refreshing sip here and top up your water bottle. On the way, you’ll pass the ‘Belvedere’ guesthouse, which is a good spot for a short break before continuing past a small church up to Monte La Caccia. If you are lucky enough to enjoy cloudless weather, you can look out from above over the Gulf of Policastro as far as the Aeolian Islands.
- Tour duration 4 hrs 45 min
- Distance 9.67 km
- Ascent 1,350 m
- Descent -160 m
Through flower-filled meadows and over two peaks: a half-day hike in Sila National Park Medium
From Barracchella II, at 1,373 metres, the route climbs steadily along marked footpaths. Meadows, marshlands and streams line this path, which takes you on a circular walk to two of the region’s highlights: the Monte Coppo and the Monte Botte Donato. An early start is particularly recommended during summer, as temperatures rise considerably in the afternoon. The last stage takes hikers through the shaded forest up to Monte Botte Danto, reaching a height of 1,928 metres above sea level.
- Tour duration 7 hrs 20 min
- Distance 20.8 km
- Ascent 790 m
- Descent -550 m
One highlight follows another: a circular walk from Civita across the Devil’s Bridge to the Raganello Gorge Medium
If you’re looking for variety, you’ll find your perfect hike in Civita. The starting point of the half-day hike is the market square of the mountain village, from which point the route heads south. The trails get narrower and narrower and the steps keep coming, all until you find yourself in the Raganello Gorge. From here, you’ll reach the impressive Devil’s Bridgel, the “Ponte del Diavolo”, where there is a breathtaking view of the gorge, which you will then have to cross. The right hiking gear – namely waterproof shoes – is now essential, as you’ll be making your way further upstream through the water, eventually finding your way back to Civita along the western bank.
- Tour duration 2 hrs 20 min
- Distance 7.11 km
- Ascent 280 m
- Descent -400 m
Hiking to the waterfalls in Aspromonte National Park Medium
They are one of the highlights of Aspromonte National Park: the Maesano Waterfalls. Here, the water plunges down in five drops, three of which are fed by the Menta mountain stream. Incidentally, this walk begins at its source and takes you up to 1,295 metres above sea level. Having viewed the waterfalls, most walkers turn back here; but if you’ve still got enough energy left, you can tackle the remaining 270 metres down to the basin (caution: risk of slipping!) and be rewarded with a refreshing dip in the waterfall’s pool.
- Tour duration 2 hrs 20 min
- Distance 7.48 km
- Ascent 300 m
- Descent -300 m
In the footsteps of the pilgrims: along the River Bonamico to Polsi Medium
The hiking route from the summit of Montalto to Polsi, a place of pilgrimage dedicated to Our Lady of the Mountain, is no ordinary footpath. But even those who come here to hike for the natural beauty rather than for religious reasons will find it well worth their while. The footpath, lined with wooden railings, first climbs to the summit at 1,956 metres above sea level, before winding its way down through beech forests and past ancient walls to Polsi. The Madonna statue, weighing 800 kilograms, awaits you here — and a glass of ice-cold lemonade is guaranteed too.
- Tour duration 2 hrs 30 min
- Distance 7.04 km
- Ascent 10 m
- Descent -1,100 m
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